CRA to advertise for a staff legal adviser to work with outside counsel

The Fort Myers CRA workshop on legal services concluded with commissioners backing a plan to advertise for a part‑time staff legal adviser who would liaison with the agency’s outside counsel.

Executive Director Michelle said the CRA’s daily needs — reviewing advertisements, spotting project risks, and handling contract language — justify a regular legal presence. “We don’t have that with us every day,” Michelle said, describing a need she estimated could be roughly 20 hours a week. Commissioners agreed a liaison model would provide day‑to‑day responsiveness while preserving outside counsel for complex matters.

CRA counsel Clifford Shepherd, who has represented multiple CRAs, told the board most CRAs use outside counsel on an as‑needed basis but that a hybrid or designated‑day arrangement can work: “The option 3 seems like a good one if that’s gonna deal with the day‑to‑day stuff,” Shepherd said. He recommended defining service agreements or response‑time guarantees if the board continues relying on outside counsel while pursuing a staff hire.

Several commissioners cautioned about recruiting — noting the need for government legal experience and the risk of hiring an inexperienced candidate — and proposed a trial or probationary period. The chair summarized the workshop direction: commissioners supported moving forward with option 3 and advertising for qualified candidates, while keeping option 1 (outside counsel as‑needed) in place during recruitment. The workshop cannot make hires; any final appointment will return to the CRA for formal approval.