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Council hears public comment urging retention of independent counsel; members agree to accept applications
Summary
During public comment Councilmember Melinda Grissemer urged the council to retain independent counsel for the council’s use. Council members agreed to solicit applications and advertise the opportunity via the auditor’s office; candidates will be screened and interviews may be conducted privately before public meetings.
Melinda Grissemer, County Council at Large, used the public-comment period to ask the Johnson County Council to retain independent outside counsel to advise the council on matters where there may be conflicts between county governing bodies.
"We are all independently and collectively whistleblowers," Grissemer said. "When we find out that something is not right, we are obligated to act quickly and swiftly. I have felt that there are other departments within the county, boards rather, that are not acting quickly and swiftly on behalf of Johnson County residents and taxpayers. I am limited on the council of what I can do. So that is why it's in my best interest. It's in the best interest of the county council, and it's in the best interest of the taxpayers to retain independent counsel."
Grissemer asked the council to hire independent counsel and said she had found a potential candidate. Council members reviewed past discussion about the subject and asked about next steps. The group discussed whether to place an advertisement and the earlier idea of a $5,000-per-year retainer; several council members said the scope and budget would be set after applications were received and applicants interviewed. One council member noted the county had not previously placed a public ad and agreed to work with staff to advertise the opportunity.
Council members mentioned two possible candidates by name during the discussion: Zach Lang (previously employed by the Johnson County commissioners) and Michelle Harder; members said both would be welcome to apply but that any potential conflict of interest would be considered in selection. The council agreed that applications should be submitted to the auditor’s office (in care of Elizabeth) and that interviews could be held privately with two or three council members before a public meeting if more detailed information was needed.
The council did not adopt a formal retention contract at the meeting; members directed staff to advertise, accept applications and return to the council with applicants for review and discussion.
Ending: The council agreed to advertise the opportunity and accept applications for outside counsel through the auditor’s office; scope, retainer and formal selection will be decided after applications and interviews.
