Hooper council debates legal services approach; staff to prepare written contract

Hooper City Council members reviewed the city's approach to retaining legal counsel during the March 6 work meeting, and attorneys present recommended documenting the relationship in a written contract rather than running a full request for proposals.

A staff packet referenced a past resolution appointing Reed Richards as the preferred city attorney; council members also named Brandon (no last name provided in the transcript) as counsel they wish to retain. Several council members said an RFP would be unnecessary and potentially offensive to existing counsel if the city intends to retain them.

One attorney at the meeting summarized the recommended path: create a written contract that outlines the retainer, fee structure and expectations while leaving both parties free to end the relationship. The attorney also suggested a recurring weekly meeting with planning staff to review land‑use issues as a cost‑efficient alternative to attending every council meeting in person.

Council members discussed practical details including flexibility for attorneys to attend council meetings only when needed and the possibility of a smaller weekly legal check‑in to handle planning and land‑use questions. No formal vote to award a contract or to issue an RFP was recorded in the transcript.

What happens next: Staff indicated they will prepare a written contract reflecting hourly rates and the expected scope of services to memorialize the relationship discussed at the meeting. The council did not direct staff to proceed with a public RFP during the work session.