Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John D. Nibbelin, County Attorney
Subject: Seventh Amendment to Agreement with Hanson Bridgett LLP to provide outside legal services in connection with real property law and negotiations
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing a seventh amendment to the agreement with Hanson Bridgett LLP, increasing the maximum amount payable by $300,000, to an amount not to exceed $925,000.
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BACKGROUND:
In November 2021 the County Attorney’s Office entered into an agreement with Hanson Bridgett LLP (Hanson Bridgett) to provide legal advice, consultation and representation in connection with real property law and project entitlements, and project delivery related matters for school districts and other Office clients. The original agreement (Agreement) was for the term of November 10, 2021 through December 31, 2022, and authorized an amount up to $100,000. The parties subsequently amended the Agreement to increase the maximum amount payable to $200,000. On June 14, 2022, this Board authorized a second amendment to increase the maximum amount payable to $300,000. On October 18, 2022, this Board authorized a third amendment to increase the maximum amount payable to $400,000 and extend the term through June 30, 2023. On December 6, 2022, the parties amended the Agreement to increase the maximum amount payable to $425,000. On January 31, 2023, this Board authorized a fifth amendment to update the hourly rates and increase the maximum amount payable to $525,000. On June 13, 2023, this Board authorized a sixth amendment to increase the maximum amount payable to $625,000.
DISCUSSION:
The County Attorney’s Office supports school district clients, including the Ravenswood City School District and the Jefferson Union High School District, in pursuing development projects on property owned by these districts.
Since 2021, Hanson Bridgett has provided with the County specialized legal support to address complex real property and entitlement-related issues for school district clients, in addition to assisting in developing and implementing negotiation strategies and documents for contemplated development projects. Given the technical nature of the issues referred to Hanson Bridgett and the firm’s familiarity with both projects, that firm is uniquely qualified to efficiently provide the services described in the Agreement. The remaining services include support for securing project entitlements, California Environmental Quality Act review representation at public hearings, and completion of negotiation of ground lease and other transaction documents.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
FISCAL IMPACT:
The value of the amendment is $300,000. There is no fiscal impact to the County budget, as the client school districts are responsible for funding the services called for in the Agreement.