In a letter dated July 10, the law firm of Cunningham, Vogel & Rost, P.C. (CVR) gave notice to the City of Gerald they would not respond to the city’s RFQ (request for quote) for legal services.

Normally, each new mayor appoints the professional firms already in place when they take office.

At the June 15 meeting of the Board of Alderman, then Ward 1 Alderman Angela Koepke suggested the city seek quotes periodically for professional services. These include legal, engineering, auditing and insurance services.

A request for quote is similar to  going out for bids for other services, but does not look for quotes for specific products. An RFQ looks for quotes for services a company can provide.

The city very recently contracted with an insurance and auditing firm, therefore they decided to limit this round of RFQs to only legal and engineering services. Requests for RFQs were sent to various firms in the area including the current legal and engineering firms already used by the city.

In addition to notifying the city that his firm would not be submitting an RFQ, Dave Streubel, the city’s attorney through CVR, gave notice of his resignation effective Aug. 31.

Streubel noted that his firm will continue to provide legal services until another firm/city attorney is in place.

Streubel also wrote: “In the meantime, we will arrange to work with the City Clerk to review all pending matters and implement a plan for the transition of those matters. We will also be happy to assist the City with legal matters related to contracting with its new attorney or law firm if requested.”

CVR was retained seven years ago to provide legal services. They most notably represented the city in a lawsuit with Bull Moose Tube Co.

“On behalf of the firm, AI sincerely wish to convey our appreciation to the officials and citizens of Gerald for our successful partnership over these years. Thank you for the privilege of serving the City.”