07/11/1977 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ATTACHMENT Minutes of July 11, 1977 July 11, 1977 Regarding the Selection of a Law Director As Council is aware, thru numerous letters and verbal discussions, the Mayor has interviewed many attorneys and law firms. Recently (evenings of June 29 and July 6) we re-interviewed/screened six attorneys who the Mayor felt were best suited to the needs of the Village - both in dollars, experience and overall capabilities. Joining me in the final interviews were Councilmen Bennett, Flynn, and Schulte. With added input offered by several of these lawyers, and supplied to the three Council members in the July 8th Council mail, it was agreed said Councilmen would contact me by Sunday, July 10 re their personal ratings. This was accomplished and as it turned out, we were divided in our choice for the number one candidate. However, the Mayor and one Councilman were in agreement. Considering the outcome; The Mayor, the appointing authority (subject to approval by a vote of four members of Council) has made his decision. However, considering the many cases of pending litigation, inc-liidng'c.those wherein it was agreed our present law firm would continue same, the Mayor feels it is in the best interests of Mayfield Village to make the appointment effective the first of next year. As Council members heard from several lawyers, during our final interviews, the cost of transferring these records, and to review same by a new firm, can be very high. It would surely not be in the best interests of our con- stituents to have to pay for somebody (new) ~to review what is already established in the files and minds of our present firm. Further, the very argument used by certain Council members, in not re-appointing our present firm, had to do with costs. I do not see the Village com- ing out ahead dollarwise should we make a change at this time. Should new cases arise between now and the end of the year, it would not be as difficult to transfer files since we would be involved with only five months (i'f that) of preparation time. Too, I feel reasonably sure that certain cases will be decided soon, or before the end of 1977. Further, it would surely be economically unwise for this town to be paying two law firms. The preceding is written consistent with Ordinance 77-4 dated January 24, 1977. At this time I will withhold the name of the new Law Director but will make same known to Councilmen, and Councilmen - Elect, in December. Mayor Beebe RGB/djm