Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Litigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $30,000 for outside review of concrete batch-plant moratorium after debate
Summary
The board approved an amended resolution to retain outside legal/consulting expertise (up to $30,000) to analyze and document the town's concrete batch-plant moratorium; members debated a perceived 'blank check' for outside legal fees before clarifying joint decision-making authority for retainers.
Board members debated whether to authorize up to $30,000 for outside law firms or consultants to support the moratorium analysis for a proposed concrete batch plant and to ensure any zoning changes are procedurally defensible. One board member described the appropriation as necessary to “build it step by step” and make the moratorium and any subsequent code amendments “bulletproof.”
Opponents questioned the need for outside counsel when the town has in-house and part-time attorneys and cautioned against an open-ended legal slush fund. The resolution was amended to have the town attorney and planning director jointly evaluate up to three firms and select the most qualified option; the amended resolution passed by roll call. Residents at the meeting asked whether the $30,000 is budgeted and whether the firm would evaluate the town's chances if the matter proceeds to litigation.
