To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Counsel
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
First Amendment to the Attorney-Client Fee Agreement with Gordon-Creed, Kelly, Holl, Angel & Sugerman, LLP Regarding the Provision of Legal Services Related to Representation of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services in Connection with Juvenile Dependency Appellate Litigation on an As-Needed Basis (4/5 Vote Required)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Interim County Counsel, or a designee thereof, to execute, the attached first amendment to the attorney-client fee agreement with Gordon-Creed, Kelly, Holl, Angel & Sugerman, LLP regarding the provision of legal services related to the representation of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services in connection with juvenile dependency appellate litigation on an as-needed basis (4/5 vote required); and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) certified copy of the Board Order pertaining to this item to the Humboldt County Counsel’s Office.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund (1160)
DISCUSSION:
On June 28, 2022 (Item D-18), the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) approved the current attorney-client fee agreement with Gordon-Creed, Kelly, Holl, Angel & Sugerman, LLP (“GKHAS”) regarding the provision of legal services related to the representation of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) in connection with juvenile dependency appellate litigation. The attached first amendment to the attorney-client fee agreement with GKHAS will expand the scope of services provided thereunder to include representation in various juvenile dependency related matters on an as-need basis.
Accordingly, the County Counsel’s Office recommends that the Board approve, and authorize the Interim County Counsel, or a designee thereof, to execute, the attached first amendment to the attorney-client fee agreement with GKHAS regarding the provision of legal services related to the representation of DHHS in connection with juvenile dependency appellate litigation on an as-needed basis.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The legal services provided pursuant to the terms and conditions of the attorney-client fee agreement with GKHAS will be compensated at hourly rates ranging from $130 to $325 per hour. The attached first amendment to the attorney-client fee agreement with GKHAS will not increase the hourly rates of compensation set forth therein.
Expenditure appropriations related to the attached first amendment to the attorney-client fee agreement with GKHAS have been included in the recommended fiscal year 2022-23 budget for DHHS - Social Services budget unit 1160-508. As a result, approval of the attached first amendment to the attorney-client fee agreement with GKHAS will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by enforcing laws and regulations to protect residents.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached first amendment to the attorney-client fee agreement with GKHAS regarding the provision of legal services related to the representation of DHHS in connection with juvenile dependency appellate litigation on an as-needed basis. However, this alternative is not recommended since it will severely impact County Counsel’s ability to provide adequate legal services.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. First Amendment to the Attorney-Client Fee Agreement with Gordon-Creed, Kelly, Holl, Angel & Sugerman, LLP Regarding the Provision of Legal Services Related to Representation of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services in Connection with Juvenile Dependency Appellate Litigation on an As-Needed Basis Dated June 30, 2022
2. Attorney-Client Fee Agreement with Gordon-Creed, Kelly, Holl, Angel & Sugerman, LLP Regarding the Provision of Legal Services Related to Representation of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services in Connection with Juvenile Dependency Appellate Litigation on an As-Needed Basis Dated June 30, 2022
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-9; D-18
Meeting of: 06/26/2018; 06/28/2022
File No.: 18-625; 22-836