02-01-84 S&W Comm MinutesSEWER AND WATER COMMITTEE MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 1984 4
The Sewer and Water Committee met at 3:30 p.m. February 1, 1984 in the city
attorney's office. Present at the meeting were Chairman Nystul, Councilmen
Manning, Palmer and Saverud,, City Attorney Neier, Mr. Grey Lewis, DPW Hammer,
Mayor McDowell. Joining at later parts of the meeting were Councilman Grainger,
Schindler and Ruiz.
City Attorney Neier reported he had contacted three large law firms in
the state regarding their interest and ability to assist in the WWTP lawsuits.
They did not have any experience in these suits and were not interested in
assisting us. He also contacted two other firms, one from Colorado and the
Washington D.C. firm of Mr. Lewis. He stated that both firms have experience
in these suits but that the firm Mr. Lewis is from was highly recommended.
Attorney Neier also stated that EPA in Helena had given verbal approval
to use the "contingency" item of the WWTP Construction grant to fund the legal
fees.
Mr. Gray Lewis of the firm of Lewis, Kominers 9 'tames, Washington D.C.
then gave information about himself and his firm. He also told about experience
in similar litigation and a case they ,are presently involved in. Their firm
charges a maximum of $100 per hour with an average of $80-85 per hour. He
believes this case will not go to trial for at least 9 months and is somewhat
concerned about the lateness of getting into it.
The questions was asked about additional workload on the city attorney
by this litigation. Mr. Lewis stated that they will prepare the drafts of
the motions and other documents necessary and that the additional workload
will not be too great.
Those present seemed to agree to engage Mr. Lewis's firm.
,Meeting adjourned at 4:10.