High Springs discussion on city attorney services: commissioners weigh RFP against internal coverage

The City Commission discussed re-evaluating city attorney services and whether to issue a request for proposals (RFP) as the current contract approaches renewal. Danielle (last name not provided), appearing as the city attorney representative from Fulton Walker and associated firms, told commissioners the firm had proposed Kirsten Beaulieu to provide coverage for meetings the primary attorney could not attend.

Several commissioners expressed frustrations with past coverage from a different attorney and said the firm had had ample grace; others praised Danielle’s recent performance and urged caution before launching a full RFP. Danielle said the city’s existing contract names Scott Walker as the firm’s primary contact and that the firm could provide Kirsten as a “floater” to cover one meeting a month and other scheduling gaps.

Commissioners raised process questions: whether the commission or the firm is the charter officer contact, how termination or changes would work, and whether the city would need an outside attorney to review an RFP package given potential conflicts of interest. Danielle noted a Florida Bar rule requires notice and client options if an attorney leaves a firm; she said the rule typically gives clients time to decide whether to follow an attorney who departs.

No RFP motion was adopted. Several commissioners agreed to allow Kirsten Beaulieu to cover the one monthly meeting the current primary attorney cannot attend so the commission can evaluate her performance before pursuing an RFP. Commissioners also asked staff to return with contract details and confirmation of termination provisions and timelines in the existing agreement.