Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney, City Attorney's Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of the Fifth Amendment with Hanson Bridgett, LLP, the Third Amendment with Wilke Fleury, LLP, and the Second Amendment with Prentice Long, PC for a Total Amount not to Exceed $235,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Fifth Amendment with Hanson Bridgett, LLP, the Third Amendment with Wilke Fleury, LLP, and the Second Amendment with Prentice Long, PC for a total amount not to exceed $235,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Fifth Amendment to an Agreement for Professional Services with Hanson Bridgett LLP in an amount not to exceed $95,000; and,
B. Approving a Third Amendment to an Agreement with Wilke Fleury, LLP in an amount not to exceed $80,000; and,
C. Approving a First Amendment to a Legal Services Agreement with Prentice Long, PC in an amount not to exceed $60,000; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Office of the City Attorney is responsible for representing the City of Merced in all legal actions involving the City unless the City Council determines contracting with a specialized law firm is prudent. Currently, the City Attorney's Office has two out of three attorney positions vacant, leaving the City Attorney to handle all matters requested of his office. The previous and current recruitments for the two attorney positions have been unsuccessful thus far. Up to now these two vacancies have created salary savings of approximately $325,000 for this fiscal year 2024/2025. This salary savings is being used to increase the funding to the current ...
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