Title
Resolution to Approve Extension of the Temporary Employment Agreement between Abigail Elias and the City of Ann Arbor
Memorandum
Due to changes in personnel in the City Attorney's Office, the City of Ann Arbor entered into a Temporary Employment Agreement with Abigail Elias to provide legal services to the City during the interim of replacing a Senior City Attorney. The City needs to extend the Temporary Employment Agreement between Abigail Elias and the City of Ann Arbor which was effective as of July 1, 2019. The original agreement was through November 1, 2019 or until the maximum compensation of $25,000.00 was exhausted. The agreement has been amended twice, first to add $24,000.00 and extend time to December 31, 2019, and second to add $30,000.00 and extend time through April 1, 2020. The duration of the agreement needs to be extended, but no additional funds are needed to cover that additional time. This extension will allow for a more complete transition period for the new Senior City Attorney who started on September 9, 2019, and for completion or near completion of other matters Attorney Elias is working on for the City.
Budget or Fiscal Impact: No funding for this amendment is required.
Staff
Approved by: Stephen K. Postema, City Attorney
Body
Whereas, The Senior Assistant City Attorney previously assigned to the Public Services Area resigned as of July 3, 2019;
Whereas, That position was filled as of September 9, 2019;
Whereas, Former Chief Assistant City Attorney Abigail Elias was willing to come back and assist the City as of July 1, 2019 and her contract was extended until April 1, 2020;
Whereas, The transfer of knowledge from Abigail Elias to assist the new attorney is not yet complete;
Whereas, Attorney Elias is also working on several matters, including contracting and small cell facilities issues, and the Gelman matter, which require her continued expertise;
Whereas, It is in the City’s interest to have her continue this work to as near completion as possible;
Whereas, Attorney Elias’s continued service to the City is necessary and beneficial; and
Whereas, The agreement for Attorney Elias needs to be extended until the funds remaining under the agreement are depleted, which is anticipated to be on or before June 1, 2020;
RESOLVED, That the attached amendment to the temporary employment agreement with Abigail Elias to extend its duration until the funds remaining under the agreement are depleted is approved; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator, Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the amendment to the contract.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor