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Board debates timing of search for new general counsel; short-term extension for incumbent discussed
Summary
Board members questioned why the district launched a request for proposals now and whether to extend Schneck Price Smith & King for Aug. 1–31. The president said the RFQ followed concerns raised in executive session; board members pressed for clarity and stated preference for reviewing proposals before interviews.
Board members debated the timing and purpose of a request for qualifications (RFQ) to find a new general counsel and discussed a short-term, one-month extension for the incumbent firm.
A motion on the consent agenda proposed extending Schneck Price, Smith and King’s services from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31 while the district completes its search. Board member (speaker 2) asked why the hiring process was happening now rather than on the typical cycle and urged the board to explain the origin of the RFQ to the public: “Why are we doing this? … Why are we shopping around for a new attorney?”
Board member (speaker 1) said they had initiated the RFQ after the prior contract ended in June and after raising concerns in executive session about the incumbent’s service on personnel matters: “I initiated the RFQ … there were incidents I thought were unfair to the board and we were being disserviced by the current legal representation.” Speaker 5 (staff) explained the RFQ covered general counsel, labor/negotiations and specialists and noted statutory timeline requirements for receipt of proposals.
Board members requested that they review bidder documentation before interviews and discussed scheduling interviews at a special meeting or during the August meeting. The transcript records a roll call on the consent items showing approval of the F1–F4 items and a recorded “no” on F5 (the short-term extension). The board directed staff to coordinate interview dates and to circulate availability so all members can attend.
