City Council
Staff Report
From: City Attorney
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Attorney
Meeting Date: September 8, 2025
Report #:2508-5041
TITLE
Authorization to Execute Amendment to Legal Services Contract S26195198 with Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC to Increase Amount by $205,000 for Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $255,000; CEQA Status – Not a Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Attorney or designee to amend the contract for litigation defense services with the law firm of Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC (Contract S26195198) to increase the contract amount by $205,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $255,000.
BACKGROUND
In May 2025, the City entered into a three-year agreement (S26195198) in the amount of $50,000 with Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley PC for litigation defense services in the case of Downtown Vibrancy v. City of Palo Alto, et al., Santa Clara County Case No. 25CV464012. Staff now seeks authority to increase the contract amount by $205,000 which will bring the new not to exceed amount to $255,000. Litigation defense is continuing in this matter.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for this amendment does not require additional budgetary authority as it can be accommodated within existing funding allocated to the City Attorney’s Office as part of the FY 2026 Adopted Operating Budget.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The City Attorney’s Office works closely with the City Manager and department personnel on litigation matters.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Amendment of a legal services contract is not a project requiring environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (See CEQA Guidelines 15378(b)(5), administrative activities that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment).
APPROVED BY: Molly Stump, City Attorney