Council hires interim city attorney Jim Stokes; TG Law proposal added to permanent search
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Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to ask Mayor and HR to negotiate a temporary contract with attorney Jim Stokes while the city continues a permanent city-attorney search; a proposal from TG Law was added to the pool for permanent consideration.
The Sebastian City Council voted unanimously to engage attorney Jim Stokes on an interim basis while staff continues the search for a permanent city attorney.
City Attorney Cindy Cochranft told the council she had returned with options after council direction at the prior meeting and presented a proposal from TG Law for interim services. TG Law partners Gemma Torsivia and Zachary Goode attended the meeting. Torsivia said of the document she had supplied, “That is an interim proposal.”
Council members debated whether appointing an interim who might also seek the permanent position could discourage other applicants. Council member Dodd said he had heard from prospective applicants that serving as interim could deter them from applying for the permanent role. Several council members recommended separating the interim role from candidates for permanent employment.
After discussion, a motion passed directing the mayor, working with human resources, to contact Jim Stokes and negotiate temporary interim legal services. Council also agreed to submit the TG Law proposal into the permanent-search applicant packet so it can be considered alongside other applicants for the full-time city attorney role.
City Manager Benton and staff advised that HR had posted the permanent position and received three applicants so far, but that none had the municipal experience the council seeks. Cochranft said TG Law’s proposal was prepared at council request for interim services; TG Law representatives said they would honor the same terms if retained longer.
Council asked staff to ensure any interim arrangement would allow night and evening meetings coverage and to avoid conflicts with other engagements. Cochranft noted that Stokes was under an existing interim contract with another municipality but said that contract is expected to finish before he would begin work for Sebastian.
The council voted by roll call with Council member Dodd, Council member Nunn, Mayor McPartland and Vice Mayor Jones all voting yes. The motion carried.
The council did not set a permanent hire at the meeting; HR will continue accepting and screening applications and will return recommendations to council.
