Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Fourth Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services with Goldman Magdalin Straatsma, LLP
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Fourth Amendment to an Agreement for workers' compensation litigation matters to adjust the hourly compensation rate.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Fourth Amendment to an Agreement for Professional Services with Goldman Magdalin Straatsma, LLP; and,
B. 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
November 4, 2019, the City entered into an Agreement for Professional Services ("Agreement") with the law firm of Goldman, Magdalin & Krikes, LLP ("Goldman") for workers' compensation legal services in support of the City Attorney's Department.
On April 28, 2021, the City and Goldman entered into a First Amendment to Agreement for additional services to provide employee training on the workers' compensation process and industrial disability retirement process.
On May 17, 2023, the City and Goldman entered into a Second Amendment to Agreement adjust the hourly compensation rates.
On April 2, 2024, the City and Goldman entered into a Third Amendment to reflect the name change from Goldman, Magdalin & Krikes, LLP to Goldman Magdalin Straatsma, LLP.
Goldman has requested an hourly rate increase to the partner schedule from $180.00 per hour to $195.00 per hour to meet the increasing costs of providing quality workers' compensation legal service to the City. In the interest of maintaining the strong working relationship with the City, Goldman is deferring the rate adjustment to th...
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