SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve additional funds not to exceed $35,000 in outside counsel contract for Thompson, Sizemore, Gonzalez and Hearing, for representation in two employee arbitrations. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
On April 20, 2017, Council approved a five-year agreement with Thompson, Sizemore, Gonzalez and Hearing (TSGH) for representation in employee matters. That item included a not to exceed amount of $50,000 per year, which was based on their average billing over the last several years. The actual Legal Services Agreement does not reference such a not to exceed amount and does not need to be amended.
This fiscal year, TSGH is representing the City in two complex employment arbitration cases, each of which resulted in arbitrations that lasted several days. As a result, the firm has billed the City significantly more than usual. Both arbitrations are nearing completion, and it is anticipated that remaining billing will not exceed an additional $35,000 in this fiscal year.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in cost code 0109600-530100 (Professional Services) to fund this addition to the contract.