9.e) Staff Report-civil legal services contractAL
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Staff RepoVt
Date of Meeting: December 15, 2015
To: City Council
From: Neil Soltis, City Administrator
Re: Civil Legal Services Contract with Eckberg Lammers, P.C.
Background:
The City's 3-year civil legal service contract with Eckberg Lammers expires on 12/31/2015. Eckberg
Lammers has proposed a new 3-year agreement extending from 1/1/2016 through 12/31/2018.
Issue:
Should the City approve the entering into a 3-year civil legal services contract with Eckberg Lammers?
Proposal:
A copy of the proposed contract is included in your packet.
Fiscal Impact:
The current and proposed rates for services are shown in the chart below:
CURRENT
PROPOSED
HOURLY RATE
$155
$160 / $160 / $165
COUNCIL MEETING
$200
$250 / $250 / $300
PARALEGAL
$125
$100
LAW CLERK / RESEARCH
$125
$85
LEGALSERVICES TO BE REIMBURSED
$220
$220
MILEAGE
IRS rates except local
$-0-
Though 11/30/2015 legal expenditures have totaled $34,105 versus the $36,000 budget. 2014
expenditures totaled $29,561. The proposed budget for 2016 is also $36,000.
Options:
1) Approve the contract as presented
2) Amend and then approve the contract
3) Table for discussion at the January work session
4) Do not approve the contract
Recommendation:
Option 1. — The increased meeting cost ($600) should be offset by the decreases the hourly rate for
paralegal services and law clerk -research.