City Council
Staff Report
From: City Attorney
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Attorney
Meeting Date: September 29, 2025
Report #:2507-5011
TITLE
Authorization to Execute an Amendment to Legal Services Contract S25194587 with Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo to Increase Amount by $100,000 for Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $185,000; 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 Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo (Contract S25194587) to increase the contract amount by $100,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $185,000.
BACKGROUND
Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo is a law firm representing cities in a variety of areas, with an emphasis in employment and labor matters. In March 2025, the City entered into a three- year agreement (S25194587) in the amount of $85,000 with Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo for litigation defense services in Government Claim No. C25-0059 filed by Thomas Haxton and related litigation. Staff seeks authority to increase the contract amount by $100,000 to bring the new not to exceed amount to $185,000. Litigation defense continues 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 and claims 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