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In answer to Councilwoman Steinfeld's questions, Councilman Greenalch stated that Redwood City's legal fees were among the lowest in the County, $5 per capita as compared to $20 per capita in Palo Alto; every dollar spent by the City Attorney's office on outside fees appeared on the warrants approved by Council during regular meetings and claim setlements in closed session; and all data supports the policy of contracting for legal services as more cost effective than in-house services, but a future Council may wish to revisit that policy. Councilman Greenalch stated that each Councilmember was equally pressed for time and that was part of the role of a Councilmember; the subject under consideration was only an increase in the retainer; and based on what other employees had received since 1992, a 5% increase was totally appropriate. Councilman Greenalch added that a review of the City Attorney's services has led him to believe the City is getting more than its money's worth. Vice Mayor Claire and Councilwoman La Berge, candidate for Council, described how the City Council in the late 1970's changed the City Attorney's position from a City employee to a contract position in a cost effective move, and later Councils had reaffirmed the soundness of that decision. Councilwoman La Berge advised that she was a member of the Legal Services Committee in 1991, and the committee issued a report that addressed the issues raised by Councilwoman Steinfeld. In response to Councilwoman Gasparini's questions as to process, Councilman Greenalch explained that evaluations of all employees' performances were done in Closed Session, but the Legal Services Committee was established to make recommendations such as an increase to the City Attorney's retainer, and that process is and should be public. Mayor Buchan called upon Mr. Steinfeld who had submitted a Speaker's Card. Joe Steinfeld, 850 Main Street, candidate for Council, asked Council to look at the City Attorney's total income including the Port and SBSA, and total expenses, before approving an increase. Mr. Steinfeld made certain unsubstantiated allegations regarding the City Attorney's legal services and performance. After the three-minute time limit had expired, Mayor Buchan and others told Mr. Steinfeld to sit down. Councilwoman Steinfeld reiterated her complaint that she had not had enough time to research this issue, and stated she needed to see previous reports and more information regarding legal services before she could vote on the Committee's recommendation. The other Councilmembers expressed their opinions that Councilwoman Steinfeld was no busier than the other members of the Council; the report was complete and contained more than enough information to vote on the recommendation; and Councilwoman Steinfeld had approved every penny spent by the City Attorney's office. Councilman Greenalch stated he was saddened by the continual and unfounded attacks on the City Attorney who was regarded by his peers as one of the finest City Attorneys in the state. MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 Regular Meeting Minutes Page No. 406 October 10, 1994 Page 4