You answered your own question - " What does Town Atty. Fenz do to earn $50,000 a year"
Here's the factual answer, "Fenz a political appointee by Hart assumes the roll of protecting the board from the public."
That's a vary telling and misunderstood fact - The tax funded - Politically Appointed Town Attorney is installed to protect the Board.
He's/she's there to insulate the Controlling members from taxpayers. Not to represent tax payers interests.
The primary job is to give them advise on how to side step accountability and responsibility for their decisions. The most common question asked of the Town Attorney by those he represents is - can we be sued or held accountable ?
Tax payers need to understand - the Town Attorney is a "Party Player" - he doesn't answer to taxpayers. You cant fire him - you cant control his pay or tax funded compensation - he keeps his own hours.(means he works when he wants).
Sorry - but until voters demand the "Patronage systems change" - your stuck with this !