Politics & Government

Novi City Attorney Resign from Secrest Wardle, Joins Other Firm

Here's a roundup of items from Tuesday's City Council meeting.

The City of Novi on Thursday severed ties with law firm Secrest Wardle, based in Farmington Hills, after learning that city attorney Tom Schultz left the firm.

Schultz has joined the new firm Johnson, Rosati, Schultz & Joppich, also located in Farmington Hills, and he will continue to serve as Novi's city attorney.

"We appreciate the services of the firm Secrest Wardle, just we've had Mr. Schultz specifically, and I believe it's in the city's best interest to continue on that basis," said City Manager Clay Pearson.

Find out what's happening in Noviwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Novi City Council voted at Thursday's meeting to terminate the city's contract with Secrest Wardle for cause, namely that the city attorney no longer works there.

Officials also authorized an interim agreement with Johnson, Rosati, Schultz & Joppich for no more than 30 days until a contract can be negotiated by Pearson and attorney David B. Landry.

Find out what's happening in Noviwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The legal fees charged by the new firm will be the same as were charged by Secrest Wardle, according to the council action item.

Residents appointed to boards, commissions

The following people were appointed to serve on Novi boards and commissions:

  • Robert Churella — Economic Development Corp., five-year term
  • Larry Czekaj — Library board, three-year term
  • Larry Kilgore — Library board, three-year term
  • David Margolis — Library board, three-year term
  • William J. Lawler — Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee (HCD), three-year term
  • Lee Mamola — Construction Board of Appeals, four-year term
  • Samuel Ray — Beautification Commission, three-year term
  • Brandon Stewart — Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee (HCD), three-year term
  • Mark Sturing — Building Authority, two-year term.


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