Report Prepared by: Deneen Proctor, Director of Human Resources
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Agreement with Hilda Cantu Montoy, Esq. to Provide Professional Legal Services to the Personnel Board on an As Needed Basis Through June 30, 2024
REPORT IN BRIEF
An agreement for professional services between the City of Merced and Personnel Board Attorney Hilda Cantu Montoy.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the updated agreement with Hilda Cantu Montoy in order to continue to provide legal counsel to the Personnel Board.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt a motion as recommended by staff; or
2. Deny; or
3. Refer to staff for further study; or
4. Take no action.
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2019-20 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to the City Charter, the Personnel Board hears appeals of any person in the classified service relative to any suspension, demotion, or dismissal, as well as grievances.
The City of Merced Personnel Board uses outside legal council to advise the during Personnel Board appeal hearings and to prepare findings and recommendation of their decisions to submit to the City Manager. The service of an outside attorney is necessary because the City Attorney represents the City’s interest as the employer in the cases before the Personnel Board and is prohibited from advising the Personnel Board.
Hilda Cantu Montoy has been the Attorney for the Personnel Board since 2007 and the current agreement would run though 2024.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available within the fiscal year 2019-20 approved budget. The amount for the contract is not to exceed $10,000 per fiscal year. Funding will be appropriated with the yearly budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement with Hilda Cantu Montoy