Special City Council Study Session for City Attorney Interviews - April 10, 2025

On April 10, 2025, the Brookings City Council held a special study session at 6:00 PM to interview two law firms vying for the city attorney contract. The session included presentations and Q&A from Woods, Fuller, Schultz, and Smith P.C. (noted as "Woods Fuller Schultz and Schmidt" in the transcript) and Cutler Law Firm, followed by public comment. The council will make a final selection at the April 22 regular meeting.

Consent Calendar

• The council voted to amend the agenda to add a special city council meeting on April 10 for the interviews, and then approved the agenda as amended.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A member of the public (name not given) asked how the firms encourage participatory dialogue and reduce disputes, to which both firms emphasized their role as neutral advisors and the importance of listening to public input.
• Stephanie Mason, a Brookings resident, asked how both firms maintain a cohesive narrative across multiple attorneys and whether there are financial implications for internal coordination. Both firms stated they avoid double-billing and use a point person to coordinate work.

Discussion Items

Woods, Fuller, Schultz, and Smith P.C. Interview (noted as "Woods Fuller Schultz and Schmidt" in transcript)

• Presentation: Vince Jones (partner) introduced the firm, highlighting a deep bench of 48 attorneys, extensive municipal experience, and a team approach. Proposed hourly rate: $320 for Jones. No minimum retainer. Travel time billed at 50% rate. The firm has a history of work with the City of Brookings, including litigation, transactions, and research projects.
• Q&A: Jones expressed willingness to attend meetings in person, especially initially. He described his communication style as direct and neutral. He addressed conflicts of interest by noting the firm's conflict-checking software and protocols. He discussed experience with regulatory agencies (DANR), zoning, and code enforcement. The firm offered to work with retiring city attorney Steve Britzman for a smooth transition.

Cutler Law Firm Interview

• Presentation: Nate Shane (partner) introduced the firm (20 attorneys, 20+ years of municipal experience). They have a team approach with specialized attorneys for code enforcement, HR, litigation, and public finance. Shane is registered bond counsel. The firm has no minimum retainer, bills hourly, and is open to negotiating travel time billing. They have experience with zoning, annexation, and utility matters.
• Q&A: Shane said he would attend meetings as requested, but could also appear virtually. He noted that the firm rarely sees conflicts due to no local office. Meredith Moore (litigator) described experience with code enforcement, condemnation, and state agencies (DANR). The firm emphasized their ability to handle emergencies and after-hours calls. Nicole (employment law attorney) is available for HR matters. The firm expressed willingness to work with Steve Britzman during transition.

Key Outcomes

• No vote was taken; the council will select a city attorney at the April 22 regular meeting.
• The council discussed the possibility of retaining retiring city attorney Steve Britzman on a part-time basis for procedural support, and both firms expressed willingness to work with him.
• The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, April 15 (canvassing votes and council candidate introduction), with the regular meeting to follow.