Board of Zoning Appeals hires Clifford Robinson as board attorney

The Board of Zoning Appeals voted to hire Clifford Robinson of Robinson Law as its attorney, choosing him over Robert Erman of Haller and Colvin at a meeting where members raised concerns about cost and travel time.

Board members said the choice matters because the board will rely on its attorney for legal advice on appeals and land-use matters and because coordination with the county attorney could be important for cases involving both offices.

Members discussed two candidates: Robert Erman of Haller and Colvin, whose résumé members said looked “more impressive on paper,” and Clifford Robinson, a local attorney based in Rensselaer. BZA member (Speaker 3) said he liked that Robinson is local and that Robinson “got a good reputation” in the community. The unidentified member who questioned fees noted that the more distant candidate’s travel time could add to billable hours. Carla (Staff member) said Robinson had told the board he has worked “with the county’s attorney also from time to time.”

After that discussion, a motion to hire Robinson was made and seconded; the board then voted “Aye,” and the motion carried. The vote was recorded as an affirmative voice vote with no roll call names given in the transcript.

Members said having an attorney in place will let the board begin submitting questions to counsel. BZA member (Speaker 3) stated, “So we have an attorney now that we can start asking questions because we have several to ask.”

No formal contract terms, hourly rates, or the board’s legal budget figure were specified in the discussion. Board members noted cost and travel-time implications but did not record specific dollar amounts or a formal vote tally by name. The board had no other new or old business recorded in the provided excerpt and adjourned after the hiring vote.