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13.B. COMMISSIONER SANDRA L. BoWDEN, VICE CHAIRMAN <br />1. Update on Legal Services <br />Vice Chair Bowden discussed legal concerns that resulted from the County Attorney <br />taking a leave of absence. She read and handed out copies of a Scope of Services she had prepared <br />for the retention of an interim County Attorney. She advised that our County Attorney has since <br />returned to work. <br />Commissioner Flescher asked if this was initiated through workload or skills and <br />expertise. <br />County Attorney William Collins believed it was initiated because of his absence for two <br />weeks and there was concern about how long he would have been gone. He discussed his handling <br />of planning and land use matters, and did not think they needed to get a regular counsel for that <br />purpose. He defended his expertise on planning and land use by briefly describing his education <br />and qualifications in that area. <br />Donna Keys, Chairperson of the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), was <br />concerned that without proper legal representation from the County Attorney's office P&Z was <br />setting itself up for a lawsuit if they go against staffs recommendation. Her arguments were that <br />P&Z should be given the capability to discern the reasons a project should or should not be <br />approved. She felt P&Z should not have to make decisions based solely on staff s <br />recommendation. <br />Assistant County Attorney William DeBraal understood Ms. Keys concern, but felt P&Z <br />January 9, 2007 26 <br />