Stuart, Fla. — The City of Stuart adopted a resolution establishing a screening committee to evaluate applicants for a newly authorized environmental attorney position and voted to extend the application period for the posting.

City Manager Mike Mortel and staff presented a proposed screening process and job description for an environmental counsel position the commission previously authorized. The screening committee resolution passed unanimously; commissioners approved a committee composed of city staff and designated community members to review applications and produce candidate recommendations.

Several commissioners and members of the public urged the commission to consider outside specialized law firms or contract counsel in addition to an in-house hire. Attorneys and consultants who attended or addressed the meeting noted that complex water-quality and environmental litigation often requires specialized plaintiffs’ and defense counsel teams; they recommended retaining outside firms for certain litigation or technical work.

Following staff remarks, the commission voted to extend the public application deadline (the ad had been scheduled to close Jan. 17) by 30 days to broaden outreach and allow the screening committee to receive more candidates. Commissioners asked staff to confirm where the job ad is posted; staff said it had been sent to the Florida Bar environmental-law section and to standard municipal job boards. The commission did not limit the committee’s authority to recommend either a permanent in-house attorney or an arrangement using outside counsel.

Ending — The screening committee will review applicants and return recommended candidates and any recommended adjustments to scope (in‑house vs. outside counsel) to the commission for a hiring decision.