Title
Resolution to Approve an Agreement with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. for Legal Services Related to Energy and Sustainability ($50,000.00)
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 $50,000.00 for legal services in support of the Office of Sustainability and Innovations. Such legal services will primarily include supporting proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission and advising on energy-related policies. 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 is offering to continue providing legal services 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 approved Fiscal Year 2026 Office of Sustainability and Innovations budget.
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. has agreed to provide legal services to the City at a significantly discounted rate;
Whereas, The funding for these legal services is available within the approved budget of the Office of Sustainability and Innovations;
Whereas, City staff recommends approval of the Agreement with Rivenoak Law Group, P.C. for legal services, which will primarily include supporting the City’s efforts in proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission and advising on energy-related matters; 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 energy and sustainability in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 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