By Brandon Bennett STURGIS-The Sturgis City Council approved a request by city attorney Eric Davis to form an agreement with Waeckerle Law Prof. LLC of Black Hawk. Davis opened the ball. “Four attorneys, a mix of civil criminal and administrative law practice. The engagement letter will be identical to letters the council has entered into before,” said Davis. He added that even when a municipality employs one or more attorneys, it may be appropriate or necessary to engage outside legal counsel for particular matters. Outside counsel may be needed when a current-or former-client conflict prevents an employed attorney from handling a matter, internal workload exceeds available capacity or competes with other priorities, or a matter would benefit from particular knowledge or experience. Waeckerle Law, Prof. LLC is a local firm whose four attorneys bring collective experience in trial and appellate practice, civil litigation, contract and property disputes, construction matters, administrative proceedings before governmental boards and commissions, and criminal law. Unless otherwise agreed for a particular matter, attorney services will be billed at $250 per hour and legal-assistant services at $85 per hour, plus applicable taxes and reasonable expenses. Fees and expenses for matters referred under the agreement are expected to remain within existing appropriations for professional services. No additional budget authority is requested at this time. Ward 3 councilors Mark Chaplin and Jim Thompson made the first and second motions. It passed unanimously.
