New Rancho Santa Fe Association legal policy approved

By Karen Billing

In an attempt to help manage the Rancho Santa Fe Association’s legal costs, the RSF Association board approved a new policy that limits board directors’ access to legal counsel. Under the new policy, all requests for legal advice will be filtered through the RSF Association Manager. Rignt now, any board member can pick up the phone and call the Rancho Santa Fe Association’s attorney to seek information and thus incur legal fees.

The manager may be able to respond to legal advice without the need for counsel, saving time and money. The policy would also eliminate duplicate requests.

Also, at its Aug. 7 meeting, the RSF Association board directed staff to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a firm’s legal services to make sure the quality and costs associated with the service remain competitive,

The law firm of Musick, Peeler & Garrett has served the RSF Association for 30 years.

“Their service has been excellent, but it’s still prudent to review the qualifications of other legal firms who specialize in providing legal services to Common Interest Developments and to look at the range of services offered and billing rates,” said RSF Association Acting Manager Ivan Holler.

Musick, Peeler & Garrett would be included in the list of firms that would receive the RFQ. Once received, the RFQs would be reviewed and qualified firms may be invited to interview.