Franklin commission hires outside counsel for zoning lawsuit and votes to offer city attorney job amid transparency dispute

Following executive session, the Franklin City Commission voted to retain Pike Legal Group to defend the city and its planning-and-zoning commission against litigation filed by Franklin Citizens for Responsible Development. The commission authorized the mayor to sign any documents necessary to secure representation.

Later in the meeting the commission moved to offer employment to Amanda East as city attorney, subject to final salary negotiations between the mayor and city manager. Commissioner Bush raised concerns about the transparency of the hiring process and specifically asked whether the scoring criteria used in the selection would be publicized. The mayor and staff said the scoring had been tabulated by the Human Resources director and that interview steps had been advertised; commissioners debated whether to postpone action to publish additional materials. The initial motion to hire was withdrawn so the commission could discuss the scoring and then was resubmitted. The final roll call approved the offer by 4 votes in favor and 1 opposed (Commissioner Bush).

Why it matters: Retaining outside counsel commits the city to a defense strategy in pending litigation over a planning-and-zoning preliminary plat. The selection of a city attorney is a key personnel action that draws procedural and transparency questions because the role provides legal advice to the commission and city staff.

What’s next: Staff will finalize terms with Amanda East pending rate negotiations; the mayor was authorized to sign required documents for both the outside counsel engagement and the city attorney contract.