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Sand Lake council hires outside counsel as fire-service dispute draws resident demands to sell department
Summary
The Village of Sand Lake voted Jan. 19 to retain Clark Hill as outside counsel amid competing proposals from neighboring townships over the village fire department; residents urged the council to sell the department and questioned the absence of related minutes.
The Village of Sand Lake voted Jan. 19 to retain the law firm Clark Hill as outside counsel while it evaluates competing proposals for fire services, as residents urged the village to sell the fire department to nearby townships.
Village President Mollie Doerr said the village has received two proposals from surrounding communities and must hire separate legal counsel because the townships and the village’s current attorney share the same firm. "We will need to retain separate legal counsel so we can make an informed, conflict-free decision on fire services moving forward," Doerr said.
Why it matters: Residents and some township representatives told the council they want clarity on coverage, ownership of equipment and whether townships will assume responsibility for village residents. Several speakers said the council’s public minutes do not reflect prior discussions about fire services, and urged a sale or transfer to a township rather than continuing the village-run model.
Council action: Council member Wright moved to accept an engagement letter with Clark Hill; Council member Camilleri supported the motion, which carried. The engagement will allow the village to receive legal advice that Doerr said is needed given overlapping legal representation.
Public reaction: During public comment, multiple residents urged the village to sell the fire department or work quickly with townships. Britton told the council, "Sell the Fire Department." Rachel Gokey noted that Nelson Township owns part of the fire building and said there have been "no negotiations with the Townships" since Dec. 15, urging disincorporation if the council could not resolve the matter. Robyn said the village should "Do the right thing and sell the Fire Department to the Township. They will cover the village." Several speakers asked whether township coverage would extend to village residents and were told to consult the applicable state statute for coverage details.
Council context and next steps: Doerr said a written offer from Nelson Township arrived Sunday after the special meeting. The council did not make a final decision on the proposals at the Jan. 19 meeting; Doerr said the topic will be revisited when the village has more information from its new counsel. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Votes and motions at the meeting: Wright moved and Camilleri supported the motion to accept the engagement letter with Clark Hill; the motion carried.
