City Council
Staff Report
From: City Attorney
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Attorney
Meeting Date: February 24, 2025
Report #:2501-4053
TITLE
Authorization to Execute an Amendment to Legal Services Contract Number S23186556 with Law Office of Clare Gibson in the Amount of $75,000 for Construction Claims Dispute Resolution and Defense regarding the Public Safety Building, for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $310,000; CEQA Status – Not a Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Attorney or their designee to amend Contract S23186556 with the Law Office of Clare Gibson to increase compensation by $75,000 for construction claims dispute resolution and defense regarding the Public Safety Building. This amendment results in a revised total contract not-to-exceed amount of $310,000.
BACKGROUND
Law Office of Clare Gibson is a law office representing cities in public contract, procurement and construction law.
In September 2022, the City entered into a three-year agreement (S23186556) with the Law Office of Clare Gibson to represent the City with respect to disputes regarding the construction of the Public Safety Building. Legal services contracts are exempt from competitive solicitation requirements under PAMC Sec. 2.30.360(g).
Staff now seeks authority to increase the contract amount by $75,000, which will bring the new not to exceed amount to $310,000. Dispute resolution and defense is continuing in this matter.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for this contract amendment does not require additional budgetary authority as it can be accommodated within existing appropriated funds.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The City Attorney’s Office works closely with the City Manager and department personnel on dispute resolution and defense.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item is not a project requiring environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because amendment of a legal services contract is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment not a project requiring environmental review under (See CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(5)).
APPROVED BY:
Molly Stump, City Attorney