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APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH THE FIRM OF ALLEN, GLAESSNER, HAZELWOOD AND WERTH, LLP
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving Agreement for Legal Services with the firm of Allen, Glaessner, Hazelwood and Werth, LLP.
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Summary
The City needs to hire outside counsel from time to time to handle special, complex legal matters, including litigation, personnel, water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, public-works, complex transactions, fee, tax and real estate issues, and maritime matters. Section 1306 of the City Charter authorizes the Office of the City Attorney to retain or employ outside counsel with the approval of the City Council.
The firm presented here is uniquely qualified to handle specialized and complex matters because of their extensive and unique skills and experience. While this action by the Council would not cause any particular matter to be assigned to the firm being considered, this firm would be available to assist with future matters as the need arises.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City needs to hire outside counsel from time to time to handle special, complex legal matters, including litigation, personnel, water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, public-works, complex transactions, fee, tax and real estate issues, and maritime matters. Section 1306 of the City Charter authorizes the Office of the City Attorney to retain or employ outside counsel with the approval of the City Council.
Present Situation
The City currently has a need for the ready availability of experienced outside counsel from time to time to handle special, complex legal matters, including litigation, personnel, water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, public-works, complex transactions, fee, tax and real estate issues, and maritime matters. The firm of Allen, Glaessner, Hazelwood and Werth, LLP is experienced and proficient in handling some or all of these matters and their related issues. The City will benefit from having this firm available to assist with these issues on an as-needed basis. Their hourly rates and other fees are reasonable and competitive.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Legal services will be billed on an hourly basis pursuant to the rates set forth in the Agreement. The fees will be paid through various accounts, depending on the nature of each matter.