HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 ATTY SVCS AG AMEND 05-19-03MEETING DATE:
AGENDA REPORT
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MAY 19, 2003
Agenda Item
Reviewed:
City Manager
Finance Director
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TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF TUSTIN
CITY MANAGER
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AMENDING EXHIBIT "A" TO RETAINER
AGREEMENT FOR CITY ATTORNEY SERVICES
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RECOMMENDATION:
Pleasure of the City Council.
DISCUSSION:
Ms. Jeffrey's request for an adjustment in the City Attorney's rates due to increases in
the cost of doing business since 1999 is described in the attached memo. A Resolution
proposed by Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart to implement the rate adjustment is attached
to that letter for your consideration.
WILLIAM A. HUSTON
Attachments
LAW OFFICES OF
WOODRUFF~ SPRADLIN & SMART
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
DIRECT DIAL: (714) 564-2607
DIRECT FAX: (714) 565-2507
E-MAIL: LEJ~WSS-LAW.C~
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Tustin
Lois E. Jeffrey, Director
Woodruff, Spradlin and Smart
DATE: May 1,2003
RE:
Cost of Living Adjustment in Fees for City Attorney's Services
The City Council last approved adjustments in the City Attorney's hourly rates in
September, 1999. At that time the rate of $145 for partners and $135 for associates was
approved. I am proposing an adjustment to $161 per hour, which is strictly based on
cost of living increases since 1999. This will be a single blended rate for both partners
and associates. We are also proposing a cost of living adjustment in the paralegal rate
from $80 to $90. These rates are in line with what we am charging other cities and the
Orange County Fire Authority. It also compares favorably with rates charged by other
firms. For example, Best Best & Krieger, who is providing City Attorney services to the
new Cities of Aliso Viejo and Yorba Linda, charges $165 for transactional work and
$185 for litigation. Other firms such as Burke Williams & Sorensen and Richards,
Watson & Gershon charge considerably higher rates for special transactional work and
litigation, with the rates ranging above $200 per hour.
We recognize that the City faces significant financial challenges this fiscal year
and in futura years. Accordingly, our proposed increase is strictly in line with past
increases in cost of living, similar to what has been approved for City employees since
1999.
cc: William A. Huston, City Manager
LOIS E. JEFFREY" y y L)
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RESOLUTION NO. 03 - 74
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDED EXHIBIT "A"
TO THE RETAINER AGREEMENT FOR CITY ATTORNEY
SERVICES
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 95-95, adopted on November 20, 1995, the City
Council authorized the execution of a retainer agreement with Rourke & Woodruff
(hereinafter Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart) for city attorney services; and
WHEREAS, that agreement provides that Exhibit "A," which contains Woodruff,
Spradlin & Smart's hourly rates, may be changed from time to time without otherwise
amending the agreement, by a resolution adopted by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to approve an amended Exhibit"A" effective July
1, 2003.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA,
finds, determines and orders as follows:
That amended Exhibit "A," attached hereto, to the Retainer
eAf~ereement for City Attorney Services, is hereby approved and
ctive as of July 1,2003.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Tustin
on the__ day of ,2003.
TRACY WILLS WORLEY, MAYOR
ATTEST:
PAMELA STOKER
CITY CLERK
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE
CITY OF TUSTIN
RESOLUTION NO. 03-
Pamela Stoker, City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Tustin,
Califomia, does hereby certify that the whole number of the members of the City Council of
the City of Tustin is five; that the above and foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted at
a regular meeting of the City Council held on the day of ,2003 by the following
vote:
COUNCILMEMBER AYES:
COUNCILMEMBER NOES:
COUNCILMEMBER ABSTAINED:
COUNClLMEMBER ABSENT:
PAMELA STOKER
City Clerk
EXHIBIT "A"
CITY OF TUSTIN RATE SCHEDULE (7103)
Houdy Rates for Leqal Personnel (Transactional and Litigation)
Paralegals $90.00*
Associates $161.00
Partners $161.00
Billing Increment
We bill in increments of one-tenth of an hour (six minutes).
Costs and Expenses
In-office photocopying
Mileage
$0.25 per page (only after 25 pages)
Maximum amount approved by IRS
(out of County travel only)
*Excludes secretarial functions performed by paralegais.
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