Board of County Commissioners

Gadsden County, Florida

Interview Legal Applicants

July 21, 2015

3:30 p.m.

 

Present:               Brenda A. Holt, Chair, District 4

                                Eric Hinson, Vice Chair, District 1-arrived late

                                Dr. Anthony “Dr. V” Viegbesie, District 2

                                Gene Morgan, District 3

                                Sherrie Taylor, District 5

                                Nicholas Thomas, Clerk of Court

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                David Weiss, County Attorney

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

 

LEGAL INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

  Chair called the meeting to order at 3:31 p.m.  Mr. Presnell gave brief run-down.

1.

Sliger Law Firm 3:30-4:00 p.m.

  Sten Sliger appeared before the Board and informed them his office was located in Quincy and had same concerns the Board had.

 

Gene Morgan appeared at this time (he was here previously before the meeting was called to order). 

 

Mr. Sliger partnered with the Nabors firm and they deal in governmental law.  He informed them he was local and would be available when needed.

 

Heather Encinosa appeared before the Board and said a few words.

 

Commissioner Taylor said it was good to see and hear from someone from the hometown.  She asked if he had direct experience with city or governmental law, he said he had not sat as a county attorney, but had been brought in to represent.  She asked questions regarding their “unlimited hours” and him still be able to run an office.

 

Commissioner Morgan asked him to tell what unique strengths he offered that they were not getting from current firm.  Because he lived in this county for past 13 years, he has look at casino, hospital, bike trail problems, etc.

 

Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.

 

Commissioner Taylor returned.

 

Commissioner Hinson arrived at this juncture of the meeting.

 

2.

Clark, Partington, Hart, P.A. 4:00-4:30 p.m.

  Melissa VanSickle appeared before the Board and briefly explained their services offered to the County. 

 

Commissioner Morgan asked what unique strengths their firm had-she responded by saying they had an excellent law firm currently, felt billing was more competitive, and had team approach.

 

3.

Ausley and McMullen, P.A. 4:30-5:00 p.m.

   David Weiss appeared before the Board and said they had been engaged by the Board the past six years, had proven track record and done good things for county since being here.

 

4.

The Williams Law Group, P.A. 5:00-5:30 p.m.

  Thornton Williams appeared before the Board, thanked everyone and stated was surprised he was low bidder in process.  Said firm has lawyers with extensive government background.  Comments were made concerning illegal billing by his form and stated that was untrue.  Said with their firm, receive proven experience, successful firm,

 

Commissioner Taylor said he mentioned fees and allegations of over-billing-she said she was not commissioner then and stated a citizen had viewed one of his invoices and thinks it had to do with sidewalks, heard that invoice was submitted for $19,000 and should have been for $1,900.  He did not recall that incident but said there were several levels where the bill was reviewed.

 

Chair Holt said she was here and they had to look at what was going on at that time, trips to Washington, DC, hospital

 

Commissioner Hinson said he had researched and wanted to hear what people had to saw, noticed over years

 

Commissioner Taylor said they were here to do due diligence at a cost county can afford.  Concerned about billing issue.

 

Chair Holt said his firm did an outstanding job when they were here.

 

Happy to have the opportunity to appear before the Board and happy to get billing issue out in front of him.

 

5.

Comments/Questions

  Pastor Charles Morris, 23201 Blue Star Highway, Quincy, FL appeared before the Board and had questions for the commission.  Asked for amount of fees paid last year to current firm.  RFP was sent out and asked what standards were for attys, 3rd-if any type of quality review in place.

 

Chair asked the will of the Board and stated her preference was to make decision in regular meeting.

 

Hinson said able to read up on everyone.  Wanted to give 4 firms opportunity to speak, started looking at somethings, wants to do something different.  Made motion to give his vote to option 1 for Sliger law firm/Taylor 3-2 Motion failed

 

Chair adjourned the meeting.

 

Board asked Mr. Weiss for his opinion.  Said almost needs to move to re-open meeting.

 

V/Hinson to re-open special meeting.  5-0

 

Hinson to accept Silger/Taylor Morgan, Viegbesie Holt opposed.  3-2 Motion failed.

 

Dr. V asked if decided to rescheduled to regular meeting, current firm continues until another firm selected.

 

Commissioner Taylor concurred to handle in regular meeting to vote on one of 4 lawfirms/Hinson 5-0

 

Taylor to adjourn/Hinson 5-0

MOTION TO ADJOURN