Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney, City Attorney's Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Professional Legal Services Agreement with Richard Watson & Gershon, Prentice Long, Approval of Hanson Bridgett, LLP Second Amendment and Approval of Wilke Fleury, LLP First Amendment in an Amount not to Exceed $245,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Professional Legal Services Agreement with Richard Watson & Gershon, Prentice Long, Law Offices of John W. Martin and Hanson Bridgett, LLP's Second Amendment in an amount not-to-exceed $245,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a two-year Professional Legal Services Agreement with Richard Watson & Gershon in an amount not-to-exceed $125,000; and,
B. Approving a two-year Professional Legal Services Agreement with Prentice Long in an amount not-to-exceed $75,000; and,
C. Approving a Second Amendment to an Agreement for Professional Services with Hanson Bridgett LLP in an amount not to exceed $20,000, totaling $120,000; and,
D. Approving a First Amendment to an Agreement with Wilke Fleury, LLP in an amount not to exceed $25,000, totaling $61,000; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
F. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
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 2023-24 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 three out of four attorney positions vacant, leaving the City Attorney to handle all matters...
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