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REQUEST FOR <br />COUNCIL ACTION <br />CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: <br />AUGUST 1, 2011 <br />TITLE: <br />AGREEMENT WITH LIEBERT CASSIDY <br />WHITMORE TO PROVIDE LABOR <br />NEGOTIATIONS ASSISTANCE <br />s <br />CITY MANAGER <br />RECOMMENDED ACTION <br />CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: <br />❑ As Recommended <br />❑ As Amended <br />❑ Ordinance on 1st Reading <br />❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading <br />❑ Implementing Resolution <br />❑ Set Public Hearing For_ <br />CONTINUED TO <br />FILE NUMBER <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 />DISCUSSION <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. Liebert Cassidy and Whitmore is a California law firm, specializing <br />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 />25G -1 <br />