Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: REGULAR AGENDA (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: AUTHORIZATION OF A LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH REDWOOD PUBLIC LAW, LLP
Date: February 27, 2024
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a legal services agreement with Redwood Public Law, LLP Background
Meyers Nave, PLC (Meyers Nave), initially began providing legal services to the City in an interim capacity in 2007. In 2009, the City entered into an on-going services agreement with Meyers Nave, initially with Richard Rudnansky serving as the City Attorney, followed by Robin Donoghue when Mr. Rudnansky retired. Ms. Donoghue continued to serve the City as the City Attorney until 2019, when Ms. Donoghue retired. In July 2019, Mr. Bakker began serving as the City Attorney pursuant to Meyers Nave’s legal services with the City. Mr. Bakker is an experienced public-agency attorney with over 25 years of experience.
In early February, Mr. Bakker informed the City of his transition from Meyers Nave to Redwood Public Law, LLP, effective March 15, 2024.
Analysis/Discussion
The proposed agreement would allow Mr. Bakker to continue serving as City Attorney through an agreement with Redwood Public Law. Redwood Public Law is a law firm focused on public agency representation and will include, in addition to Mr. Bakker, other attorneys that serve as City Attorneys for cities in Northern California. If the City Council authorizes the agreement, the transition to Redwood Public Law, LLP, would be effective as of March 15, 2024.
Mr. Bakker has extensive experience in municipal law for various cities and approximately 4 years' experience directly supporting the City of Cotati. Additionally, it is anticipated that there will be a limited number of dedicated municipal law attorneys remaining at Meyers Nave after the transition. Therefore, to minimize business disruption at the City and continue to work with an experienced City Attorney, staff recommends transitioning with Mr. Bakker to Redwood Public Law, LLP at this time.
Financial Considerations
The proposed agreement includes identical hourly and retainer rates that are in the existing Legal Services Agreement with Meyers Nave, so there will be no fiscal impact as a result of the proposed agreement.
Environmental Issues
Not applicable.