The meeting’s primary focus was on public interviews of candidates for the city attorney position, following individual interviews conducted privately earlier in the day. The process was marked by an insistence on a fair evaluation, with members agreeing to ask each candidate a set of core questions, allowing for tailored follow-up based on individual responses. Attorney Treasure, an assistant city attorney from West Palm Beach, was among those interviewed. She highlighted her extensive litigation experience, her preference for handling cases in-house to manage costs effectively, and her ability to navigate high-profile legal matters with clarity and public transparency.

Another candidate, a chief deputy city attorney from Palm Bay, detailed a career rich in local government law, with a history of managing complex litigation involving land use and code enforcement. This candidate emphasized the importance of preparing council members for agenda items with both legislative and quasi-judicial elements, noting the distinction between these two types of reviews and the evidence required for each.

The council also heard from an applicant with significant experience in Orange County, who recounted handling a high-stakes case involving Universal Studios and its implications on property rights and water law. They cited their AV-rated law firm affiliation as indicative of their legal ability and professionalism.

Public commentary during the meeting further illustrated the community’s interest in the city attorney selection. Jesse Wright, a developer, voiced concerns over collaborative practices and the previous city attorney’s restrictions on meetings between developers and city officials. Wright emphasized the need for the new city attorney to provide tailored attention to projects based on their scale and potential impact.

Additionally, City Clerk Tony She provided insights into the candidate applications, expressing reservations about one candidate’s salary expectations and employment history, while highlighting the stable public service record of another candidate. Former city attorney Dwight Severs stressed the importance of selecting a candidate with both legal expertise and ethical standards, advocating for independence and effective communication with citizens.

The council faced challenges in reaching a consensus, with differing opinions on the candidates’ suitability. One member favored Scott Mckenry for his litigation experience and demeanor, while another saw Michael Rodriguez’s background in tax law as advantageous for the city’s financial strategies, particularly in affordable housing initiatives. The discussion revealed a collective desire for a city attorney who could assertively manage legal risks and provide sound legal guidance, even if it meant challenging council decisions.

A proposal to rank the candidates was introduced, but concerns about binding rankings led to a motion designating Rodriguez as the first choice and Mckenry as the second. The motion passed following a roll call vote, with members acknowledging the strong competition among candidates and appreciating their willingness to pursue the position. The city manager outlined the next steps, including discussions on employment terms with Rodriguez and his potential involvement in upcoming public hearings.