Council reports selection of Bill Seligman as alternate counsel to advise on Hawthornes matters

The Portola Valley council heard a subcommittee report recommending that the town retain Bill Seligman as alternate outside counsel to advise on legal matters tied to the Hawthornes property and Midpen’s plans where the town’s regular attorney is conflicted.

Council member Judith Husco said the subcommittee vetted candidates and recommended Bill Seligman, described as an experienced attorney who serves as town attorney for Campbell and maintains a private practice. Husco said the engagement was intended to provide counsel the ability to "get his bearings" by reviewing publicly available documents and that any additional work would require further council authorization.

Council members asked whether the initial not‑to‑exceed $10,000 amount was limited to the current fiscal year or would extend beyond that; Husco and staff clarified the amount was to start Seligman’s review work and that the council would need to reauthorize funds for further work. Staff indicated no invoices had been received to date.

During public comment on this item, residents asked how much decision‑making authority the outside counsel would have and why he was not present at the meeting. Town staff said counsel’s absence reflected cost management and, in some instances, the confidential nature of legal work discussed in closed session.

The subcommittee’s report was informational; the council did not take a separate recorded vote on retaining Seligman in open session during this meeting. Any formal retention, contract terms or expanded authorization would require subsequent council action.