City council approves hiring of William L. Townsend III as special oil, gas counsel

The Natchitoches City Council voted to retain William L. Townsend III as special legal counsel for matters involving oil, gas and minerals.

Reading Resolution 54, the mover said the council had been approached about a seismic permit on city-owned property and that the city desired counsel with mineral-code expertise. The resolution authorizes the mayor to execute an engagement letter should the council approve the final agreement.

A council member who helped place the matter on the agenda said the city had used Townsend in the past and that he would assist with the current permit and with anticipated lease negotiations. After brief council questions there were no objections and the resolution carried on a roll-call vote.