pages: CityCouncil/2005-07-19.pdf, 24
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CityCouncil | 2005-07-19 | 24 | amount to get the ball rolling since Council meets every two weeks ; the empowerment lasts only until the next Council meeting and the matter is discussed if the amount would be higher, which is why he was asking about the $35,000; using said amount is acceptable if the amount can carry the day; the Council has to meet its Charter obligation to empower the City Attorney based on the threshold if there is a much larger case. Mayor Johnson stated that she does not have a problem with said suggestion; $35,000 [could be spent until the next Council meeting; at the next Council meeting, the Council would vote to hire the outside counsel inquired whether Councilmember Matarrese was making said suggestion. Councilmember Matarrese stated to use the language in the Charter, it empowers the City Attorney to employ outside counsel. Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the City Attorney has $35,000 to spend; for example, a lawsuit comes in, the City Attorney can spend $35,000, notifies the Council by e-mail, etc. and at the next Council meeting, the Council gets a status report. Mayor Johnson stated the hiring of the attorney that the City Attorney is suggesting would be brought to Council at its next meeting. Vice Mayor Gilmore stated the City Attorney could not do so when the City is sued. Mayor Johnson stated that the City could always change attorneys; that she assumes the Council would approve the attorney that the City Attorney suggests. Vice Mayor Gilmore inquired whether said suggestion means that the attorney has not started work yet. Mayor Johnson responded in the negative; stated the City Attorney can spend $35,000 until the next Council meeting, when the hiring of outside counsel comes to the Council for approval. Councilmember deHaan noted said suggestion differs from the City Attorney's proposal in the staff report stated if the reporting segment is actively working, Council can monitor and get in the middle of things right off the bat if something goes astray; that he does not have enough questions to make drastic changes; the City Attorney can be given $35,000, or the amount can be dropped down to $20,000, to get started; Councilmembers will receive a report the threshold can be changed if two or three go astray. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 24 July 19, 2005 | CityCouncil/2005-07-19.pdf |