Last July, Highland city staff notified the council that the city had advertised for a real estate consultant to sell surplus properties. At Tuesday’s council meeting, city administrator Barry Edwards requested approval of Brian Brunson, a current city councilman. Councilman Larry Mendenhall said that after interviews with the four applicants, Brunson was selected as the most qualified, particularly with his municipal experience, and also the least expensive.

Councilman Brian Braithwaite requested that contract approval be postponed until January, when Brunson’s council term will have ended. “He would be an exceptional individual in this particular area and should be put in this position,” Braithwaite said. “My concern would be for any individual who may question his viability for his expertise and assume it was done out of nepotism, which may impede his ability to work (well).”

Councilwoman Kathryn Schramm also requested a delay in approving a contract with Brunson.

“I can almost say that if he is approved tonight, with a degree of surely it will be reversed,” she said. The council voted 4-0, with Brunson abstaining, to delay a decision until the first council meeting in January, at which time staff will present a complete contract.