City Council Minutes

Mayor Christopher Johnson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. for the purpose of interviewing five firms for the position of City Attorney.

Present: Mayor Christopher Johnson, Mayor ProTem Carolann Ayers, Councilmembers Kevin Hartshorne, Jerome Mittman, and Thomas Swigart.

Also Present: City Manager Gary L. Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director, Police Chief James Petres, City Attorney James Kohl, and Deputy City Clerk Carol Kasprowicz

Citizen Comments: None

City Council had prepared a number of questions to be asked of all candidates. The questions covered background material and reputation of the firm, municipal attorney experience, specific interest in the City of Northville, distribution of assignments within the firm, experience with tenant/landlord law (given the presence of Allen Terrace), possible disagreement with potential Council action, and fee schedule (retainer or hourly). Specific examples were asked of the individuals regarding accomplishments and disappointments, and the manner with which the transition with the current City Attorney would be handled.

The five firms interviewed included:

- Hemming, Polaczyk, Cronin, Smith & Witthoff (represented by Tim Cronin and Ron Witthoff)

- Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone (represented by William Beach and Patrick McGow)

- Fausone, Taylor and Bohn (represented by Troy Taylor and Mark Mandell)

- O’Connor, DeGrazie, Tamm & O’Connor (represented by James Tamm, Julie McCann O’Connor, and Richard Stokan)

- Plunkett & Cooney (represented by Robert Marzano, Mary Massaron-Ross, Hank Cooney, and John Martin)

Upon concluding the interviews, Council discussed the strengths and vulnerabilities of each firm. A consensus was reached that one firm would handle both the general legal issues and prosecutorial issues of the City. A discussion also took place regarding the choice between a retainer and hourly fee arrangement. The decision was made to continue with an hourly rate.

Motion Ayers, seconded by Mittman to retain the firm of Plunkett & Cooney, with Bob Marzano and John Martin as primary attorneys, for the office of City Attorney, effective December 1, 2004 at the quoted hourly rates, and authorize the City Manager to negotiate a lower prosecution rate. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Deputy City Clerk