Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Outside Counsel Billing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission debate fails to force public explanation of outside investigator bills
Summary
A motion to require the mayor to present detailed invoices from outside investigator Bodmin PLC at the Aug. 17 meeting failed after commissioners split on whether disclosure would waive attorney‑client privilege; commissioners were advised the detailed invoices are available for review in the clerk's office.
Commissioner Brady moved that the commission receive a detailed breakdown of the bills from Bodmin PLC at the August 17 meeting and that the mayor explain those invoices to the body. The motion triggered a prolonged debate about attorney‑client privilege, access to privileged invoices, and whether the mayor or Bodmin should present in open session.
"I've offered, and only a few commissioners have taken me up on this offer," the mayor said when describing ways commissioners could review privileged bills, adding, "I'll come meet you up here, and we can sit together and look at those billings, per their policy, not being able to have copies." Commissioners were told privileged invoices would be held by the clerk and that seated commissioners could review them in the clerk's office but could not copy or email them. The call for the question on the motion passed, but the main motion failed on roll call with Commissioner Atwood and Commissioner Brady voting yes and three commissioners voting no.
The debate highlighted different interpretations of prior commission direction and the Open Meetings Act. Several commissioners said they had repeatedly requested more information since December; staff said two Bodmin bills would appear on the Aug. 17 bill listing. The failed motion does not change commission access to invoices, but commissioners who pressed for explanations said they would continue seeking clarity before the special meeting scheduled in early August.
