Title
Resolution to Approve Eighth Amendment to Legal Services Contract with Dykema Gossett ($75,000.00)
Memorandum
City Council has approved contracts totaling $640,000 for the legal services of Melvin J. Muskovitz of the Dykema Gossett law firm dating from April 7, 2003. Mr. Muskovitz has been handling selected employment and labor law matters for the City.
The attached resolution is for the Eighth Amendment to the Dykema Gossett contract in the amount of $75,000. Because Nancy Niemela, the labor attorney for the City Attorney's Office, was appointed interim Human Resources and Labor Relations Manager on a half-time basis in August, we are requesting that Mel Muskovitz of the Dykema firm handle some of the labor matters normally handled by Ms. Niemela in order that she will be able to effectively perform both her Human Resource and Attorney Office duties.
Approval of the proposed resolution is recommended.
Staff
Prepared by: Louise Wolford, Office Manager
Reviewed by: Stephen K. Postema, City Attorney
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Section 5.2(c) of the Ann Arbor City Charter authorizes City Council, on the recommendation of the City Attorney, to retain special legal counsel to assist the City Attorney;
Whereas, Continued representation by the firm of Dykema Gossett is in the best interests of the City at this time based on the firm’s general experience in providing legal services in labor matters and Melvin Muskovitz’ previous experience in representing the City;
Whereas, The City Attorney's Office is in need of additional legal assistance in the labor area due to their labor attorney's serving as Interim Human Resources Director;
Whereas, The firm of Dykema Gossett received Human Rights and Living Wage approvals on October 16, 2007 and May 16, 2008, respectively; and
Whereas, Sufficient funds currently exist in the City Attorney’s budget to meet anticipated legal fees not otherwise chargeable to the Insurance F...
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