City Council Meeting Date: July 7, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Jeff Schroepfer, Chief of Police
Title
Consider Approval of Contract Extension for Prosecuting City Attorney Services.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is asked to approve a Motion authorizing the attached Amendment to the Contract for Criminal Legal Services with Eckberg Lammers, P.C.
Summary Report:
The current agreement with Eckberg Lammers, P.C. for prosecuting city attorney services expires on July 31, 2027. The attached amendment extends the existing agreement and all of its current terms and conditions through December 31, 2027.
The extension aligns the agreement with the City's budget cycle (calendar year) and brings the contract term into alignment with other City professional services agreements, providing greater consistency for budgeting, contract administration, and future contract renewals.
Eckberg Lammers has served as the City's prosecuting attorney since 2014 and has consistently provided responsive, knowledgeable, and effective legal representation. The firm maintains a strong working relationship with the Police Department and City staff, provides timely legal advice and training, and remains available for consultation on criminal matters as needed.
Staff has been satisfied with the firm's performance and recommends approval of the contract extension.
Alternative Options:
The City Council could decline to approve the contract extension and direct staff to explore alternative options for prosecuting city attorney services upon expiration of the current agreement.
Financial Impacts:
The amendment maintains the current fee arrangement through December 31, 2027, with no increase to the annual flat fee during the extension period. Reimbursable disbursements, such as subpoena service expenses and postage, will continue as provided under the existing agreement.
The current contract rate for attorney services from Eckberg Lammers is $_98,805.38 annual flat fee rate (paid prorated at a monthly rate of $ 8.233.78) plus disbursements (i.e. subpoena service expenses, postage).
Tentative Timelines:
If approved, the amendment will take effect upon expiration of the current agreement on July 31, 2027, and will extend prosecuting city attorney services through December 31, 2027