Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. for Legal Services Relative to Sustainability Initiatives ($85,000.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to approve a Professional Services Agreement with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. in the amount of $85,000 for FY2023 for specialized legal services related to A2ZERO and sustainability related initiatives.
On June 1, 2020, City Council unanimously adopted the A2ZERO carbon neutrality plan (www.a2zero.org <http://www.a2zero.org>). Achieving a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality, as outlined in the plan, raises many unique legal issues and opportunities. Given this, the City Attorney selected Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. as the law firm to provide legal services because of the firm's experience, expertise, and familiarity with the specialized legal issues.
The initial annual contract was for $50,000 (R-21-235) which was amended to $85,000 to meet the City’s needs in this area (R-21-1913). The attached agreement with Rivenoak Law Group is for legal services to support A2ZERO and sustainability related efforts in Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023), to address additional specialized work on energy regulations and opportunities, green rental housing, streetlighting reliability rules, building and home energy performance options, and other energy-related actions, and the corresponding compensation for this work.
Staff believe $85,000 for FY2023 is the appropriate level for continued funding support based on work being undertaking and completed to date. As an example, the City leans on Rivenoak and has found their support critical in advancing the landfill solar project, rate case interventions, progress in the Voluntary Green Pricing program, support for potential virtual Power Reduction Agreements and creation of a carbon reduction offering, support with creation of a PPA contract vehicle for solar at City facilities, and support with zoning and building code assessments. Going forward, these services will continue to be in high demand as the City looks to implement the A2ZERO plan
The City Attorney recommends approval of this Professional Services agreement with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. in the amount of $85,000.00 for FY2023 for additional specialized legal services to support the City's A2Zero and sustainability initiatives.
Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. complies with the City of Ann Arbor's Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for this Agreement is available in the approved FY2023 Sustainability and Innovations budget within the County Mental Health Millage Fund.
Staff
Prepared by: Atleen Kaur, City Attorney
Reviewed by: Missy Stults, Office of Sustainability and Innovation Director
Approved by: Milton Dohoney,Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, There are many unique legal issues related to the core strategies in the A2ZERO carbon neutrality plan and the City’s sustainability efforts;
Whereas, Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. is well qualified to provide legal services on the legal issues relating to the City’s A2Zero and sustainability initiatives and has provided legal services to the City previously;
Whereas, The City has continued need for legal support related to its sustainability projects through the upcoming fiscal year and thereafter;
Whereas, Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. complies with the City of Ann Arbor’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances;
Whereas, The City has been working with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. on numerous legal issues over the last year and a half and is satisfied with the quality and responsiveness of the services provided;
Whereas, The funding is available within the approved FY2023 budget of the Sustainability and Innovations Office County Mental Health Millage Fund and will be budgeted in future years;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a Professional Services Agreement with Rivenoak Law Group P.C., in the amount of $85,000.00 for FY2023 for continued specialized legal services to support the City’s sustainability initiatives;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $8,500 to be paid from the Sustainability and Innovations Office County Mental Health Millage fund subject to City Administrator approval;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to extend this Agreement for three additional one-year periods on terms provided for in the Agreement and subject to the availability of funds; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take any necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.