Fayette County commissioners on Tuesday again engaged in a heated debate about who would be able to communicate with the new interim solicitor.
In a 2-1 vote during an almost three-hour meeting, the board approved Chairman Al Ambrosini forwarding “any work assignment decisions made by the commissioners to interim solicitor Ken Burkley.”
Commissioner Vince Zapotsky, who joined fellow Democrat Ambrosini in approving the motion, included an amendment to the motion that all commissioners can “advance any form of communication to Mr. Burkley.”
Ambrosini having sole access to Burkley was at issue during heated exchanges Tuesday and during a meeting last week.
Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink, the Republican member of the board, said afterward, she voted against the motion because she believes not all commissioners will have equal access to Burkley.
Zapotsky asked Solicitor John Cupp whether the motion, as amended, would “preclude” him or Zimmerlink from talking to Burkley.
“Not as I understand it,” Cupp replied.
Burkley, whose contract runs out the end of this year, has been brought in to reduce the number of lawsuits filed against the county, Ambrosini said.
In the past three years, the county's liability insurance has increased from $300,000 to $600,000 annually, Ambrosini said.
“We need to do something now, and we need to do ... it in an appropriate way,” he said.
Burkley will “redesign” the solicitor's office and help with interviews for any new solicitors, Ambrosini added.
Early in the discussion, Ambrosini explained he would serve as the “conduit” for the board to deliver messages to Burkley. An upset Zimmerlink responded that Ambrosini's plans would keep the dissenting vote in a 2-1 vote — most probably her — from having access to Burkley.
The wording of the first motion had changed since last week's agenda meeting, Zimmerlink noted.
“How did this wording get changed?” Zimmerlink asked Chief Clerk Amy Revak.
Ambrosini changed it, Revak replied.
The commissioners then voted 2-1 to bring the revised motion up for a vote. Zapotsky then added the amendment.
Burkley's contract “says clearly he's the chief solicitor,” Zimmerlink said.
In another matter, the board tabled a vote on making Revak public relations officer. The vote was delayed because Zimmerlink questioned Revak's duties.
The board accepted two retirements:
• David Madison, Children and Youth Service administrator, effective Aug. 3.
• James Hercik, chief assessor, effective Aug. 17.
Bob Stiles is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-836-6622 or bstiles@tribweb.com.
