HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3n: Agreements for Personnel Legal Services with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Best, Best & Krieger for FY 2011-12 OF A'R
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++pity of STAFF REPORT
Administrative Services Department
DATE: June 21, 2011
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Hue C. Quach, Administrative Services Director
Prepared by: Michael A. Casalou, Human Resources Administrator
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS FOR
PERSONNEL LEGAL SERVICES WITH LIEBERT CASSIDY
WHITMORE AND BEST BEST & KRIEGER AND AUTHORIZE NEW
FISCAL TERMS FOR THE 2011 -12 FISCAL YEAR
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
Staff is recommending the City Council authorize the City manager to execute
agreements for personnel legal services with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Best Best &
Krieger and authorize new fiscal terms for Fiscal Year 2011 -12.
BACKGROUND
The City currently has agreements for personnel legal services with the law firms of
Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Best Best & Krieger. These firms provide a variety of
employer - employee relations legal services including assistance with contract
negotiations, representation and expert advice on labor related issues and legal
assistance with grievance and disciplinary appeal hearings.
DISCUSSION
The City has utilized the legal services of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Best Best &
Krieger for many years. Many employment legal matters require access to more than
one attorney or firm. As an example, when a personnel investigation is required, it is
imperative that an independent attorney that will not ultimately be defending the City in
an administrative appeal or in a lawsuit be retained. These agreements provide access
to legal services on an as needed basis. Staff has been pleased with the expertise and
services these firms have provided and wish to continue the existing agreements.
The current agreement with Best Best & Krieger is separate and apart from the general
agreement the City has for City Attorney services. Current billing rates (Attorneys @
$150.00 - $230.00 per hour) have not increased since 2004 and will remain unchanged
through the end of the new agreement expiring on December 31, 2011. The current
billing rates for Liebert Cassidy Whitmore have not been increased since 2006
Mayor and City Council
June 21, 2011
Page2of2
(Attorneys @ $160.00- $280.00) and will increase by an average of 7.1% (Attorneys @
$180.00 - $300.00 per hour) during the term of the new agreement expiring June 30,
2012.
Staff is recommending the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute
agreements for personnel legal services and authorize new fiscal contract amounts for
Liebert Cassidy Whitmore ($40,000) and Best Best & Krieger ($25,000).
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved by the City Council, adequate funding has been allocated in the Fiscal Year
2011 -12 Budget for the agreements with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore ($40,000) and Best
Best & Krieger ($25,000).
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS FOR
PERSONNEL LEGAL SERVICES WITH LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE AND BEST
BEST & KRIEGER AND AUTHORIZE NEW FISCAL TERMS FOR THE 2011 -12
FISCAL YEAR.
APPROVED:
Donald Penman, City Manager