Local attorneys retained to replace retiring Bob Suelter

Oct. 19—With the retirement of longtime City Attorney Bob Suelter looming Nov. 12, the Great Bend City Council Monday night approved retaining a pair of attorneys from the local firm Watkins Calcara to fill the void.

The city recently requested requests for qualifications for the positions of city attorney and city prosecutor, City Administrator Kendal Francis said. Staff reviewed the proposals and interviews took place last Wednesday and Thursday, and Francis said they recommended Allen Glendenning and Jeffry Kuhlman.

The council agreed.

Glendenning will serve in the city attorney role and Jeffrey Kuhlmnan in the city prosecutor role. Both will be paid $7,000 per month as a retainer for 40 hours per month each.

"This would include attendance at City Council meetings. It also includes a weekly four hours of contiguous time in City Hall," Francis said. This is so they would be available to meet with staff and take care of the normal business.

Beyond that time, they would bill the city at the firm's regular hourly rate, he said.

Some on the council wondered if the 40 hours would be enough. "I honestly do," Francis said.

Now, he said Suelter serves as more than just city attorney. City personnel go to him with other questions as well.

"I think a it will be a little bit of a learning curve for our staff," he said. "We have to remember that we can't just run to Bob for the answers."

The attorneys will provide "basic attorney services," Francis said. These include reviewing contracts, reading resolutions and ordinances, giving advice on personnel matters, and the like.

"Four hours a week, physically here in the in the office, will suffice," he said.