Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
The Clintonville Common Council appointed a new city attorney Tuesday, but only after Mayor Judith Magee said she had received a threat about the appointment “from a person sitting within this complex.”
In April, the council failed to confirm Magee’s reappointment of Tim Schmid to the attorney position. The council then voted last week to spend up to $1,000 to review its options in selecting an attorney, and hired Madison attorney Warren Kraft to meet with a special committee about the issue.
Kraft told council Tuesday it could appoint someone else to serve the balance of Schmid’s appointment.
Alderperson Mary Beth Kuester, chairperson of the special committee, said the committee recommended hiring April Dunlavy for $28,000 per year. Schmid was paid $38,000 per year.
When Alderman Bill Zeinert asked Kuester if the committee had considered anyone else for the position, she said no. “We wanted someone local,” she replied.
Schmid also serves as city attorney for the city of Shawano, which is a two-year elected position. He has a law practice in Shawano.
In a statement made before appointing Dunlavy, Magee said three attorneys provided differing interpretations of the statute addressing city attorney appointments.
“I want everyone to know that this is a very difficult position that I am in right now,” she said. “I have been the recipient of a threat from a person sitting within this complex.”
She did not elaborate, however.
The appointment passed 6-3, with Jeanne Schley, John Wilson, Jerry Jorgenson, Greg Rose, Mary Beth Kuester and James Krause in favor, and Bill Zeinert, Phil Rath and Mark Doornink against. Alderperson Gloria Dunlavy abstained. She is April Dunlavy’s mother.
Dunlavy was immediately sworn into office.