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Session 1581, Minutes November 23, 1992 Page 3 Mrs. Schmnan said the neighborhood association has met at this site during the summer, but she felt the proposed action would be acceptable to them. Mr. Price asked that a bill be prepared to effect the proposed vacation. Mr. Ollendorff outlined the procedure for vacation, adding that adjacent owners will be notified when the bill is approved. Mr. Price noted this was one of three complaints brought by the COOlidge-Archer Neighborhood Association and he commerrled Mr. Ollendorff for his actions in resolving all three. SPECIAL u:x;AL <XXJNSEL '!he City Manager asked that Council approve the employment of Shulamith Simon as special counsel to perfonn any necessary legal sezvices for the City dur- ing the next twelve months. Ms. Simon am her finn, Rosenbloom, Goldenhersh, Silverstein, am Zafft, shall be c::arpensated at standard rates charged for the individual assigned, not to exceed $175 per hour. He noted Ms. Simon has occasionally worked for university City in the past, am he wanted to have her on call if any special needs arose. Mr. Wagner moved approval, am Mr. Adams secorrled the motion. Mrs. '!hompson asked if bids were solicited. Mr. Ollendorff said Ms. Simon is the only outside counsel the Council has hired in the past, am on the basis of her excellent work he did not look for anyone new. Mr. Price asked if this finn had expertise no other finn had. '!he City Mana- ger said Ms. Simon has recognized expertise in municipal law, especially in the areas of civil sezvice, zoning, am taxation, the major legal functions of the City. He knew of no other local attorney with the depth of municipal law expertise that Ms. Simon has. Mr. Wagner agreed, adding that Ms. SiIIDn is ackr10wledged as one of the most experienced am knowledgeable in nnmiciPal law, am in the past, the Cormcil has smveyed the few attorneys who practice nnmicipal law am Ms. Simon was evaluated as the best. In response to Mr. Price, Mr. Ollendorff said this action is being taken be- cause City Attorney Dennis Kay is on sick leave am may be absent for several months. Prosecuting Attorney Jolm Milligan is Acting Law Director and is taking care of day-to-day matters, however, the need could arise that more specialized knowledge is required. '!he Charter allows the City Manager to hire employees as long as budget restrictions are met, but before contracting with anyone for legal sezvices, the Council m.lSt approve. He deemed it rea- sonable to hire someone in advance in case expertise is needed; if not need- ed, it will not be used. Mr. Price questioned whether Ms. Simon was the only PersOn available with the needed expertise, am just because the City has al- ways used her does not mean it should always be that way. He said he would be asking Mr. Ollendorff for additional infonnation. Mr. Wagner called the question. All voted Aye except Councilmembers '!hornpson and Price. '!he motion carried by a vote of four to two.