Council committees seek time on Arlington Road property appropriations; raises questions over outside counsel selection

Council committees reviewed plans to acquire land and easements needed for the Arlington Road Corridor Improvement Project and discussed hiring outside counsel to assist with contested acquisitions.

Paul Pickett (administration) told the committee there are 36 parcels involved; portions of 12 parcels will likely require appropriation while 24 are settled or nearly settled. The companion resolution would retain outside legal counsel to assist with negotiations and appropriation proceedings.

Law Director Dean said the administration selected Bridal Manna & Diamond LLC based on experience and the firm has already begun work with the city’s consultant. “We have already been engaged with them at this point because, mayors can spend up to $10,000 for professional services. So we needed them immediately and have already started engaging with them,” Dean said.

A council member raised concerns about the appearance of impropriety when a contracted firm has connections to council members’ employers. “Just personally would love to see the city avoid using the employers of council people for any business just because of the appearance of influence and impropriety,” the member said, adding that many local real-estate attorneys could perform the work.

Councilman CJ Maager recused himself from the item where his firm is associated, saying he would not participate in discussions or vote; Neugebauer noted the recusal and the committee agreed to request time on the regular council docket for both the appropriation and the agreement with outside counsel.

Next steps: Committee will request time for second-reading consideration at the full council meeting; the selection of outside counsel and potential conflict concerns may be discussed further in executive session if legal specifics are needed.