The Culver Town Council held a regular meeting this past Thursday, March 27th, and one of the topics of the meeting was regarding the position of Town Attorney.
During the Public Concern portion of the meeting, a Culver resident asked some clarifying questions about the rates of the two candidates applying to be Town Attorney; Sean Surrisi, an attorney from Wyland, Humphrey, Clevenger & Surrisi, LLP; and Kevin Tankersly of Tankersly Law Office. Surrisi was acting Attorney at the time of the meeting.
Two letters the City received were read aloud, both from residents expressing support for Surrisi to continue in the position of attorney.
Town Manager Kevin Danti was asked to explain the hiring process, and he noted that the Town Council approved the posting of the position in December. He stated that out of 5 people he contacted, one was interested but ultimately withdrew; 2 did not respond; and two applied for the position: Surrisi and Tankersly. Danti mentioned that the council has been deliberating on the issue and receiving and considering public feedback since the end of January.
After this discussion, the Attorney Contract came up on the agenda. Council Member Justin Croy moved to retain Surrisi as Town Attorney, and the motion was seconded by Council Member Dana Neer. When the vote was called; Council Members Croy and Neer voted for the motion, while Council President William Cleavenger, Council Vice President Sally Ricciardi, and Council Member Ginny Munroe voted against.
A new motion was called, to accept Kevin Tankersly as Town Attorney. This motion was called by Ricciardi, with Cleavenger seconding the motion; which passed 3-2 in favor of Tankersly.
Surrisi stated that it had been a pleasure to work for the town over the past year, and said that he would coordinate with Mr. Tankersly for the transition. A motion was created to retain Surrisi
for consultation on two specific projects he has been contracted for; and after some further clarification from council members, the motion was approved.
