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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> REQUEST FOR a , <br /> COUNCIL ACTION <br /> Y <br /> CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: <br /> <br /> AUGUST 1, 2011 <br /> TITLE: APPROVED <br /> ? As Recommended <br /> AGREEMENT WITH LIEBERT CASSIDY ? As Amended <br /> ? Ordinance on 1st Reading <br /> WHITMORE TO PROVIDE LABOR ? Ordinance on 2nd Reading <br /> NEGOTIATIONS ASSISTANCE ? Implementing Resolution <br /> ? Set Public Hearing For <br /> CONTINUED TO <br /> FILE NUMBER <br /> CITY MANAGER <br /> <br /> <br /> RECOMMENDED ACTION <br /> <br /> Direct the City Attorney to prepare and authorize the City Manager and the Clerk of the Council to <br /> execute an agreement with the law firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore in an amount not to exceed <br /> $75,000 to assist in negotiations with various full-time bargaining groups. <br /> <br /> DISCUSSION <br /> <br /> The City has existing labor agreements with seven full-time bargaining groups. These bargaining <br /> groups include: the Police Officers Association (POA), the Firemen's Benevolent Association (FBA), <br /> the Police Management Association (PMA), the Fire Management Association (FMA), the Santa Ana <br /> Management Association (SAMA), the Confidential Association of Santa Ana (CASA), and the <br /> Service Employees International Union (SEIU). In order to address the City's ongoing budget <br /> challenges, it is necessary to reopen discussions with these seven bargaining units. In order to <br /> provide additional capacity and to assist the City's Chief Labor Negotiator, it is recommended that <br /> outside assistance be obtained to act as legal advisor and chief negotiator with some of the groups. <br /> Staff conducted an abbreviated RFP process and received three responses. The firms were <br /> evaluated by staff. Based on expertise and a competitive pricing structure staff is recommending the <br /> firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore. Llebert Cassidy and Whitmore is a California law firm, specializing <br /> Y in labor and employment law. The City of Santa Ana has contracted with the firm in the past to assist <br /> and advise on various personnel and labor law matters. Based on the ongoing working relationship <br /> between the City and firm, staff is recommending continued utilization of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore's <br /> services. The firm has extensive experience working with public sector clientele throughout the state <br /> and has a staff of over 40 partners and associates in the Los Angeles office. LCW rates are $285 per <br /> hour for work performed by a partner and $190 per hour for work performed by an assigned associate <br /> attorney. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore's rates are extremely competitive. Also, this rate can be reduced <br /> if the City enters into a monthly retainer agreement with LCW. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 25G-1 <br />