CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Tamara S. Letourneau, City Manager
DATE: March 7, 2023
SUBJECT: Appointing Interim City Attorney Legal Services
RECOMMENDATION
With the direction provided by the City Council, the recommendation is to affirm the appointment of Nicholas Ghirelli of Richard, Watson, and Gershon (RWG) as the Interim City Attorney.
BACKGROUND
The City Attorney is the City's chief legal officer and is responsible to the City Council for the proper administration and coordination of all City legal affairs. The City of Laguna Niguel has contracted City Attorney services since incorporation. Utilizing contracted professional legal services provides the City with access to a latitude of areas of expertise to best serve the City.
ANALYSIS
During the City Council meeting on October 18, 2022, the City Council formally approved a Legal Services Agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP to provide City Attorney Legal Services. During the City Council meeting on February 21, 2023, the City Council terminated the agreement with Aleshire & Wynder and directed staff to secure Interim City Attorney Services with Richard Watson & Gershon (RWG). The City has an existing Special Council Legal Services Agreement with RWG that will ensure the City has the necessary legal expertise and continuity of legal services until a permanent City Attorney is selected. Thus, it is recommended that the City Council appoint Nicholas Ghirelli from RWG as the Interim City Attorney.
FISCAL REVIEW
The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget includes sufficient funds to pay for the City's legal services.
CONCLUSION
With the direction provided by the City Council, the recommendation is to affirm the appointment of Nicholas Ghirelli of Richard, Watson, and Gershon (RWG) as the Interim City Attorney.
Jamara Setorneau Kenin x. ocomon
Tamara S. Letourneau Kevin X. O'Connor
City Manager Management Assistant