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HomeMy WebLinkAbout25H - LEGAL SERVICES REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: AUGUST 7, 2006 TITLE: AMEND AGREEMENT WITH STEPHAN, ORINGHER, RICHMAN & THEODORA, P.C., FOR LEGAL SERVICES (A-2001-104) APPROVED D As Recommended D As Amended D Ordinance on 1st Reading D Ordinance on 2" Reading D Implementing Resolution D Set Public Hearing For ~v {}JI/!2- CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER A-2001-104 CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION Direct the City Attorney to prepare and authorize the City Manager and Clerk of the Council to execute an amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Stephan, Oringher, Richman & Theodora, P.C., to increase the hourly fee for services. 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. Martha Shen-Urquidez, of Stephan, Oringher, Richman & Theodora has been representing the City since May, 2001. Ms. Shen-Urquidez has increased her billing rate to $195.00 per hour, plus reimbursable costs for expenses such as travel, photocopying, and facsimile transmissions. Her billing rate of $150.00 per hour has not been increased since the commencement of services in 2001. In surveying the limited market for these services, the City Attorney staff found the rate for services to be competitive given the complexity of the litigation and the expertise Ms. Shen-Urquidez possesses. 25H-1 Amend agreement with Stephan, Oringher, Richman & Theodora, P.C. August 7, 2006 Page 2 FISCAL IMPACT Funds for the services are available in the FY 06-07 Personnel Services Account (account no. 80-180-6191). APPROVED AS TO FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS: '-\ ~~~\ ~..., \~-:-o . Francisco Gutierrez c~ Executive Director Finance & Management Services Agency 25H-2