FORT PIERCE, Fla (CBS12) — A major transition inside Fort Pierce’s legal department is raising questions about who will help guide the city through several high-profile development issues expected to come before the City Commission.
The uncertainty follows the City Commission’s decision not to renew City Attorney Sara Hedges’ contract. At the same time, Assistant City Attorney Felicia Holloman has resigned, and temporary attorney Caroline Valentin is set to leave at the end of the month, leaving the city searching for new legal leadership.
This week, commissioners voted 3-2 to move forward with appointing Deputy City Manager Camille Wallace as interim city attorney while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.
For Commissioner Michael Broderick, the concern isn’t just staffing. He argues the departures come as Fort Pierce faces several significant development decisions.
“There are several very volatile projects that are slated to come in front of the city commission in short order, and we really have no independent legal representation to be able to deal with that on behalf of the city commission, in my opinion,” Broderick told CBS12 News.
Broderick pointed specifically to future development proposals on South Hutchinson Island.
Among the issues he expects to surface are potential changes to the South Beach Overlay, a zoning regulation that currently limits building heights and density. Broderick said removing those restrictions could clear the way for much taller development on the island.
Camille Wallace, currently serving as deputy city manager, was chosen by commissioners to step into the interim city attorney role during the city’s ongoing search for permanent legal leadership. (City of Fort Pierce)
The debate over development was one of several issues discussed as commissioners considered Wallace’s appointment.
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Wallace previously worked in the City Attorney’s Office before becoming deputy city manager. Supporters said that experience makes her well-positioned to step into the role and help keep city business moving while a nationwide search for a permanent city attorney gets underway.
Broderick voted against the appointment.
“So what the city commission did against my protests is they appointed the assistant city manager to now be a charter officer in the city of Fort Pierce,” Broderick said. “In my opinion, that reeks of duplicity and multiple bosses you need to report to. I’m not sure how that is even possible to do.”
Commissioners approved a nearly $31,000 contract with S. Renée Narloch & Associates to help find Fort Pierce’s next city attorney. (City of Fort Pierce)
Supporters of the move countered that Wallace’s legal background and familiarity with city operations provide continuity at a time when the city is losing much of its legal staff.
Meanwhile, the commission approved a contract with executive search firm S. Renée Narloch & Associates to recruit a permanent city attorney. The agreement authorizes up to nearly $31,000 in fees and expenses for the search process.
City officials expect the interim appointment to return to the commission in the form of a formal contract and resolution. The search for a permanent city attorney is expected to continue over the coming months.