September 15, 2026
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Fire Department
DATE: September 15, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Aaron Osorio, Fire Chief
Dante J. Wiley, Fire Marshal
Carolyn Conry, Deputy Fire Marshal
Shannon Moore, Interim City Attorney
Subject:
Legal Services Agreement with Civica Law Group, APC,
for Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Matters
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed three-year not-to-exceed cost of $45,000 is included within the approved Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Fire Department budget and will be budgeted accordingly in subsequent fiscal years (Account String:
01203022-400201).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Richmond Fire Department has received specialized
legal services from Civica Law Group, APC, since Fiscal Year 2024–25 for time-sensitive enforcement and
ordinance-related matters. The services previously
received by the Fire Department were covered under the
Planning and Building Services’ contract. The Fire
Department intends to enter into a separate agreement
with the firm so it can manage the contract directly.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE an on-call legal services agreement with
Civica Law Group, APC, for services related to Fire
Department fire prevention and code enforcement
matters, in an amount not to exceed $45,000, with a term expiration of September 16, 2029, and two one-year
extension options, each in an amount not to exceed
$15,000; and AUTHORIZE the city manager, or their
AGENDA
REPORT
September 15, 2026
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designee, to execute the agreement and exercise the
extension options at the city manager’s discretion – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Dante J.
Wiley 510-307-8090/Carolyn Conry 510-307-8044).
DISCUSSION:
On March 7, 2023, the City Council approved a Legal Services Agreement with Civica Law Group, APC (Civica), to provide legal representation, advice, and assistance to the City of Richmond on code enforcement matters, Health and Safety Receivership Program, and other specialized legal services.
Since Fiscal Year 2024–25, the Richmond Fire Department ("Department") has utilized Planning and Building Services' agreement with Civica to obtain legal assistance on fire and life safety matters. The firm has provided legal counsel related to the resolution of fire and life safety violations, California Fire Code enforcement, inspection and permitting issues, and compliance with applicable provisions of the California Health and Safety Code.
These legal services have been essential in addressing time-sensitive matters, including enforcement actions, interpretation of City codes and applicable regulations, and guidance on administrative procedures to support the Department's fire prevention and code enforcement responsibilities.
To better support the Department's ongoing operational and code enforcement needs, the Department proposes entering into its own on-call Legal Services Agreement with Civica. The agreement establishes a defined scope of legal services tailored to the Department's responsibilities and authorizes the firm to provide legal research, internal consultation, legal opinions, drafting of correspondence, assistance with Notice and Order and administrative warrant proceedings, and guidance on administrative and regulatory matters within the jurisdiction of the Richmond Fire Department.
Recommendation
City staff recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an on- call Legal Services Agreement with Civica Law Group, APC, to provide legal services in support of the Richmond Fire Department. The proposed agreement includes an initial three-year term in an amount not to exceed $45,000 with term end date of September 16, 2026 (Attachment 1 – Legal Services Agreement). City staff also recommends authorizing the City Manager to exercise up to two additional one-year renewal options, each in an amount not to exceed $15,000, subject to the availability of funding and administrative approval.
September 15, 2026
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SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
The Legal Services Agreement with Civica Law Group, APC, will ensure the Department has timely access to specialized legal counsel, maintains continuity of legal services, and strengthen the City's ability to enforce fire and life safety codes. In addition, the agreement aligns with the City Council's goals and priorities by enhancing public safety through compliance while helping ensure that existing and future developments and businesses meet applicable fire and life safety requirements to reduce fire risks and protect the community.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 –– Legal Services Agreement with Civica (proposed)