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June 16, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Agreement Amendment: Approve a First Amendment to the Agreement with Snell and Wilmer to Provide Legal Services
Report Number: 26-0214
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Attorney
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: Yes
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving an amendment to the Legal Services Agreement (LSA) with Snell and Wilmer to increase the not-to-exceed amount from $50,000 to $150,000.
SUMMARY
The City Attorney’s Office provides legal review, advice, consultation, and representation on a wide variety of legal issues and litigation related to City operations. This First Amendment will allow Snell and Wilmer to serve as legal counsel to the South County Higher Education Task Force (“Task Force”) pursuant to the Bagley Keene Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with CEQA and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
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DISCUSSION
The City Attorney’s Office provides a wide variety of legal services to the City, including legal review, advice, consultation, and representation on diverse matters impacting the City, including its officials, management, and departments.
The City Attorney’s Office has utilized private law firms to assist in managing the City’s legal needs. Snell and Wilmer has provided legal services on behalf of the City pursuant to a Legal Services Agreement (“LSA”) effective March 12, 2026. This First Amendment to the Snell and Wilmer LSA expands required legal services to include providing legal counsel and advice to the South County Higher Education Task Force (“Task Force”) pursuant to the Bagley -Keene Opening Meeting Act. T he Task Force evaluates the feasibility of a mixed-use multi -institution higher education facility and gov ernance options for the potential multi - institution campus. The City will serve as the contracting and administrative entity.
This proposed First Amendment to the LSA with Snell and Wilmer will increase the not -to-exceed amount on the LSA from $50,000 to $150,000. The costs of this First Amendment were included within the current year budget and no additional appropriation is necessary.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independe ntly aware and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The current year fiscal impact of this agreement is approximately $100,000. Funds for this purpose are already included in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, therefore no additional appropriation is necessary.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
This agreement continues into fiscal year 2026-27 with a not-to-exceed contract amount of $150,000. Funds for the entire contract amount are already included in the fiscal year 2025 -26 budget and will be carried forward to the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, therefore no additional appropriation is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First Amendment to the LSA with Snell and Wilmer
Staff Contact: RoseMarie Horvath, Deputy City Attorney