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Two law firms present competing approaches on code enforcement, abatement and city counsel work
Summary
Attorneys from two firms presented qualifications to be East Bethel's legal services provider; one emphasized aggressive prosecution and defense, the other emphasized measured, cost-aware advice and dual-track abatement options. Council requested more reference checks and asked that proposals be brought back for decision next month.
City Council candidates for the city attorney and prosecution contracts made presentations on March 9 as part of the city's legal-services RFP process.
Joe Vantoi, identified himself as an attorney who has served the city for years, stressed criminal prosecution experience and argued that a strong prosecutorial posture can produce compliance in code cases. "You appoint us... we take that oath serious with every case," he told the council, describing both criminal complaints and civil tools he has used to obtain compliance and court orders.
Representatives of competing firms (identified in the transcript as Jake/Expert Lamers and Scott Bombgartner of Berglin Bombgartner & Glazer, joined by Kurt Glazer and Kirk Blazer in later remarks) described alternate philosophies. Scott Bombgartner said his firm tailor's its work to what the city wants and emphasized coordination with a civil attorney when abatements are needed. Kirk Blazer cautioned against unnecessary litigation, citing a prior intermunicipal water dispute that he characterized as protracted and avoidable.
Council members discussed fee structures, pass-through developer reimbursement clauses and the timing for decision. Staff noted the current contract expires in June and asked whether council wanted to direct staff to negotiate a contract with one firm or to return with additional reference checks. Several council members asked for more time to check references; the council asked staff to bring the item back as a council item in approximately one month.
Next steps: council asked staff to complete reference checks, review pass-through and billing language, and present a proposed contract for approval at the next council meeting.
