CUBA TOWNSHIP SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
28000 W. Cuba Road
Supervisor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Trustee Rice led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: David Nelson, Supervisor; Don Griffith, Trustee; Jack Mumaw, Trustee; Art Rice, Trustee; Roberta Svacha, Trustee.
Also present: Priscilla Rose, Clerk; Tom Gooch, Highway Commissioner; Becci Tonigan, Assessor; Keri-Lyn Krafthefer, Jeanne Goshgarian, Scott Puma- Ancel, Glink law firm.
Public Comment
There was no public comment
Appointment of Township attorney
Nelson introduced Scott Puma from the law firm of Ancel, Glink, Diamond,
Bush, DiCianni and Krafthefer. He explained that the firm represents mostly
municipalities and local government- handling all matters from litigation to
everyday corporate matters. Puma continued that risk management work is also
done and that the firm works closely with the Township Officials of Illinois and
have written the TOI handbook. Offices are located in Crystal Lake and Vernon
Hills
Keri-Lyn Krafthefer addressed the board adding that the firm represents 45 townships and road districts and is committed to local government law. Many of the firm’s attorneys have served as township officials. She added that the firm can provide cost effective representation as they have attorneys with many areas of specialty.
Griffith asked to confirm the rate of $190 per hour. Puma confirmed that rate would prevail for any of the firm’s attorneys, but that there is an individual that bills at $110 per hour who is not an attorney. He added that short phone calls would not be billed for.
There was further conversation with Puma, Krafthefer and Goshgarian regarding some negative press which Rice found online. Krafthefer addressed the subject regarding a particular issue with Grafton Township that has generated negative press. She added that she would be happy to address particular any questions regarding Grafton Township and Wheatland Township, another township that has generated bad press.
Mumaw added that he had contacted several of Ancel Glink’s clients, including Wauconda Park District, the Village of Island Lake, Palatine Township, Wauconda Township, Wheatland Township and Wheeling Township Highway Department. He reported that he received good reviews from all of them.
Discussion of fees continued with Krafthefer suggesting a trial period of 6 months with a review of fees at that time with the possibility of a flat fee arrangement. Puma agreed that there would be no billing for travel time. Puma confirmed that there would be no contract- the firm serves at will. Discussion also determined that bills are determined by the amount of work required or requested from the firm by the client. Puma also confirmed that the Township would most likely be working with himself or Jeanne Goshgarian regularly. It was also confirmed that Ancel Glink would represent both the Township and the Road District if selected.
Executive Session
There was a motion by Trustee Griffith which was seconded by Trustee Svacha
to recess to executive session to review legal representation.
Motion was carried by unanimous voice vote. The meeting recessed to executive
session at 7:52 pm.
A motion was made by Trustee Rice and seconded by Trustee Mumaw to
resume regular session. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Roll call: Griffith; Mumaw; Rice; Svacha; Nelson.
Also present: Rose, Gooch, Tonigan, Puma, Goshgarian and Krafthefer.
The regular session resumed at 8:27 pm.
There was a motion by Svacha which was seconded by Griffith to appoint the law firm of Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni, and Krafthefer to represent Cuba Township.
Roll call: Griffith- yes; Mumaw- yes; Rice- yes; Svacha- yes; Nelson- yes. Motion carried.
There was a motion by Trustee Griffith which was seconded by
Trustee Rice to recess to executive session to review pending litigation.
Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Nelson asked for all present to speak courteously to one another and to behave responsibly and to keep the best interest of the taxpayers in mind.
At Mumaw’s suggestion, Gooch apologized to Tonigan for comments made during executive session. Tonigan accepted Gooch’s apology.
The meeting recessed to executive session at 8:53 pm
There was a motion by Svacha and seconded by Rice to resume regular session. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Motion carried. The regular session resumed at 9:10 pm.
Roll call: Griffith; Mumaw; Rice; Svacha, Nelson.
Also present: Rose, Tonigan and Gooch.
New Business
There was no new business
Old Business
There was no old business
Adjournment
A motion was made by Trustee Svacha and seconded by Trustee Griffith to
adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Priscilla H. Rose
Clerk