HomeMy Public PortalAbout03 28 14 Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD BY THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN
OF GULF STREAM AT THE CALL OF THE MAYOR ON FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 AT 4:00 P.M.
IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS OF THE TOWN HALL, 100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM,
FLORIDA.
I. Call to Order: Mayor Orthwein called the meeting to order at 4:00 P.M.
II. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Orthwein.
III. Roll Call:
Present and
Joan K. Orthwein
Mayor
Participating
Thomas M. Stanley
Vice -Mayor
Robert W. Ganger
Commissioner
Donna S. White
Commissioner
Scott W. Morgan
Commissioner
Also Present and
William H. Thrasher
Town Manager
Participating
Rita L. Taylor
Town Clerk
John C. Randolph
Town Counsel
IV. Hiring Additional Counsel:
Commissioner Morgan stated he believed that the Town needs to engage Special Counsel to handle the
numerous public records lawsuits that exist. He continued that with his own experience and special training
in litigation, he feels that this addition will expedite resolutions to those cases, and at less expense.
Commissioner Morgan further stated that he recommends Robert Sweetapple, as he has considerable
experience in court room litigation and public records. He also reported that Mr. Sweetapple has recently
presided over a deposition in the Chambers of the Town of Gulf Stream with regard to public record cases,
and stated that Town Manager Thrasher can attest to Mr. Sweetapple's handling of that matter. He
commented that Mr. Sweetapple's fees were $500 an hour, but that he will reduce that figure to $350 an hour,
for the Town of Gulf Stream.
Commissioner Morgan moved and Commissioner Ganger seconded to engage Robert Sweetapple to
handle the Town of Gulf Stream public record lawsuits.
Mayor Orthwein asked for any comments.
Commissioner White inquired if Mr. Sweetapple was a local attorney registered in Florida.
Commissioner Morgan stated he was a local attorney, registered in Florida, and that the Town would not
have the expense of flying him in for court appearances.
Vice -Mayor Stanley stated he had no problem with hiring Mr. Sweetapple.
Commissioner Ganger applauded the selection of Mr. Sweetapple.
Mayor Orthwein stated that she is acquainted with him and that he is a good man.
Special Meeting
March 28, 2014
All voted AYE.
V. Upointment to the Ad Hoc Committee:
Mayor Orthwein reported that Keith Williams, of Nievera Williams Design, has agreed to serve on the Ad
Hoc Committee. She stated that he will make a terrific addition to that Committee, as he is very bright and
has terrific ideas. Mayor Orthwein commented that he is the Landscape Architect for the Cook development,
and also serves on the West Palm Beach Planning Board.
Commissioner Ganger added that Mr. Williams serves on the Boys & Girls Club, and is the type of person
that jumps into his projects. He also stated that Mr. Williams would be a very valuable addition to the Ad
Hoc Committee team.
Mayor Orthwein stated that she has notified him of the next two (2) Ad Hoc Committee meeting dates.
Commissioner Ganger moved and Vice -Mayor Stanley seconded the appointment of Keith Williams,
Nievera Williams Design, to the Ad Hoc Committee. All voted AYE.
VI. ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Orthwein adjourned the meeting at 4:10 P.M.
Sandra Fein
Recording Secretary
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