AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2020-46R, approving the appointment of the Law Firm Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, P.C. as special counsel during Fiscal Year 2020 to advise the Ethics Review Commission as required when the Commission receives a complaint against a member of City Council or one of the City Council’s appointees; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: March 3, 2020
Department: City Attorney
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $20,000
Account Number: 10001108.52270
Funds Available: $20,000
Account Name: Special Counsel
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: None
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Background Information:
Section 2.445 of the San Marcos City Code requires the city council to approve appointment of an independent outside attorney to serve as special counsel to the Ethics Review Commission (ERC) when a complaint is filed alleging that a member of the city council or a council appointee has violated the San Marcos Code of Ethics or a state conflict of interest law.
Complaints are currently pending that require the appointment of special counsel to represent the ERC.
Staff recommends the appointment of the firm of Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, PC to represent the ERC with regard to the pending complaints and any others that may be filed. As stated in the attached resolution and in the fee proposal, the total to be paid to the firm for fees and expenses shall not exceed $20,000 without city council approval.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.