pages: CityCouncil/2005-07-19.pdf, 26
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2005-07-19 | 26 | can spend $35,000 without Council approval inquired whether the City Attorney would bring the matter to the City Council if the total estimate of the litigation expense is more than $35,000. The City Attorney responded in the affirmative; stated a large case would have to go to Council; the proposal has a number of additional restrictions for a smaller case, such as a sidewalk trip and fall i that she could only pick from a pre-qualified panel; if there is a slip and fall with a cost estimate of $15,000, the City Attorney would review the matter and provide the Council notice, financial reports, and cost estimates; outside counsel would be selected from the panel. Mayor Johnson stated there are small cases that should be handled in house; the City has five attorneys and should not farm out a $15,000 trip and fall case; insurance adjustors handle said cases in the private sector; the City should not use outside counsel for little cases that should be handled in house; the City has five staff attorneys and spends a lot of money on outside counsel; the staffing level should be reviewed if every $15,000 trip and fall is farmed out. The City Attorney stated the proposal is to deal with one issue; there is a process in place for reviewing performance and management goals for the utilization of outside counsel going forward so that the Council establishes performance standards and expectations of the City Attorney's office; that she hears the Council; that the matter is a budget issue; the City Attorney's office will do more with less, try to do more litigation in house and work with the Council to establish the balance that the Council wants between five attorneys. Mayor Johnson stated that she did not want to address the balance and how it would be established; further stated that she would prefer $25,000 [as the threshold]. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether $35,000 is for each matter. Mayor Johnson responded in the affirmative; stated that [$35,000] is what the City Attorney is proposing. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether there is a period of time. The City Attorney responded there are lots of time periods: notice within 24 hours, budget within 35 days, and quarterly financial reports. Councilmember Matarrese stated for practical terms and Charter Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 26 July 19, 2005 | CityCouncil/2005-07-19.pdf |