DATE: January 23, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Daniel C. Cederborg, County Counsel
SUBJECT: Specialized Legal Services Agreement with Best, Best & Krieger, LLP - General Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Make a finding that it is in the best interests of the County to suspend the competitive bidding process under Administrative Policy No. 34 for specialized legal services which are unique to Best, Best & Krieger, LLP and are not available from any other legal services provider.
2. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute Specialized Legal Services Agreement, reengaging the law firm of Best, Best & Krieger, LLP to assist the County in the preparation of the General Plan Review and Zoning Ordinance Update and the associated Environmental Impact Report ($300,000).
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions would renew the contractual relationship with the law firm Best, Best & Krieger, LLP (BBK), which has been assisting the County in the General Plan Review and Zoning Ordinance Update (GPRZOU) since 2019. The proposed Specialized Legal Services Agreement (Agreement) would replace the original Agreement (19-517) which expired on October 8, 2023. BBK is able to provide a level of specialization and experience with the general plan process which is not available within the County Counsel's Office.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may decline to enter into the recommended Agreement, and the County would lack the specialized legal services provided by BBK.
RETROACTIVE AGREEMENT:
The recommended Agreement is retroactive to October 8, 2023, to cover any services provided following the expiration of the original agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, the proposed Agreement would include the firm's current hourly rates, but the dollar amount cap will remain at the governed rate in the predecessor contract. BBK now charges $400 per hour for partners, $350 per hour for associates and $185 per hour for paralegals; these new rates would be su...
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