John Clifford introduced himself as a former Town Administrator with extensive experience in East Bridgewater and Marshfield. He elaborated on the firm’s history, noting its selective approach to growth, which prioritizes manageable workloads over broad client acquisition. This philosophy was echoed by Jamie Kenny, who highlighted the firm’s focus on empowering municipal leaders to navigate union-related situations effectively.

Chris Kenny, another associate, provided detailed examples of the firm’s past work, including resolving a complicated land use issue in East Bridgewater and addressing challenges with an aging sewer system in Rockland. He emphasized their comprehensive approach to town council duties, which includes handling procurement, contract reviews, public records requests, and zoning appeals.

The meeting included a discussion on the importance of internal capacity for effective town governance. The speaker noted that their firm has expanded its expertise over time and expressed a cautious approach to accepting new opportunities to avoid overwhelming their resources. They criticized larger firms for sending unfamiliar attorneys to town meetings, advocating instead for consistency in legal representation, which they argued has “tremendous value” in understanding a town’s unique issues.

Another topic was the firm’s billing practices. The representative proposed a flat fee agreement that would allow for unlimited communication without incurring additional charges for simple inquiries. This approach aims to facilitate quick responses to procurement questions or public records requests, minimizing burdens on town officials. The representative reassured that proximity to Halifax would alleviate travel fees, making it feasible for them to attend meetings in person when necessary.

The firm’s experience with training and onboarding new select board and committee members was also discussed. The representative acknowledged the challenges municipalities face, such as budget constraints, and emphasized their role in supporting towns to address these challenges. They proposed developing structured training programs for volunteer boards, particularly in areas like conservation and zoning, which are critical for effective governance.

Concerns about direct communication between board members and the Town Council, which previously led to budgetary issues, were raised. The speaker acknowledged the challenge volunteers face and suggested implementing a system to ensure all inquiries go through designated channels to manage costs effectively. They humorously advised against extreme measures like calling law enforcement to remove disruptive individuals from meetings, recommending instead taking a five-minute recess if tensions rise.

The representatives also discussed the importance of thorough preparation for town meetings. They emphasized working closely with moderators and finance personnel to review warrant specifics and identify potentially issues beforehand. This preparatory work helps ensure that all parties involved are well-informed and that any contentious topics are addressed in advance. The representative stated, “The worst answer you can give at town meeting is I don’t know,” highlighting the need for extensive knowledge of the issues at hand.

The conversation also touched upon the firm’s readiness to accommodate the town’s preferences for legal representation arrangements. The representative mentioned their willingness to assist in different capacities if the town decided to go in a different direction.

As the meeting progressed, the discussion included the implementation of new zoning regulations related to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The participants emphasized the importance of face-to-face meetings in smaller, more interactive settings to facilitate meaningful conversations and understanding of complex legal issues. They suggested establishing a policy to ensure that new appointees to boards and committees undergo training to prepare them for their roles, as better-educated members lead to more effective governance.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the potential onboarding of Halifax as a new client. The representatives expressed confidence in their ability to transition smoothly, citing their experience with similar municipalities. They reiterated their commitment to providing proactive education and support to town officials.