pages_fts: 18692
This data as json
rowid | text |
---|---|
18692 | understanding of the Council's direction. The City Attorney stated that the direction from the Council was to provide a proposal that addresses issues regarding the Charter, Council oversight in order to provide a threshold to limitation of the City Attorney's current budgeting authority, and to address other issues discussed, i.e., an RFQ panel of attorneys. Chair Johnson stated the Council does not intend to limit the dollar amount; the Council could spend $800,000 on one case; the focus is on hiring outside counsel. The Acting City Manager stated that sometimes it is not known how much money will be necessary for hiring outside attorneys in cases where the City gets sued; usually there is a proposal from a consultant advising what the cost will be when other departments hire consultants; the Council would like to be advised who the outside counsel would be. Chair Johnson stated it is not necessary to have a dollar amount in contracts; the Council needs to be advised who the attorney is that would handle the matter. Councilmember Daysog stated that it is not in the interest of the public for the Council to be involved in every single hiring decision; there should be a threshold. Vice Mayor Gilmore stated that the Council does not want to be involved in every single hiring decision. Chair Johnson stated there would be a greater awareness and sensitivity to hiring outside counsel; there have been instances where the Council has questioned why outside counsel was hired; the issue is not a dollar limit; stated the Council could discuss the type of issues that should involve the Council; the City Attorney could address the matter in her proposal. Councilmember deHaan requested a summary of litigation and the estimates for finalization; requested that the Council receive advanced notice when the amount of a consultant's contract is anticipated to increase. Councilmember deHaan stated that all managers should be able to provide the Council with an on-going ledger. Chair Johnson stated that the task of providing the ledger to the Council should not be burdensome; requested that the City Attorney Special Joint Community Improvement Commission and Alameda Reuse and 7 Redevelopment Authority Meeting June 28, 2005 |