Robert Davis will continue to provide legal expertise
By Barb Pert Templeton
When something’s working out well there’s usually no reason to change it.
Such is the case with Attorney Robert Davis who will continue to provide legal services for the city of Marine City.
An agenda item at the city commission’s Aug. 7 meeting had officials considering a new three-year contract for services with the firm, Davis, Burket, Savage and Listman, Attorneys at Law, located in Mt. Clemens.
The commissioners present were unanimous in their approval of a new contract with Davis. Commissioners Sean O’Brien and Trisha May were absent from the recent meeting.
When the issue came up at the meeting Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Hendrick asked if the contract was the same as the old contract and Davis replied yes.
“You have the right to terminate the contract at any time,” Davis added.
“No, you give us a good deal,” Hendrick replied.
Marine City Attorney Robert Davis has signed a new agreement to provide legal services to the city.
Mayor Jennifer Vandenbossche said she received correspondence from Commissioner Sean O’Brien stating that he was in full support of renewing the contract with the city attorney.
A copy of the agreement for legal services was part of the packet for the meeting. It states the firm ‘has continuing experience, know-how and availability to serve as the City Attorney.’
The term of the agreement was listed as being from Sept. 1, 2025 through Aug. 31, 2028. It also noted that the city can terminate the agreement at any time, at will and without cause. The legal firm may terminate the agreement within 60 days with notice to the city and would cooperate fully with transition to a new attorney.
The contract stated monthly invoices will be presented for legal services and each one will describe the type of services rendered. The hourly rate for city matters was listed as $115 per hour for general work, $125 per hour for civil litigation and $130 per hour for appellate matters. The firm will expect payment within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.
In addition, the firm will be paid at a rate of $95 per hour for attending meetings on behalf of the city with a maximum fee for each meeting not exceeding two billable hours.
Blue Water Healthy Living posed additional questions about the legal services agreement to City Manager Michael Reaves on Aug. 12 via email and his responses are as follows:
Blue Water Healthy Living: How long has Robert Davis been the city attorney for Marine City?
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves: Mr. Davis was brought on after a Request for Proposal (RFP) during a city attorney process in 2016.
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves describes City Attorney Robert Davis’ work on behalf of the city as exemplary.
BWHL: What was his hourly rate when his first contract with the city was signed?
Reaves: General municipal services was $95.00 per hour; All District Court, Circuit Court and Federal Court litigation was $100.00 per hour; All appellate litigation, either state or federal was $110.00 -per hour
BWHL: Does the legal services agreement with Mr. Davis include billable hours from members of his firm or just him?
Reaves: Yes. A member of his firm, (Attorney) William Listman, handles the city prosecution cases generally arising out of the police depts work. We paid Davis Listman $51,326.56 total -with $40,188.78 in general and $11,137.78 prosecutions.
BWHL: What are the charges for legal services to the city so far this year?
Reaves: We are relatively new in the current fiscal year – we paid $34,526.01 through July. $27,715.76 general and $6,810.25 prosecutions.
BWHL: What makes Mr. Davis a good fit as attorney for Marine City?
Reaves: Mr. Davis has a very broad experience base for a city attorney. He is extremely well versed in specific areas of expertise that are valuable to Marine City. As an example, his knowledge and experience in Environmental Law, Wetlands, and water law – specifically experience in working on State of MI -EGLE issues, Zoning Appeals board work, among many others. I have witnessed Mr. Davis handle complex issues in a manner that allows the public to understand the issues simply from his explanations. His broad experience in many different municipalities, villages and township representations offer us a great perspective of legal experiences to draw upon. I would be remiss if I didn’t offer that the fees Mr. Davis charges are substantially lower than many other firms – especially with his experience. Usually, I have found that the best legal advice or opinions are from those that keep you out of court or litigation. I have worked with many attorneys over the years and even had an in-house civil counsel in Emmet County. I find the service that Mr. Davis provides to Marine City exemplary.
