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Anaheim, CA 92805
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
DATE: FEBRUARY 7, 2023
FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
SUBJECT: INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 16
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: YES
ACTION:
That the City Council, by Motion, discuss and (1) possibly authorize an increase of the not to exceed amount (currently at $750,000) for the JL Group, LLC and/or (2) provide any other direction as to the continuing investigation of former Mayor Harry Sidhu and the City Council regarding campaign contributions and potentially related contractors and agreements, including an evaluation of staff’s involvement, if any, and whether any serial communications/meetings in violation of the Brown Act occurred in the context of the facts alleged in the federal investigation.
DISCUSSION:
On August 9, 2022 the City Council selected the JL Group, LLC following a request for proposals to conduct the investigation along with scope of work (see attached). At the same meeting, Council selected a neutral administrator to oversee the investigation, retired Judge Clay Smith.
On October 25, 2022, an update was provided to the Council by Judge Smith. Since that time, there have been four updates provided to the City Council. Upon review of the December 2022 invoice from the JL Group, staff notified Judge Smith that the not to exceed amount is approaching. Following that notification, Judge Smith requested the City Council discuss the project budget and Judge Smith is recommending an increase from $750,000 to $1,500,000. Judge Smith also informed staff that he has authorized the JL Group to continue its work until the budget is resolved by the City Council.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The Agreement with JL Group has a not to exceed amount of $750,000. To date, the City has received $559,032 in invoices. Monthly invoices range from $101,000 to $181,000. It is anticipated that the JL Group will exhaust most funds of the $750,000 not to exceed amount once the City receives the January 2023 invoice. The City has paid Judge Smith $42,390 to date. It is anticipated his fees will not exceed the $100,000 budget.
Independent Investigation
February 7, 2023
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Vanderpool
City Manager
Attachments:
1. Independent Investigation RFP with scope of work
2. JL Group, LLC Agreement
3. Interim Reports No. 1-4
4. JL Group Proposed Scope of Work 10.14.22