City Attorney Interviews Start Monday

Dunedin officials are interviewing four potential city attorneys Monday.

The position opened April 1 when longtime city attorney of retired. The Dunedin-based firm has represented the city for more than 35 years. Hubbard's colleague, Tom Trask, is filling in temporarily until the City of Dunedin finds a new one.

Presently, the city pays its attorney a $5,150 month retainer and $113 per hour, according to city records.

The firms being interviewed Monday (Sept. 26) are:

GrayRobinson: 9 to 9:45 a.m.

• Representative: Charles "Chip" Fletcher (Tampa office).
• Education: Florida State University College of Law, J.D. (magna cum laude)
• Highlighted Strengths: Transporation and transit, reclaimed water and wastewater utilities, and committment to public service.
• Notable Area Clients: Pinellas County, City of Tampa.
• Proposed Cost: $5,000 monthly retainer, $150 to $250 per hour depending on litigation subject, and reimbursment for travel.

: 10 to 10:45 a.m.

• Representative: Tom Trask (Dunedin, one block from City Hall).
• Education: Walter F. George School of Law, J.D., Mercer University in Macon, GA.
• Highlighted Strengths: Municipal law, code enforcement and Sunshine Law.
• Notable Area Clients: Oldsmar (15 years), Belleaire Bluffs (6 years) and Madeira Beach.
• Proposed Cost: $5,500 monthly retainer, $135 per hour, a an hourly paralegal fee, and reimbursment for photocopies, postage, long distance and conference calling and travel.

Zimmet, Unice & Salzman, P.A.: 11 to 11:45 a.m.

• Representative: Alan S. Zimmet (Palm Harbor)
• Education: George Washington University National Law Center, J.D., Washington, DC (honors).
• Highlighted Strengths: Local government, real estate and land use and zoning.
• Notable Area Clients: City of Safety Harbor and City of Largo
• Proposed Cost: $6,600 monthly retainer, $170 per hour, an hourly paralegal fee, and reimbursment for photocopies, postage and travel.

Bryant Miller Olive P.A.: Noon to 12:45 p.m.

• Representative: Michael Davis (Tampa office)
• Education: Stetson University College of Law, J.D.
• Highlighted Strengths: Soveriegn immunity, Sunshine Law, public records law, eminent domain, workers' compensation and land use.
• Notable Area Clients: City of St. Petersburg (19 years), City of St. Pete Beach and New Port Richey
• Proposed Cost: $10,000 monthly retainer, $265 per hour, various other hourly fees, and reimbursment for photocopies, long distance calling, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Information on each firm is based on proposals they submitted to the city. Interviews are in the Elliot Room at the . They are open to the public.