BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are seeking an interim city attorney prior to choosing a permanent replacement for former City Attorney Ricinda Perry, who retired on Sept. 18.
Commissioners discussed options at their Oct. 18 meeting and were advised by attorney Robert Lincoln, who has previously done work for the city.
“Given my scheduled and other commitments, I’m not in a position to take over and give you what you need as interim city attorney,” Lincoln said. “You will end up going to an RFP (Request for Proposal) and do a comprehensive search to get a city attorney and I think you should take your time.”
Lincoln recommended interim support of an experienced attorney as the commission goes through the process of determining a permanent replacement for Perry.
“I got the go-ahead from Mayor Chappie to contact a few people and try to come back with at least two individuals or firms that would be willing to serve as interim city attorney that I knew of personally or by reputation and feel comfortable recommending to you,” he said.
Lincoln suggested scheduling a work meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7 for commissioners to meet with his recommended attorneys.
“Erica Augello, who is currently city attorney of Holmes Beach is one and she’s part of Trask Daigneault Law Firm. They do municipal work, that’s their focus,” Lincoln said. “The other person is Regina Kardash. She’s been the town attorney for Indian Shores and Redington Beach. She’s had a lot of experience with small coastal communities.”
Rates for Trask Daigneault are $280 per hour and Kardash is $250 per hour for regular services and $350 per hour for litigation.
“I went online, and the Trask firm is all municipal. I think they represent about 14 municipalities,” Chappie said. “I’ve talked to the mayor of Holmes Beach and they seem to think the world of Erica and the firm and everything they’ve done in legal issues. I also called the mayor of Anna Maria and the firm that represents them is the Voss law firm. Becky Voss seem very qualified as well.”
The name of attorney Robert Eschenfelder of Trask Daigneault was also mentioned, Chappie said.
“I’m very familiar with members of the Trask law firm, especially Rob Eschenfelder. I worked very closely with him at Manatee County,” Vice Mayor Deborah Scaccianoce said. “He’s outstanding and I know Trask has been very successful in lawsuits that have been lodged against Holmes Beach.”
Lincoln said Augello is the person he spoke to and she is indicating she would be responding for the firm.
“It might make sense for her to take it on,” Lincoln said. “Let’s just say the potential other kinds of issues that would show up are dealing with potentially different responses to the government or legislature on the consolidation issue or negotiating an interlocal agreement.”
Lincoln said the firms that are likely to bid for the city business on a permanent basis would probably include Trask Daigneault, the Dickman firm from Naples and the Voss firm.
“I recommend to come back on the 16th (the next regular city commission meeting) with a resolution to appoint an interim city attorney for a period of six months or until you appoint a complete city attorney,” Lincoln said. “That’s because the city attorney’s job, even if interim, is still a charter position and technically it should be filled by a majority vote of the commission.”
Commissioner Scott Bear questioned who Trask is going to recommend and expressed concern about potential conflicts if Augello, who represents Holmes Beach, is appointed.
Chappie said he and Police Chief John Cosby met with the principal partner at the Trask firm.
“I think at least three of the members of their firm I would be very comfortable with in dealing with city business,” Chappie said.
Lincoln said he would represent the city at the Oct. 16 meeting and would continue to handle city land use and planning and zoning issues for as long as he is needed.
Commissioners reached a consensus to hold a special meeting with Augello and Eschenfelder on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m.
“Then we can plan to set a final decision for the 16th depending on what comes out of that meeting,” Lincoln said.
