GrayRobinson appointed as new town legal counsel
By JESSE MEADOWS
In a choice between their current in-house legal representation from the Peterson Group and a larger, more expensive firm, Fort Myers Beach Town Council voted to go in a new direction on Monday.
GrayRobinson boasts 300 attorneys spread over 14 offices across the state, which some council members believe will be a better choice for the town’s many lawsuits.
“The Peterson Group has done an admirable job up to this point of time. With everything that’s going on, it’s time to make a move to a bigger company with access to a lot more attorneys with a lot more specialties that will help us as we move through all these lawsuits we have going on,” said Councilmember Dennis Boback at the meeting.
Mayor Tracey Gore agreed.
“I always wanted a bigger firm, because we do have a lot of different types of cases,” she said.
“I hate to see the churning of personnel again on the beach. Here we are adding to the churning, and I don’t think that’s a good thing,” said Councilmember Bruce Butcher.
The motion passed 4-1 with Councilmember Cereceda the only one to vote against it.
“I am disappointed. I feel as if Mr. Turner and Mr. Peterson were given evaluations and recommendations and they have certainly improved their service. It has been wonderful to have someone in-house for the town. I have a very uneasy feeling about this,” she said.
GrayRobinson attorney John Herin, who specializes in land use, environment, and government affairs, was present at the meeting to accept the appointment.
He told Council that he will be their principal attorney and he’s “ready to hit the ground running.”
Herin, who is based in Fort Lauderdale, has over 25 years of experience representing local government agencies in Florida.
He told council during the meeting that he has also worked with the town of Estero and the city of Bonita Springs.
“I do have a connection to the area. My wife grew up in Cape Coral, and she and I inherited a time share on the beach here,” he said.
Town Manager Roger Hernstadt stated that the town’s agreement with The Peterson Group calls for a 60-day transitional period.
GrayRobinson’s contract, which includes a $10,500 monthly retainer fee and $225 per hour rate for all litigation, will expire on Sept. 30, 2019, at which point it can be renewed for another year.
Town Council has been in the process of selecting a new attorney since June 4.
This is their second solicitation for bids, after their choice on Aug. 20, Thomas Thanas, turned down their offer three weeks later following a divided 3-2 vote.
In other business:
– Council unanimously approved two contracts with Angie Brewer & Associates totaling $315,576 to manage state funding requirements for their drinking and stormwater projects
– A rental rate increase plan was adopted for Times Square sidewalk cafes, starting at $9 on Feb 1
- Ocean Habitats will install the majority of 50 artificial reefs on the canal between Ibis and Egret Streets, with the remaining to be installed at the Dolphin Inn for public viewing
– Two special exceptions were granted to the Privateer and Island Winds Condominiums to allow them to have a beach furniture vendor permit when their previous vendors were unable to renew due to unforeseen circumstances
– Council voted 3-2 to reduce a fine in the amount of $15,000 to $4,901 for a property owner at 125 Mango St. who did not have a permit to build a fence around their pool.