During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the engagement of a city-appointed attorney, Mr. Brown, and the implications of attorney-client privilege. One committee member expressed frustration over the potential lack of privacy in discussions with the attorney, who is being paid by the city government. The member questioned whether their conversations would remain confidential, especially since the attorney is expected to report back to the city commissioners.

The discussion highlighted a broader issue of trust and transparency within the committee, as members debated the extent of the attorney's role and the nature of the reports he would provide to the commission. There was a consensus that while progress reports might be acceptable, the details of their conversations should not be disclosed without consent.

Additionally, the committee addressed procedural challenges related to document and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Members noted pushback from city officials regarding the breadth of their requests, particularly concerning financial statements spanning multiple years. A proposal was made to formalize their requests collectively to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.

The meeting also touched on the importance of collaboration among committee members when submitting requests, with suggestions to include all members in communications to strengthen their position. The committee plans to consult with the attorney to clarify these processes moving forward.

In a separate but related matter, a member shared that they had been in contact with a local resident concerned about health issues potentially linked to incidents at the water plant. The resident expressed interest in providing a testimonial, which could be shared privately with the committee to address community concerns.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to transparency and effective communication while navigating the complexities of legal representation and public accountability.