HomeMy WebLinkAboutC28880 - Legal Svcs - Best Best & KriegerContract No. C28880
REQUEST:
CITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
Acceptance of Legal Services Selection Committee's
Recommendation for City Attorney and Redevelopment Agency
Counsel Services
SUBMITTED BY: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
DATE: July 9, 2009
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. APPROVE the Legal Services Selection Committee's recommendation to retain
Mr. David Erwin of Best, Best & Krieger as City Attorney and Mr. William Strausz of
Richards, Watson & Gershon as Redevelopment Agency Counsel; and,
2. AUTHORIZE the City Manger/RDA Director to negotiate the legal services
contract and bring the contract back to the City Council/Redevelopment Agency
Board in August for approval.
Background
The City of Palm Desert recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for City Attorney
and Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Counsel services. A Legal Services Selection
Committee, consisting of the following individuals, was formed to review any proposals
received:
1. Mr. Robert Spiegel, Mayor;
2. Mr. Jim Ferguson, Councilmember;
3. Mr. John Wohlmuth, City Manager;
4. Judge Rob Taylor; and
5. Mr. Larry Parrish, retired CEO/County of Riverside
A total of nine proposals were received and reviewed by the Committee, whereby three
firms were selected to participate in personal interviews. On Monday, June 29, 2009, the
Committee interviewed the legal firms of (1) Best, Best & Krieger, (2) Richards, Watson &
Gershon; and (3) Aleshire & Wynder. The Committee then reconvened on Tuesday,
June 30, 2009, to discuss the interviews and make a final recommendation.
City Attorney/RDA Counsel Selection
Page 2 of 2
July 9, 2009
The Committee unanimously recommended Dave Erwin of Best, Best & Krieger as City
Attorney, and William Strausz of Richards, Watson & Gershon, as RDA Counsel. Staff
respectfully recommends that the City council approve the Legal Selection Committee's
recommendation and authorize the City Manager to negotiate contracts with the final two
selected firms. Once finalized, these contracts will be brought before the City Council for
their consideration.
Submitted By:
John / Wohlmuth
City nager
CITY COIiNCl1,A(7 IOti
APPROVED ,/ DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
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ABSENT: (1O/*E'1 /
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Original on File with City Clerk's Office
G ICITYMGRIKAREN RUSSOIAGENDA REPORTS 2009L4TTORNEY SERVICES.DOCX
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