HomeMy WebLinkAbout25G - LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
REQUEST FOR a ,
COUNCIL ACTION
Y
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
AUGUST 1, 2011
TITLE: APPROVED
? As Recommended
AGREEMENT WITH LIEBERT CASSIDY ? As Amended
? Ordinance on 1st Reading
WHITMORE TO PROVIDE LABOR ? Ordinance on 2nd Reading
NEGOTIATIONS ASSISTANCE ? Implementing Resolution
? Set Public Hearing For
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Attorney to prepare and authorize the City Manager and the Clerk of the Council to
execute an agreement with the law firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore in an amount not to exceed
$75,000 to assist in negotiations with various full-time bargaining groups.
DISCUSSION
The City has existing labor agreements with seven full-time bargaining groups. These bargaining
groups include: the Police Officers Association (POA), the Firemen's Benevolent Association (FBA),
the Police Management Association (PMA), the Fire Management Association (FMA), the Santa Ana
Management Association (SAMA), the Confidential Association of Santa Ana (CASA), and the
Service Employees International Union (SEIU). In order to address the City's ongoing budget
challenges, it is necessary to reopen discussions with these seven bargaining units. In order to
provide additional capacity and to assist the City's Chief Labor Negotiator, it is recommended that
outside assistance be obtained to act as legal advisor and chief negotiator with some of the groups.
Staff conducted an abbreviated RFP process and received three responses. The firms were
evaluated by staff. Based on expertise and a competitive pricing structure staff is recommending the
firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore. Llebert Cassidy and Whitmore is a California law firm, specializing
Y in labor and employment law. The City of Santa Ana has contracted with the firm in the past to assist
and advise on various personnel and labor law matters. Based on the ongoing working relationship
between the City and firm, staff is recommending continued utilization of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore's
services. The firm has extensive experience working with public sector clientele throughout the state
and has a staff of over 40 partners and associates in the Los Angeles office. LCW rates are $285 per
hour for work performed by a partner and $190 per hour for work performed by an assigned associate
attorney. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore's rates are extremely competitive. Also, this rate can be reduced
if the City enters into a monthly retainer agreement with LCW.
25G-1
Agreement With Liebert Cassidy
Whitmore to Provide Labor
Negotiations Assistance
August 1, 2011
Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the departmental accounts (no. 01109050-62300 and 08209054-62300). The
maximum expenditure for labor negotiator services is not to exceed $75,000.
APPROVED AS TO FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS:
S~A t
Kathie S. Gonza ez Francisco Gutierrez
Executive Director Executive Director
Personnel Services Department Finance & Management Services Agency
Attachment: Agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
25G-2