Report Prepared by: Marti Garcia, Paralegal Office Administrator, City Attorney’s Office
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Second Amendment to Agreement for Legal Services with Lozano Smith, LLP, in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a second amendment to agreement for legal services with Lozano Smith, LLP, in an amount not to exceed $300,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a second amendment to agreement for legal services with Lozano Smith, LLP in an amount not to exceed $300,000 and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy 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 2022-23 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
In April 2021, the City entered into an agreement for Legal Services with the Law Firm of Lozano Smith, LLP for specialized work on employer-employee relations matters, including labor negotiations with all five employee bargaining units. The initial budget allocation was $100,000 in FY 20-21.
On November 1, 2021, Council approved the first amendment to the agreement for additional funding in the amount of $100,000 for added legal work on personnel related matters in FY 21-22.
These allocations have been sufficient to cover legal services thus far. However, additional funding in the amount of $100,000 is necessary for continuing legal work on labor related matters though FY 22-23. This amendment will increase the not-to-exceed contracted amount from $200,000 to $300,000.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available within the City Attorney’s current FY 22-23 operating budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Second Amendment for Legal Services
2. First Amendment for Legal Services
3. Agreement for Legal Services