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Shenango board appoints interim lead counsel, agrees to follow‑up on retainer and paperwork
Summary
The Town of Shenango approved hiring Nate Van as lead town counsel through Dec. 31, 2025, after considering proposals from Coffin & Gearhart. The board asked staff and counsel to produce a retainer summary and finalize client‑engagement paperwork at the next meeting.
The Town of Shenango board voted June 25 to appoint Nate Van as lead town counsel effective immediately through Dec. 31, 2025. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by roll call. Board members said the hire was intended to preserve continuity after the town’s prior counsel left and to ensure coverage for ongoing matters, including a wastewater treatment plant issue discussed in executive session.
Coffin & Gearhart partners Nick Cortiz and Brady Beagle had earlier presented their firm’s municipal and land‑use experience and offered to continue representing the town; Cortiz said Coffin & Gearhart has represented many of the town’s boards and that the firm stands ready to serve. Board members opted, however, to appoint Mr. Van for the remainder of the calendar year and directed staff to finalize the client‑engagement paperwork and obtain a summary of retainer status and fees for review at the next meeting.
The board also asked the new counsel to coordinate transition items and to provide guidance about outstanding executive‑session matters related to the town’s wastewater project. No litigation actions were disclosed during the public session; the board moved to an attorney‑client privileged executive session to discuss a separate security/video matter at the end of the meeting.
What happens next: Staff will coordinate completion of the engagement letter and request a retainer/fees summary from counsel for review at the next regular meeting.
