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Sanford names William L. Colbert City Attorney Emeritus; Lindsay Green installed as city attorney
Summary
After more than four decades as Sanford's legal adviser, William L. Colbert was honored with a resolution naming him City Attorney Emeritus. The commission introduced Lindsay Green as the city's new city attorney during its May 12 meeting.
The Sanford City Commission on May 12 adopted a resolution appointing William L. Colbert City Attorney Emeritus and introduced Lindsay Green as the city's new city attorney.
The resolution recognizes Colbert's long service to Sanford beginning in 1981 and cites his legal work on the city's comprehensive plan, the city’s first modern code of land development regulations, a historic preservation code, utility-system acquisition and modernization, annexations, a community redevelopment program and the city's relationship with the Orlando Sanford International Airport. The commission voted to approve the resolution by voice vote; the clerk recorded the motion as approved with “Aye.”
Why it matters: The city attorney is the legal adviser to the city government and its boards. Colbert’s long tenure shaped ordinances and city practice over decades; the appointment of an emeritus recognizes his continued availability as an adviser while transferring day-to-day legal responsibilities to a new attorney.
During brief remarks after the resolution, Colbert reflected on his Sanford roots and long service. “This is my hometown,” he said, describing growing up and working in Sanford and noting he accepted the city attorney post about 10 years after returning from college. He said the original appointment had been a 3–2 vote and closed by saying he would remain “a citizen of my hometown” and a “cheerleader.”
Mayor Art Woodruff and other elected officials said they expected to be able to call on Colbert in the future. The commission also acknowledged the city’s assistant city attorney (referred to in the meeting as Mr. Grute) for his service supporting the office.
Lindsay Green, introduced afterward as the city’s new city attorney and associated with DSK Law, addressed the commission. “I look forward to a lengthy, long, and wonderful relationship with the city,” Green said, adding she welcomed the opportunity to serve Sanford in the role.
The resolution took effect immediately upon adoption and will be spread on the commission meeting minutes, according to the text read into the record.
