Peter Flintoft, a longtime city solicitor, began as Chelsea’s legal counsel in 1989. Mr. Flintoft recently announced his retirement, prompting the city to seek new representation.
At the December 19 city council meeting, the city manager explained the process. “Staff posted the proposal (for bids) on the city website, shared it on social media, and put it on pages for state organizations like the MML (Michigan Municipal League), the Michigan Association of Municipalities. Spread it out far and wide.”
The city received three responses from Harkness Law, Fink & Fink, and McGraw Morris. Signatures were reviewed and interviewed by Mr. Atkinson, Chief Kazyak, Secretary Sebastian, Director Jordan, and Mayor Pacheco.
“We really harped on who would be the best fit for the city, the best collaborative partner, the best teamwork approach,” Atkinson said. “We looked at legal knowledge, team mentality, and familiarity within the region. Our review team came up with Mariah Fink from Fink and Fink.”
Fink & Fink’s offer was higher than the other two, but Atkinson said it was comparable to what the city was paying the Flintoft firm, adding: “We were very impressed with Fink, Fink and Mariah. We think she would be good advice for the city.”
The scope of legal services needed by the city includes:
- Revise City Charter as needed.
- General government business consultation.
- Attend town meetings as needed.
- Prepare, review and revise city resolutions and ordinances.
- Prepare and review all city contracts.
- Represent the city in all government matters.
- Consult, prepare and review bonds, annuities, electoral law and financial issues.
- Represent the city in all legal cases not handled by the City Insurance Board.
The council supported Atkinson’s recommendation.
“One of the things we’ve run into in the past is when we have a smaller business, they don’t have as much area to expand into,” Councilor Wiseley said. “Whereas Fink and Fink is a family of many lawyers, and they’re not just here in Chelsea. They’re in Ann Arbor. So that when we have a variety of problems, they can help us that way.”
“Fink and Fink has enough bandwidth,” added Mayor Pacheco. “Another thing we really liked was his knowledge of Washtenaw County. The other firms came from further away”.
“Fink and Fink has a great reputation within Washtenaw County and among people from outside of the county who might have to come here,” said Council Member Feeney. “It would be a strength for us, I think. So, good choice. His process was amazing.”
Councilors Ruddock and Wiseley recused themselves from the vote due to previous dealings with the law firm.
The board approved a motion that Mr. Atkinson negotiate a contract with Fink & Fink and submit it in January for approval.
