Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATION AND CONTRACTS WITH
HANSON-BRIDGETT AND PRESCOTT LAW
Date: October 13, 2026
Written by: Damien O'Bid, City Manager
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution appropriating the necessary funds and authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with Hanson-Bridgett and Prescott Law.
Background
From time to time, the City has the need to hear requested appeals of disciplinary actions, in accordance with City policies. To conduct appeal hearings, a neutral hearing officer and representation of the City is required.
Analysis/Discussion
As a member of the California Intergovernmental Risk Authority (CIRA), the City obtains excess coverage from Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM). PRISM provided the City with several neutral hearing officer options, as well as potential options for City representation. After the review and evaluation of the options, as well as the relative availability of the potential options, staff is recommending Hanson Bridgett, LLC for representation and Prescott Law as a neutral hearing officer.
Financial Considerations
The proposed services are expected to not exceed $60,000; $40,000 for Hanson-Bridgett and $20,000 for Prescott Law. These funds are not currently budgeted, so it is requested that the City Council approve a budget amendment and corresponding appropriations of the necessary funds from the unencumbered General Fund balance.
Environmental Issues
Where it can be determined with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review.
This general rule can be applied to activities which could be subject to the CEQA process, but which logic dictates should not be subject to CEQA review. Therefore, based on the information provided above, the proposed resolution is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 14.03.021 of the CEQA Guidelines in that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant impact on the environment.