Greenfield law director submits resignation; council to meet May 24

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

Greenfield Law Director Hannah Bivens has submitted a letter of resignation to the village effective June 30.

Bivens' letter reads: Pursuant to Item 7 of the Agreement for Legal Services, please be advised that this is my thirty (30)-day notice of termination of my position, and Bivens Law LLC position, as Village Law Solicitor. I intend by this letter to have my representation terminated effective June 30, 2024, or whenever other counsel can be obtained by the Village. After careful consideration and thought, it has become clear that there has been a breakdown in the relationship between myself and the Village to the point that it would not be beneficial or prudent for myself or my firm to continue as legal counsel for the Village and its elected and appointed officials.

This letter was not prepared without careful consideration and thought. I am a resident of this Village and have thoroughly enjoyed being able to represent this Village and use my knowledge and experience to benefit what has always been my community and my home. This decision was not an easy decision to make, but was made knowing that this is what is best for myself and for the Village.

I am thankful for the opportunity to provide legal services for the Village of Greenfield and wish for nothing but the best for the Village and this community. As the Village is engaged in pending litigation, I will continue on for that limited purpose after June 30, 2024, if needed, so that the Village does not suffer any material adverse impact regarding the same. I will also cooperate in appropriately transferring pending litigation to subsequent counsel.

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• Greenfield City Manager Todd Wilkin told The Highland County Press, "I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Hannah Bivens for her unwavering dedication and exemplary service to the Greenfield community. Her remarkable contributions have been pivotal in fostering positive transformations within our town.

"Mrs. Bivens' commitment to our community has been invaluable, and she will be deeply missed. However, we are pleased to announce that we will continue to engage her expertise as we navigate the receivership process, ensuring that her invaluable guidance continues to shape our efforts to revitalize Greenfield."

• As previously reported, Greenfield Village Council will meet at 8 a.m. Friday, May 24 in council chambers on the third floor of City Hall, 300 Jefferson Street to discuss personnel matters. 

According to a three-fifths majority of council, City Manager Todd Wilkin's presence is "expected and required at this mandatory meeting."

The meeting is open to the public.