Lamarque council authorizes RFP for city attorney and affirms city clerk with conditions

The Lamarque City Council voted Dec. 9 to solicit proposals for city legal services and to retain its current city clerk pending an improvement plan and training. Council members moved to put out a request for proposals for city attorney services; council clarified the RFP would allow the incumbent to respond and would not immediately terminate the existing contract. The motion to issue the RFP passed on an affirmative vote.

The council also reviewed a personnel matter related to the city clerk and, after discussion about late postings and support for boards and commissions, moved to continue her employment. Council recorded an overall evaluation score of 7.7 and required the clerk to complete supervisory training and to present a three-part plan by the next meeting addressing (1) supervisory training, (2) timely and legally required agenda and minutes posting procedures, and (3) accurate meeting recordkeeping for boards and commissions. "I'd like to see in the next 6 months you complete that supervisory training... I'd like to see a plan by next meeting," the mayor said during the discussion.

Council members emphasized the action did not terminate the current attorney relationship and that the incumbent firm would be free to respond to the RFP. The motion to continue the clerk's employment was seconded and carried on a voice vote. No formal termination or contract change for the city manager occurred; council later agreed to defer the city manager evaluation item until the full five-member body can convene in January.

The council directed staff to publish the RFP and to record the clerk's required plan in meeting minutes for follow-up at the next regular meeting.