HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2005-107
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Sponsored by: Corbridge
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2005-107
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING AND RESTATING THE LEGAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SEWARD AND THE LAW
FIRM WOHLFORTH, JOHNSON, BRECHT, CARTLEDGE AND
BROOKING
WHEREAS, the City's law firm has been providing legal services to the City of Seward
since February 23, 1993; and
WHEREAS, the hourly legal fees have not increased since the original attorney contract
was negotiated in 1993, at $150 per hour; and
WHEREAS, the contract before Council for approval contains two major modifications;
one representing a legal name change of the firm to Wohlforth, Johnson, Brecht, Cartledge and
.... Brooking, and one representing a change in the hourly fee for shareholders and senior associates
to $175 per hour; and
WHEREAS, the contract contemplates a year to year renewal of the contract until such
time as the City terminates the contract for any reason, or the law firm terminates the contract
with ninety days' written notice.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Seward hereby authorizes the city manager to
enter into the Amended and Restated Legal Services Agreement attached hereto.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the city of Seward, Alaska, this
24th day of October, 2005.
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CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2005-107
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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Vanta Shafer, Mayor
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Dunham, Branson, Valdatta. Lorenz, Schafer, Shafer
None
Thomas
None
ATTEST:
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Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date:
October 24, 2005
Through:
Clark Corbridge, City Manager
From:
Kristin Erchinger, Finance Director
Agenda Item:
Amended Legal Services Agreement
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The City of Seward entered into an agreement for legal services with our current law firm on
February 23, 1993. In the past twelve years, the law firm has charged the same hourly rate of $125,
with no request for an increase. The attorney firm is subject to annual budget constraints, with
monthly billings subject to approval, and work being performed as directed by the administration.
The law firm does not bill for extraordinary expenses without prior approval of the city manager, and
special services such as bond counsel services are negotiated separately, rather than included in the
hourly rate.
The document before Council for approval represents an Amended and Restated Legal Services
Agreement. Two primary items are being included for revision. The first change reflects the name of
the firm, which has legally changed to Wohlforth, Johnson, Brecht, Cartledge & Brooking. The
second change reflects the new billing rates reflected in Exhibit A. The hourly fee for shareholders
and senior associates is $175 per hour, for associates with less than five years’ experience is $150 per
hour, and for paralegal assistance, $85 per hour. The term of the contract begins October 24, 2005
and continues year to year until terminated at any time by the City, or with ninety days written notice
by the law firm.
The City administration recommends renewal of this contract, to reflect the excellent working
relationship between the City and the law firm. The continuation of this contract is seen to be in the
best interest of the taxpayers, given that prior to the City’s relationship with the current firm, the
City’s annual costs for legal fees were in excess of $200,000 per year.
FISCAL NOTE:
The Fiscal Year 2006 budget includes sufficient funds to cover the increase in the hourly rate to $175,
with the total legal budget in the General Fund at $160,000 per year, and enterprise funds budgeting
separately for their own estimated costs of legal services.
Finance Approval: ___________________
RECOMMENDATION
:
City Council approve Resolution 2005- 107, approving the Amended and Restated Legal Services
Agreement with Wohlforth, Johnson, Brecht, Cartledge & Brooking, including a revised hourly rate
of $175, and a contract that continues from year to year until terminated by either party with ninety
days written notice.