Title
Resolution to Approve an Agreement with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. for Legal Services Related to the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility ($101,250.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to approve a one-year Agreement between the City and Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. (“Rivenoak”) in an amount not to exceed $101,250.00 for legal services related to the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (“A2SEU”). This Agreement includes an option to extend for two additional one-year periods.
For several years, the City has engaged Rivenoak to provide specialized legal services to support the City and the Office of Sustainability and Innovations with efforts to achieve the City’s A2ZERO and other sustainability goals. Rivenoak’s legal services have been integral to the inception and formation of the A2SEU. As the A2SEU continues moving forward, the City will continue to need Rivenoak’s specialized legal support.
Rivenoak is offering to provide legal services related to the A2SEU to the City at a significantly discounted rate.
Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. complies with the City of Ann Arbor’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for these legal services is available in the Grant Between the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the City of Ann Arbor, known as the AnnARborSolar2024 grant which was accepted and approved by Council in 2024.
Staff
Prepared by: Valerie Jackson, Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Missy Stults, Office of Sustainability & Innovations Director
Marti Praschan, Financial Services Area Administrator and CFO
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, For several years, the City has engaged Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. for specialized legal services to support the City’s A2ZERO and sustainability initiatives;
Whereas, Rivenoak Law Group, P.C.’s legal services have been integral in the inception and formation of the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility;
Whereas, The standing up of the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility will involve multiple legal issues that will necessitate specialized legal support;
Whereas, Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. has agreed to provide legal services related to the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility to the City at a significantly discounted rate;
Whereas, The funding for these legal services is available through a grant from the State of Michigan called the AnnArborSolar2024 grant, which was accepted and funds appropriated by Council in 2024;
Whereas, City staff recommends approval of the Agreement with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. for legal services related to the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility; and
Whereas, Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. complies with the City of Ann Arbor’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the Agreement with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. for legal services related to the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility in an amount not to exceed $101,250.00 for the term beginning on July 1, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2026 and including an option to extend for two additional one-year periods;
RESOLVED, That the funds for these legal services be available without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Agreement after approval by the City Administrator and the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take any necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor