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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2k: Continuation of Best Best & Krieger Legal Services for FY 2010-2011DISCUSSION STAFF REPORT Administrative Services Department DATE: July 6, 2010 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Hue C. Quach, Administrative Services Director Prepared by: Michael A. Casalou, Human Resources Administrator SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE STAFF TO CONTINUE UTILIZING PERSONNEL LEGAL SERVICES UNDER CURRENT AGREEMENTS AND AUTHORIZE NEW FISCAL TERMS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 -11 Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY Staff is recommending the City Council authorize staff to continue utilizing personnel legal services under current agreements and authorize new fiscal terms. BACKGROUND The City currently has agreements for personnel legal services with the law firms of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Best Best and Krieger. These firms provide a variety of employer - employee relations legal services including advice on labor related issues, defending the City in grievance and disciplinary appeal hearings and litigation defense. The City has utilized the legal services of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Best Best and 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 these 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 agreement with Best Best and 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 /Paraprofessionals © $80.00 per hour) have not increased since 2004. The current billing rates for Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (Attorneys @ $ 160.00- $280.00 /Paraprofessionals @$95.00 - $120.00) have not increased since 2006. Mayor and City Council July 6, 2010 Page 2 of 2 Staff is recommending the City Council authorize staff to continue utilizing personnel legal services under current agreements that are in place and authorize new fiscal contract amounts for Liebert Cassidy Whitmore ($40,000) and Best Best & Krieger ($10,000). FISCAL IMPACT If approved by the City Council, adequate funding has been allocated in the Fiscal Year 2010 -11 Budget to continue the contracts with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore ($40,000) and Best Best & Krieger ($10,000). RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council: Authorize staff to continue utilizing personnel legal services under current agreements and authorize new fiscal terms for fiscal year 2010 -11. APPROVED: 3 nr cep 1� ►-..4 Donald Penman, City Manager