02-15-2000 - Interim City AttorneyLA
* Memorandum
TO: . City Manager and City -Council
FROM: Artie Fields; Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY
AGENDA
ITEM NO. -J-4b--
DATE 2-15-00
SUMMARY: This staff report seeks City Council approval to extend the terms of the
existing contract with the Deputy City Attorney for the purposes of
serving as the City's Interim City Attorney.
BACKGROUND:
On February 9, 2000 the City Council accepted the resignations of the City Attorney and RDA
Attorney. As a result, the City Council requested that Colin Lennard, Deputy City Attorney, serve
as the Interim City Attorney for a period not to exceed 45 days. During this period, the City
Council intends to execute a contract for services to hire a permanent City Attorney and
Redevelopment Agency Attorney.
DISCUSSION:
In order to conduct the business of the City with sound legal advice, the City Council has
requested that Colin Lennard serve as Interim City Attorney for a period not to exceed 45 days.
In this capacity, Collin Lennard will serve as general legal counsel to the City and
Redevelopment Agency.
An Interim City Attorney will allow the City to c ontinue to keep the numerous existing legal
issues moving forward. If the City Council does not approve this action, major projects could be
delayed or placed on hold until permanent City and Redevelopment Attorneys are hired.
OPTIONS:
The action before the Council is necessary to carryout their stated intent to hire an Interim City
Attorney. As such, no other options are before the City Council.
FISCALIMPACT:
The City Council approved $275,550 for General.Counsel to the City and $327,000 for General
Counsel to the RDA in the 1999-2000 Fiscal Year Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve an extension to the terms of the Deputy City
Attorney's contract in order to allow Collin Lennard to serve as the City's Interim City Attorney.
Artie Fields
Assistant City Manager