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Selectmen vote to change town counsel to Drummond Woodsum and name Ben McCall as town counsel
Summary
After members raised concerns about handling of Division Road and other matters, the board voted to cease business with Preti Flaherty and retain Drummond Woodsum, with Ben McCall proposed to serve as town counsel; one member voiced reservations about switching firms repeatedly.
The board debated its current legal representation in light of recent town matters, including Division Road. One selectman recommended ceasing business with the existing firm, Preti Flaherty, and engaging Drummond Woodsum; the motion included using attorney Ben McCall as town counsel.
Members cited perceived shortcomings in prior representation on issues such as Division Road and property-foreclosure procedures, and argued a larger firm with broader municipal resources could better support the town’s needs. Proponents noted McCall’s familiarity with Limerick and access to real-estate expertise at the new firm. Some members warned against frequent firm changes and questioned whether McCall’s willingness to represent the town had changed since his earlier reluctance.
A motion to retain Drummond Woodsum and use Ben McCall as town counsel was moved, seconded and put to a vote; the board approved the change. The record shows the board took a vote but does not list a roll-call tally on the transcript excerpt.
Next steps: staff to notify Preti Flaherty and begin engagement with Drummond Woodsum and Ben McCall, and ensure contract terms and budgets for legal services are clarified and entered in the legal budget.
