Special counsel was retained by the St. Mary Parish Council Wednesday for potential claims against BP and others arising from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.

Upon recommendation of the administration, the council expanded the regular meeting agenda in order to pass a resolution authorizing the retention of Sam Gabb of the Plauché Smith and Nieset law firm and Russell Stutes Jr. of the Stutes and Lavergne law firm.

Chief Administrative Officer Henry “Bo” LaGrange said the other governmental entities of the parish are expected to do likewise in an effort to recoup any diminished tax collections as a result of the spill.

He added that tax collection data back to 2007 has been submitted to the attorneys to determine if there is a legitimate claim.

The data “may indicate that a claim is not justified,” LaGrange said.

The special counsel is being retained on a contingency fee basis and would be paid no more than 25 percent of any funds awarded in the claim. The deadline to file claims is Jan. 20.

In other business the council:

–Elected at-large Councilmen Albert Foulcard as chairman and Steve Bierhorst as vice chair for the 2013 calendar year.

–Adopted ordinances repealing a servitude agreement with C&A Properties; entering a Servitude Agreement with Quintana Marina Camp and Canal Owner’s Association Inc. for Quintana Landing improvements; and declaring a form detacher as surplus and authorizing its sale.

–Introduced an ordinance granting a specific use permit to Blaine Aucoin for expansion of the Bridgeside RV Park at 10671 La. 182 in Amelia by 20 lots.

–Passed resolutions approving a change order on the improvements project at the parish owned Whitney Building in Morgan City; approving a memorandum of understanding with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in regard to Hurricane Isaac grants and disaster assistance; authorizing Blackwater Diving LLC to participate in the Quality Jobs Program; and authorizing an agreement with, a change order and notice of substantial completion by Acadiane’ Renovations Ltd. on the seventh floor jail restroom repair project in the courthouse.

–Appointed Jason H. Watson to the Library Board of Control; Paul T. Landry to the Atchafalaya Golf Course Commission; Leroy J. Breaux Jr. to the Drainage District 6 board; and Albert Hebert, Lige Stan Robison and Galen Guillot to Water and Sewer Commission 2.