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Resident criticism of rising legal costs and OPRA handling draws extended response from Clark administration
Summary
At the July 20 meeting resident John Griese criticized increases in town legal fees and the administration's handling of OPRA record requests; the mayor and business administrator defended staff workload and described steps taken to respond to storm damage and improve record systems. Comments produced a heated exchange with personal attacks that the council asked to stop.
John Griese used the public-comment period at the July 20 Township of Clark Council meeting to criticize what he said were sharply rising legal fees since 2020 and to say residents who submit public-record (OPRA) requests are being treated unfairly.
Griese said legal fees have increased by about $200,000 per year since 2020 and asked the administration to explain the spending; he also said he had been discouraged by what he described as dismissive treatment when seeking records. He said earlier public explanations (including remarks about tax appeals) had been inconsistent.
Mayor Angel Albanese and Business Administrator Jim responded that litigation and required attorney work produce costs that are difficult to reduce and that OPRA responses take staff time; the mayor said the township uses a specialized attorney for OPRA work and suggested requesters consider narrowing requests to reduce burden. Jim also described the municipality’s post-storm FEMA reporting tool (GovPilot), a dashboard for operational coordination and planned generator purchases for pump stations as part of after-action improvements.
The exchange grew personal at times: Lehi Fogarty directed strong personal criticisms at other residents speaking from the podium and the council president asked speakers to address the council and avoid personal attacks. Council members publicly thanked volunteers and staff for storm response and defended the professionalism of municipal employees.
No formal financial audit or new spending authorization occurred during the meeting; Griese’s comments and the administration’s responses indicate residents are seeking more detail on legal-fee drivers and records practices. Council members encouraged residents to use the town’s reporting tools and OPRA process and said staff would continue to respond.
