City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
October 12, 2026
To: City Council
From: City Manager’s Office
Al R. Ford, City Attorney
Subject: Approve third amendment to agreement for legal services between the City of Simi Valley and Engle Carobini, APLC
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached third amendment to agreement for legal services between the City of Simi Valley and Engle Carobini, APLC (Attachment A).
Background
The City has been utilizing the services of Engle Carobini, APLC in the defense of the City in a litigated matter. Pursuant to SVMC §2-9.305, the City Attorney is authorized to enter contracts for legal services up to $100,000, the current not-to-exceed amount of the existing contract. Staff is requesting to increase the contract amount by $75,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $175,000.
Discussion
Daniel J. Carobini, Esq. of Engle Carobini, APLC has been acting as defense counsel for the City in a litigated matter since June 2023. That case has been actively litigated and is set for a jury trial in 2027. As a result, additional legal services are required for the continued defense of the City through trial.
Financial Impact
The cost of this action was included in the FY2026-27 budget for the City Attorney’s Office. No additional appropriation is required at this time.
City Council Priority
This item supports the City’s Excellent City Government Pillar of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I move to approve the attached third amendment to the agreement for legal services between the City of Simi Valley and Engle Carobini, APLC.
Agenda Item No.
Consent (4)
Summary
The City has been utilizing the services of Engle Carobini, APLC in the defense of the City in a litigated matter. Pursuant to SVMC §2-9.305, the City Attorney is authorized to enter contracts for legal services up to $100,000, the current not-to-exceed amount of the existing contract. Staff is requesting to increase the contract amount by $75,000, for a new not-to-exceed of $175,000.
Prepared by: Algeria R. Ford, City Attorney
Attachments
Attachment A – Third Amendment to Agreement for Legal Services 2 1
Engle Carobini APLC
October 12, 2026
Amendment No.3(Di Ruscio)
THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT
FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN
THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
AND
ENGLE CAROBINI APLC
THIS THIRD AMENDMENT to the Agreement for Legal Services is made and entered into on this 12th day of October 2026 (“Effective Date”), by and between the City of Simi Valley, a general law city and municipal corporation, (“City”), and Engle Carobini, APLC, (“Law Firm”).
I. Recitals
A. City and Law Firm, (collectively “the Parties”), entered into a Legal Services Agreement (“Agreement”) executed by the Parties on or about June 15, 2023, a First Amendment to the Agreement (“First Amendment”) executed by the Parties on September 11, 2024, and a Second Amendment to Agreement (“Second Amendment”) on October 30, 2025, which are incorporated herein by reference.
B. In accordance with Section 23 of the Agreement, the Parties now desire to amend the Agreement to increase the not to exceed amount as set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, obligations and covenants hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
II. Amendment
1. Section 1. Consideration, subsection H., the first sentence shall be amended to read as follows:
“Not to Exceed. This Agreement is limited to a not to exceed amount of $175,000.”
2. This Amendment may be executed in any number or counterparts, each of which will be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument executed on the same date.
3. Except as herein amended, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
3 Attachment A
2 Engle Carobini APLC
October 12, 2026
Amendment No.3(Di Ruscio)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed the day and year first above written.
City of Simi Valley, A Municipal Corporation
Attest:
Lucy Blanco, City Clerk Dee Dee Cavanaugh,
Mayor
City of Simi Valley, California
Approved as to Form: Approved as to Content:
Algeria R. Ford, City Attorney Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager Engle Carobini, APLC
_______________________________
Daniel J. Carobini, Principal
Engle Carobini, APLC
Taxpayer ID No. 20-8085339
4