01-04-12 Workshop MINUTES
City Commission Workshop
City Attorney Interviews
January 4, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.
The purpose of this meeting is to interview law firms who have submitted a Letter of Interest
in providing legal services for the City of Ocoee. This is a workshop meeting and no formal
action will be taken.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the workshop session to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers of City Hall.
Present: Commissioner Hood, Commissioner Wilsen, Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner
Johnson, and Commissioner Keller.
Also Present: City Manager Frank, City Clerk Eikenberry
II. COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Discussion occurred as to when action should be taken to determine. City Clerk Eikenberry
explained that a Special Session has been posted at the close of the workshop tonight, so they can
take action at that time; or they have the option to cancel that and reschedule the Special Session
for another date. The consensus of the Commission was to hold the Special Session next week
and submit their individual rankings to the City Manager's Office prior to the meeting.
III. TEN MINUTE INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
A ten minute introduction and summary of qualifications was presented by each of the firms;
followed by a ten minute question/answer period from the City Commission. The firms were
heard in the following order:
1. 6:07 P.M. Broad & Cassel, Jo Thacker
2. 6:24 P.M. Fowler, O'Quinn, Feeney & Sneed, Skip Fowler
3. 6:49 P.M. Shepard, Smith & Cassady, Clifford Shepard
4. 7:07 P.M Shuffield Lowman, Scott Cookson & Tom Lang
5. 7:24 P.M Vose Law Firm, Gretchen "Becky" Vose & Wade Vose
Commissioners asked the same questions of all attorneys: •
Commissioner Keller, inquired as to what their firm does to stay on top of changing
legislations that tend to float under the radar such as the recent changes to gun laws that
caused most cities to change their Code of Ordinances.
Commissioner Johnson, asked if, commercial businesses are ignoring outstanding liens against
their property, is there a way to pursue that or to deny them an occupational license (Business
tax license) to keep them from doing business in the City until they meet compliance.
City Commission Workshop
January 4, 2012
Commissioner Hood and /or Mayor Vandergrift, asked about their experience with Charter
Schools.
Mayor Vandergrift, asked attorneys to explain their understanding of the relationship between
the City Manager and City Attorney; as well as the relationship with City Commission and
City Attorney.
IV. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS
City Manager Frank asked for direction on how to get rankings and move forward with
negotiations on the selected firms. The consensus was that a special session will be set up for
next week; the Mayor and Commissioners will submit a list of their top four preferences and
the rankings will be determined at the special session.
V. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
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— : 15 fr ir ikenberry, City 1 S. Scott Vandergrift, ayor