SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving the Engagement Letter and Legal Services Agreement with the Law Firm of Lyons Gaddis for Water Legal Matters
Department
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Todd Fessenden, Utilities Director
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Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 0
end
For time estimate: please put 0 for Consent items.
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
Cost as Recommended: $330 per hour
Balance Available: $235,404
Fund Water Fund
Line Item Number: 500-75-770-560000
New Appropriation Required: No
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
The Town’s Water Legal Counsel represents the Town in matters related to water rights and general water legal matters.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the resolution to retain the Law Firm of Lyons Gaddis as the Town’s Water Legal Counsel.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• Council appoints its legal representatives.
• These are our long-standing water attorneys. Their firm, Vranesh & Raisch is closing and they are moving to a new firm as a result.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Pete Johnson has been the Town’s Water Legal Counsel for more than four years, his partner Andrea Kehrl has also represented the Town for more than eight years. Pete has recently moved his practice from Vranesh & Raisch (V&R), the Town’s Water Counsel for more than 30 years, to Lyons Gaddis.
As V&R is closing their practice, we recommend engaging Lyons Gaddis and Mr. Johnson and his team to continue their representation of the Town in this critical area.
priorities
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
☐ Attractive Community Amenities
☐ Engaged and Diverse Community
☒ Prosperous Economy
☐ Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
☐ Small Town Feel
☒ Safe and Healthy Community
☒ Effective Governance
☐ Environmentally Sustainable
☒ Fiscally Responsible
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution
2. Introduction and File Transfer Request Letter
3. Engagement Letter