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REQUEST FOR <br />COUNCIL ACTION <br />CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: <br />FEBRUARY 6, 2018 <br />TITLE: <br />APPROVE AN AGREEMENT FOR SPECIAL <br />LEGAL COUNSEL SERVICES WITH COTA <br />COLE & HUBER RELATED TO POLICE <br />DEFENSE LITIGATION SERVICES <br />(STRAGIC PLAN NO. 1, 3, 4, 5) <br />i <br />CITY MANAGER 4' - <br />RECOMMENDED ACTION <br />CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: <br />APPROVED <br />❑ As Recommended <br />❑ As Amended <br />❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading <br />❑ Ordinance on 2n° Reading <br />❑ Implementing Resolution <br />❑ Set Public Hearing For <br />CONTINUED TO <br />FILE NUMBER <br />Authorize the City Manager and the Clerk of the Council to execute an agreement with Cota Cole <br />& Huber LLP related to police defense litigation services, for a one (1) year term from February 6, <br />2018 until February 5, 2019 for a maximum amount to be spent of $250,000 subject to non - <br />substantive changes approved by the City Manager and the City Attorney. <br />DISCUSSION <br />Cota Cole & Huber LLP is a highly reputable, and specialized law firm which offers extensive <br />experience in the area of police defense. The firm that has provided legal services to numerous <br />cities, counties and other public entities and the firm's police defense litigation team has been <br />successful in defending numerous municipalities in law enforcement civil liability. <br />Dennis M. Cota, whom will be lead counsel for police defense litigation, has more than 30 years' <br />experience as a public law litigator. He has represented multiple cities and counties throughout <br />the state and his extensive trial experience include complex civil litigation, specializing in police <br />defense. He has also successfully mediated many complex actions. <br />Daniels S. Roberts, whom will also serve as co -lead counsel, is regarded as a municipal defense <br />and federal court specialist with extensive experience in civil rights defense, police critical <br />incident review, and police advisory maters. The other attorneys and staff whom are <br />exceptionally knowledgeable regarding law enforcement issues and operations. <br />Historically, the City's police personnel matters have been handled by outside counsel to avoid <br />the potential for conflicts between an in-house city attorney who may have to later defend the <br />same officer in subsequent litigation. The proposed hourly billable rate of $225 for lead counsel is <br />25D-1 <br />