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Titusville council names Michael Rodriguez top choice for city attorney; Scott McHenry second
Summary
After interviewing four finalists at a special July 12 meeting, the Titusville City Council voted 3-2 to designate Michael Rodriguez as its top choice for city attorney and Scott McHenry as the second choice. Human Resources will negotiate terms and the council will consider a formal appointment at its July 22 meeting.
The Titusville City Council voted 3-2 July 12 to name Michael Rodriguez its top choice for city attorney, with Scott McHenry designated as the council’s second choice after interviews with four finalists.
City Manager: “The purpose of this special meeting is to evaluate the applications for the position of city attorney,” the city manager said at the start of the session, explaining that council members had met individually with each candidate and would now hear from finalists collectively.
The vote followed several hours of candidate interviews, public comment and council discussion about interview rules and priorities. Council members agreed to a consistent interview format—each council member would ask core questions (two apiece) of each candidate, with follow-ups allowed when a candidate’s answer prompted clarification.
Rodriguez, who introduced himself as Michael Rodriguez, chief deputy city attorney for the City of Palm Bay, told council he brings “28 years experience in local government law, both in the public and private sector.” Scott McHenry, who described a long litigation career that included time at an AV‑rated law firm and significant county litigation, told the council he has “a pretty strong litigation background” and emphasized experience with eminent domain and other high‑profile matters.
Two other finalists also interviewed. A candidate identified in the record as Miss Treasurer described 24 years in public service and litigation experience including dependency and child welfare cases and work as an assistant city attorney in West Palm Beach. Jennifer Cockcroft, identified on the record as a “board certified attorney in local government law,” described roughly 21 years of local government law practice and earlier experience as a felony prosecutor.
Members of the public urged transparency in how the attorney’s office interacts with developers and flagged potential conflicts. Developer Jesse Wright said it is “productive when a developer sits in a room, in a conference room with the city manager, and the city attorney, and also with the mayor to discuss things.” Resident Dwight Sievers, a former city attorney, urged that the council expect “experience, expertise, and ethical and legal abilities” for the salary range set for the job.
Council discussion emphasized litigation experience, fiscal stewardship and the ability to provide clear, apolitical legal advice. Member Nelson said McHenry’s “calming presence” and litigation record were appealing; Member Stoeckle and Vice Mayor Cole favored Rodriguez, citing his public‑sector litigation experience and familiarity with municipal issues. After an initial failed motion to appoint McHenry alone, Member Stockel moved — and the council adopted — a motion making Rodriguez the top choice and McHenry the council’s second choice.
Formal action and next steps: The city manager told council that Human Resources will meet with Rodriguez to discuss terms and conditions of employment and bring a formal offer back to council for approval at the July 22 meeting.
Votes at a glance: Two council actions recorded in the meeting minutes were votes on appointment motions. A motion to appoint Scott McHenry as the next city attorney failed on a roll call (Member Moscoso: yes; Member Nelson: yes; Mayor Connors: no; Vice Mayor Cole: no; Member Stoeckle: no). A subsequent motion that named Michael Rodriguez as the council’s top choice and Scott McHenry as second passed on roll call (Member Nelson: no; Mayor Connors: yes; Vice Mayor Cole: yes; Member Stoeckle: yes; Member Moscoso: no).
Why it matters: City attorneys advise on legal risks, ordinances, land‑use and litigation that affect municipal budgets and city operations. The council’s choice will shape the city’s legal strategy, use of outside counsel and handling of high‑profile disputes.
The council adjourned after confirming the process for negotiating an employment offer; council members said they appreciated the candidate pool and thanked applicants for participating.
