City Council Agenda Report
March 17, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Alex Hamilton, Interim Director of Community Development SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICES
Background:
In February 2025, the City received a Senate Bill 330 (“Preliminary Application from Brandywine Homes (Brandywine)), proposing a 161 unit condominium complex, with 21 units set aside for low-income households, along with density bonuses pursuant to state law inclusive of waivers and concessions (“Project”), for the property located at 12500 Firestone Boulevard (“Subject Site”, currently developed as Saddleback Hotel), which was within the C-3 zoning district at the time (the Subject Site has since been rezoned to the Heart of Norwalk Specific Plan area).
On May 22, 2025, Brandywine submitted its formal land use entitlement applications for the Project (“Builder’s Remedy Application”), seeking entitlements to proceed with the development and construction of the Project and invoking Brandywine’s rights to proceed under Builder’s Remedy. (See Gov. Code, § 65589.5(h)(11).).
The City Attorney’s office recommended the City retain a specialized legal firm to assist in the negotiations, Builder’s Remedy Application review, and other matters requested by the City on a case-by-case basis. Subsequently, the City entered into a letter agreement to confirm the retention of Aleshire & Wynder, LLP (“Specialized Legal Firm”) to provide legal representation to the City in connection with the Project. The City team and Specialized Legal Firm worked with Brandywine, and a Settlement Agreement is proposed to avoid the cost and uncertainty of any further disputes and potential litigation concerning the Project, the Builder’s Remedy Application, and the Notice of Intent. Since the continued specialized legal services are needed for the Project, an amendment to the contract to increase the initial budget is required.
City Council March 17, 2026
Authorization to Execute Amendment for Specialized
Legal Services
Page No. 2
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Fiscal Impact:
The budget for Specialized Legal Services was included as part of the 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget amendments and the agreement is in the amount of $54,900.
Citizens Advised:
N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Staff recommend City Council:
a.approve Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, in an amount not to exceed $54,900;
b.approve any other professional services agreements including amendments to the agreement with Aleshire Wynder, LLP if related to the Brandywine Project if the amount of such agreements/amendments are within the City Manager’s Authority; and c.authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 and other amendments if necessary for the Brandywine project, provided there is funding in the budget, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Attachments:
N/A