MARCH 28, 2008—11:00 a.m.

            The Town of Cross Plains Board of Supervisors held a meeting on Friday, March 28, 2008, in the Community Center, 3734 County P for the purpose of discussing matters relating to employment of attorneys, fees for attorneys and attorney contracts for representation and to take action pursuant thereto.  Notices of the meeting were posted at the Community Center, Town Garage and at Morgans on March 26.  All Board members, 20 Town residents, Attorneys Ed Corcoran and James Mueller and Kathleen Reeder were present.

            Chairman Harold Krantz and Supervisor Vera Riley made copies of the Resolution Providing for Employment of Attorneys for the Town of Cross Plains, Dane County Wisconsin as prepared by Attorney Jim Schmitt and the Attorney-Client Contract Re:  Town of Cross Plains –Open Records Request and Record Retention Issues as prepared by Brennan, Steil and Basting, SC, Attorney Edward A. Corcoran.  Copies were made available to all present.

            Harold called the meeting to order at 11:12 a.m.  He stated that Anne Herger would take minutes.  Attorney Mueller asked if the media was contacted.  Harold replies that it was too late for publication.  Harold stated that our Town Attorney Jim Schmitt had advised him to get additional legal council for the Town on matters relating to the Open Records requests.  Attorney Corcoran responded to questions from the floor.  He stated that the Town’s Open Records issues were far more than he anticipated.  The Town has done a pretty good job with their minute books and financial records but that they have not kept all records of correspondence.  He had tried to ask for information from all whose names were provided.  It is important that all records be sent to the Town.  Every bit of information that was available has been provided to Attorney Mueller and who ever might need this information in the future.  Attorney Mueller had only been denied draft ordinances that were never distributed.  The Open Records law as defined by WI statutes applies to Authorities but not to non-elected, appointed officials.  The Town will be keeping the records he collects.  A Letter of Engagement was sent to the Town in February.  This Letter was modified in scope of representation.  The contract can be terminated at any time by either party.  Arnie Harris asked if it would save correspondence if the Town engaged Attorney Corcoran to be present at each meeting.

            Bob Bowman stated that the Contract with Attorney Corcoran appeared straight forward and made a motion to approve the Contract.  Vera seconded the motion.  She then asked if Attorney Corcoran’s legal services could be used only the areas discussed.  Attorney Corcoran advised that this is an hourly agreement.  More discussion followed.  Harold called for a vote on the motion.  All Board Members voted in favor of approving the Contract.  Additional questions were raised from the floor.  Bob Bowman stated that the Board had completed work on the items on the agenda for this meeting.  He made a motion to adjourn the meting.  Harold seconded the motion.  All Board members approved.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

                                                            Anne Herger, Deputy Clerk