Interest High for Township Solicitor, Engineer Jobs

With Tuesday's deadline looming, about two dozen firms or individuals have so far submitted proposals to South Whitehall in a bid to land the high-profile  jobs of township solicitor and engineer.

"They're coming in hot and heavy now," said township Manager Jon Hammer about the proposals.

As of mid-afternoon on Monday, the township had received about 15 proposals for the engineer position, and about 10 for solicitor.

"I expect those numbers to grow considerably by 4 o'clock tomorrow," Hammer said.

The township is seeking the proposals for legal and engineering services as officials set out to evaluate whether taxpayers are currently getting the best value for their money. Those interested in the positions have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to submit proposals.

The process could result in the township changing its long-time solicitor and engineer.

However, Hammer said, both the current solicitor, Blake Marles and the Stevens & Lee law firm, and the current engineer, the Pidock Co., will be among those participating in the process.

Hammer said he, along with Commissioners Howard Ellsworth and Thomas Johns, will be reading and evaluating the proposals to "short list" them. The full board will conduct interviews.

"Tomorrow is just the beginning," Hammer said.

The issue of township solicitor and engineer arose during the budget process last year, as the commissioners faced financial challenges that resulted in the use of capital reserves to hold off a tax increase.

Over the past three years, South Whitehall has paid more than $1 million for legal services. It also paid more than $600,000 for engineering services since 2008.

The process could result in the township changing its solicitor after 32 years and its engineering firm after 46 years.

However, board Chair Brad Osborne has said that the township will not necessarily replace its solicitor and engineer. Though examining costs, the township has been happy with services, he said.  There was no increase in the solicitor's rate schedule for 2011.

Among the criteria that the township will consider for solicitor:

* Rate structure, including for associates and paralegals.

* Expenses and billing procedures.

* An error and omissions insurance policy.

* Level of legal experience in working with governments, land development and environmental matters, personnel and business law, Pennsylvania codes and regulations.

 Among the criteria the township will consider for  engineer and commercial building inspector:

* The hourly compensation schedule for services.

* The experience and qualifications of personnel handling the general civil engineering issues, traffic and signalization and environmental issues.

* The firm’s current work load.