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5. APPOINTMENT OF PRIVATE COUNSEL FROM THE FOLLOWING <br /> `,., LIST; APPROVE THE HOURLY CONTRACT RATE, AND APPROVE <br /> THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT <br /> Nicholas D. Thomas, Esq. <br /> E. Steven Lauer, Esq. <br /> David L. Hancock, Esq. <br /> Jeffrey R. Pegler, Esq. <br /> Barry G. Segal, Esq. <br /> Daniel C. Stump, Esq. <br /> Jeffrey P. Buak, Esq. <br /> Attorney DeBraal gave a quick review of the duties of the Attorney for the <br /> Value Adjustment Board, stating that he found the main duty to be assisting the clerk <br /> in gathering the items necessary for the VAB meetings. He defined other <br /> responsibilities as attending all VAB meetings and appeals, handle contracts, <br /> invoices, public records requests and correspondence, for the Board, and he should <br /> stay current with the Statutes. <br /> Chairman O'Bryan wanted it clarified that the Attorney contracted for VAB <br /> .,, could only represent the Value Adjustment Board or other counties' Value <br /> Adjustment Boards, but could not represent in any county the Property Appraiser, <br /> any taxing authority, or any property owner in any administrative or judicial review <br /> pertaining to property taxes. Attorney DeBraal replied affirmatively. <br /> Board Member MacKay questioned what important qualifications they should <br /> look for in the applicants. Attorney DeBraal said he would look for experience in <br /> municipal, State, county government law, participation on Boards, and knowledge of <br /> property tax laws. <br /> Chairman O'Bryan referred to the fee provision of the contract approved at the <br /> organizational meeting held July 24, 2008, pointing that the Board would pay the <br /> Attorney a negotiated hourly rate, and that the contract did not include travel <br /> expenses. He pointed out that the contract is for a one year period, with the option of <br /> two one-year renewals. <br /> Property Appraiser David Nolte commented on a typical abuse by an Attorney hired <br /> by Dade County VAB, who included on his invoice the time he spent responding to <br /> public phone calls. <br /> L <br /> 2 <br />