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HomeMy WebLinkAbout25D - LEGAL SERVICESREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: JULY 2, 2007 TITLE: LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MUSICK, PEELER & GARRETT, LLP ~-d~ CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ^ As Recommended ^ As Amended ^ Ordinance on 1~~ Reading ^ Ordinance on 2"d Reading ^ Implementing Resolution ^ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Direct the City Attorney to prepare and authorize the City Manager and the Clerk of the Council to execute a legal services agreement with the Law Firm of Musick, Peeler & Garrett, LLP in an amount not to exceed $35,000. DISCUSSION The City Attorney's Office provides legal services to the City, its officials and employees, primarily through staff attorneys. However, it is sometimes necessary to retain outside counsel for specialized fields of practice and cases that have extraordinary staffing requirements. The Finance and Management Services Agency has requested a law firm specializing in the field of 457 employee deferred savings plans and general taxation issues for initial program review research. Under the direction of the City Attorney's Office, the law firm of Musick, Peeler & Garrett will provide such legal services. This firm is highly regarded. It was selected based on their strong experience in working with other public entities and their specialized knowledge in this arena. The hourly rate charged by Musick, Peeler & Garrett is $400 per hour, however, Mr. Jay Adams Knight has agreed to a reduced rate of $350.00 for the duration of his representation regarding the City's 457 Plan. This rate is competitive given the firm's expertise and the complexity of the matters involved. 25D-1 Legal Services Agreement with Musick, Peeler & Garrett, LLP July 2, 2007 Page 2 FISCAL IMPACT Funds are available in Finance and Management Services, Contractual Services Fund (account no.ll-170-6291). APPROVED AS TO FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS: Francisco Gutierrez Executive Director Finance & Management Services Agency 25D-2