City Council Meeting Date: June 18, 2019
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Approval of First Amendment to Contract for Civil City Attorney Services
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council considers a Motion approving the attached First Amendment to Contract for Legal Services with Flaherty & Hood, P.A.
Summary Report:
The Northfield City Council discussed Civil and Criminal Prosecution Contract Extensions on June 4, 2019. Based on Council discussion, the First Amendment to Contract for Legal Services (Attachment 1) provides for a five-year extension to the existing contract. In addition, the termination clause was amended to include that the contract may be terminated by either party upon 60 days written notice. This is common in legal services contacts. Staff recommends approval of the amendment.
The City approved a five-year agreement with Flaherty & Hood for Civil Legal Services (attachment 2) on July 8, 2014. The current contract expires on June 30, 2019.
Alternative Options:
Contract extension for an undefined period of time. Staff does not recommend a three-year contract or an RFP process at this time.
Financial Impacts:
Current rates for Flaherty & Hood attorney services (attachment 3)
o General Municipal Matters: $140/hour;
o Real Estate Matters: $145/hour;
o Litigation Matters: $155/hour;
o Employment Matters: $155/hour (separate contract)
The contract has a clause for rate adjustments allowing annual adjustments to hourly rates or monthly retainer with 30 days written notice to the City.
Tentative Timelines:
Council discussion June 4, 2019
Council action June 18, 2019
As noted above, the current contract has an ending date of June 30, 2019 unless extended by mutual agreement. The amendment provides for a new contract end date of June 30, 2024.