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Legal expenses to get more council scrutiny
(by Sali McSherry - January 29, 2009)
Legal expenses to get more council scrutiny
By SALI McSHERRY
Bentleyville Councilwoman Wendy Gillund asked last week for a monthly summary report from the assistant law director, who is paid a monthly retainer. She said it could be similar to the engineer's monthly report.
Village Council unanimously approved spending $10,350 for the year to Assistant Law Director Ann Oakar.
Mayor Leonard Spremulli, who has served as law director in other communities, said he has never encountered the request and asked Mrs. Gillund about how detailed she wants the summary reports.
Police Chief Timothy Pitts said he calls Ms. Oakar for advice on criminal cases.
Mr. Spremulli asked if council wants the assistant law director to keep track of every telephone call from the village.
Mrs. Gillund said that's not what she's looking for. She said she's not questioning whether the assistant law director does her job, but she would like a short monthly summary of a few paragraphs to help keep council informed.
Council President Joseph Maurer said Mrs. Gillund has a valid point.
Councilman Joseph Hudson said council has been blind to what the assistant law director does and it would be helpful to know what goes on in court.
It was decided that, since Ms. Oakar reports directly to village Law Director Kenneth Schuman, he would give council her monthly summary.
Councilman George Skipper said he doesn't believe a monthly summary is necessary.
Ms. Oakar's duties include prosecuting criminal matters in Bedford Municipal Court and offering consultation to the police department and assistance to the law director.
Special services she provides at $95 per hour would include "attendance at criminal pre-trials and criminal trials and for conducting litigation, including jury trials and appellate work where the village is a party and the performance of other duties or extraordinary services not included in the regular and normal duties," according to the ordinance.
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