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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2010-01-11 #LDATE: January 11, 2010 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Oc vavid Carmany, City Manager SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS WITH JONES & MAYER AND BLAYLOCK INVESTIGATIONS, INC. SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Authorize and approve attached contracts. BACKGROUND: The City handles all matters of personnel on the basis of merit so that fairness and impartiality govern personnel decisions. In disciplinary matters, the City has an affirmative duty to investigate the merits of the matter pursuant to applicable law. In order to assure fairness and impartiality during the investigation it is often best to use outside professional services. Likewise, the City Attorney may need assistance from Special Counsel with respect to such matters. Jim Blaylock is a licensed California Private Investigator who conducts complex personnel investigations for the public and private sectors. Types of investigations conducted include discrimination; police and fire department internal affairs; and expert witness testimony. Jones & Mayer provides employment matter advice and representation to public entities. Approval of these contracts will allow the City to conduct personnel investigations as the need arises. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The rates range from $175 -$350 per hour, plus limited reimbursable expenses. A budget amendment is being requested by separate action. (Budget Amendment No. 10- 07 -01) RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 5960 (Jones & Mayer) and Resolution No. 5961 (Blaylock) and authorize the City Manager to sign the attached contracts. A. Resolutions No. 5960 (Jones & Mayer) and Resolution No. 5961 (Blaylock) B. Contracts for Professional Services (2) Agenda Item L RESOLUTION NUMBER 5960 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEAL BEACH CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE AGREEMENT FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY AND JONES & MAYER WHEREAS, the City endeavors to handle all matters of personnel on the basis of merit so that fairness and impartiality govern decisions pertaining to appointments, pay adjustments, promotions and discipline; and WHEREAS, from time to time the City has the need for special counsel services in the area of personnel and human resources; and WHEREAS, the City is authorized and empowered to employ counsel in the performance of its duties and functions. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Seal Beach does hereby resolve: Section 1. The Council hereby approves the agreement with Jones & Mayer dated December 18, 2009 and directs the City Manger to execute the agreement. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Seal Beach at a regular meeting held on the 11th day of January , 2010 by the following vote: AYES: Council Members NOES: Council Members ABSENT: Council Members ABSTAIN: Council Membe Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk STATE OF CALIFORNIA } COUNTY OF ORANGE } SS CITY OF SEAL BEACH } 1, Linda Devine, City Clerk of the City of Seal Beach, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is the original copy of Resolution Number 5960 on file in the office of the City Clerk, passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting held on the 11th day of January , 2010. City Clerk RESOLUTION NUMBER 5961 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEAL BEACH CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE AGREEMENT FOR SPECIAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH AND BLAYLOCK INVESTIGATIONS, INC. WHEREAS, the City endeavors to handle all matters of personnel on the basis of merit so that fairness and impartiality govern decisions pertaining to appointments, pay adjustments, promotions and discipline; and WHEREAS, from time to time the City has the need for professional investigative services in the area of personnel and human resources; and WHEREAS, the City is authorized and empowered to employ consultants and specialists in the performance of its duties and functions. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Seal Beach does hereby resolve: Section 1. The Council hereby approves the agreement with Blaylock Investigations, Inc. dated December 18, 2009 and directs the City Manager to execute the agreement. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Seal Beach at a regular meeting held on the 11th day of January , 2010 by the following vote: AYES: Council Members NOES: Council Members ABSENT: Council Members ABSTAIN: Council Members Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk STATE OF CALIFORNIA } COUNTY OF ORANGE } SS CITY OF SEAL BEACH } I, Linda Devine, City Clerk of the City of Seal Beach, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is the original copy of Resolution Number 5961 on file in the office of the City Clerk, passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting held on the 11th day of January , 2010. City Clerk De -. , 2C0 9 ;:3?Pt, 11�. x:44 ;� P, 2 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT between City of Seal Beach 211 - 8th Street Seal Beach, CA 90740 Jones & Mayer 3777 North Harbor Boulevard Fullerton, CA 92835 This Professional Service Agreement ( "Agreement ") is made as of December 18, 2009, by and between Jones & Mayer ( "W ") and the City of Seal Beach ("City "), a California charter city, (collectively, "the Parties "). 1;94001_1(2) In consideration of the Parties' performance of the promises, covenants, and conditions stated herein, the City and JM agree as follows: Scope of Services JM shall provide special counsel legal services ( "Services ") on an as- needed basis as requested by the City Attorney in a timely and professional manner in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, and according to the standards and ethics in the legal profession. 2. Independent Contractor City retains JM on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee. JM will determine the means, methods and details of performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. Any personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of JM are not employees of City and shall at all times be under IM's exclusive direction and control. JM shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in connection with its performance of Services under this Agreement and as required by law. JM shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance. Designated Representatives A. JM hereby designates Martin J, Mayer to act as its representative. B. City hereby designates the City Attorney to act as its representative, 4. Compensation A. Professional Services City shall pay JM at the rate of $225 per hour for attorneys, and $125 for paralegals, for all services rendered. JM will charge in increments of one tenth of an hour, rounded off for each particular activity to the nearest one tenth of an hour. The minimum time charged for any particular activity will be one tenth of an hour. B. Expenses City shall reimburse JM for mileage incurred in performing the Services at $,45 cents per mile and messenger service fees. C. Billin . JM shall submit to the City Manager a monthly itemized statement that indicates work performed, hours of services rendered and all reimbursable expenses incurred in connection with the services. City shall pay in full all approved fees and expenses within 30 days of the City's receipt of the itemized statement. 1194001_1(2) Dec, ' 2CO9 — ) :37rLi \3. 6!411 F. 4 5. Schedules and Deadlines JM shall meet any schedules and deadlines established by the City. 6. Indemnity JM shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents and employees, from and against any and all claims or losses caused by any negligent or willful act, error or omission of JM or any person employed by JM in the performance of this Agreement. 7. Representation of Adverse Interests JM represents that the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California require the City's informed written consent before an attorney may begin or continue to represent the City when the attorney has had a relationship with another party interested in the subject matter of the attorney's proposed representation of the City. City and JM are not aware of any potential conflicts and have discussed the issue in detail. JM will consult with City in accordance with the requirements of the Rules of Professional Conduct as to any new matters assigned to JM after the entering of this Agreement regarding any potential conflicts of interest relating to such new matters. 8. Notices All notices shall be in writing and shall be considered effective when deposited in the U.S. mail and addressed to the appropriate party at the address noted below: Address: Martin J. Mayer Jones & Mayer 3777 North Harbor Boulevard Fullerton, CA 92835 Address: City Manager David Carmany City of Seal Beach 211 8' Street Seal Beach, California 90740 -6305 9. Insurance A. JM shall obtain and maintain in full force and effect a professional liability insurance policy that provides coverage in an amount not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence and $7,000,000 aggregate. Such insurance may be subject to a self - insured retention or deductible to be borne entirely by JM. B. JM shall obtain and maintain workers' compensation insurance in accordance with Section 3700 of the California Labor Code, 1194001_1(2) 3 n ^^1� n Uzi, L��i �:� p G� V i\ 1 '4 11 p 3. l'.4 -.0 1 C. JM agrees to notify City in the event the limits of its insurance should fall below the coverages stated in this paragraph or if the insurance policies noted here are allowed to lapse and substitute insurance is not obtained. 10. Entire Agreement & Modification. This Agreement shall constitute the entire Agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all prior or contemporaneous Agreements or communications (oral or written), and may not be modified except by a Agreement in writing dated subsequent to the Effective Date and signed on behalf of both parties by their respective authorized representatives. 11. Resolution of Fee Disputes The City is entitled to require that any fee dispute be resolved by binding arbitration pursuant to applicable arbitration rules for legal fee disputes. In the event that the City chooses not to utilize the Orange County Bar Association's arbitration procedures, all disputes regarding the professional services rendered or fees charged by JM shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Los Angeles to be conducted by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its commercial arbitration rules. 12. General Provisions A. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions will be given full force and effect. B. This Agreement will be governed by and construed, interpreted, applied and enforced according to the laws of California, including California law relating to choice of law. C. If either party commences an action against the other party, either legal, administrative or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to have and recover from the losing patty all of its attorney's fees and other costs incurred in connection with such action. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto, through their respective authorized representatives have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written. Jones & Mayer t , i By: Richard D. kfies, Esq. Dated: December 18, 2009 City of Seal Beach By :" David Carmany - Citep Manager, City of Seal Beach Dated: 1194001_1(2) 4 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT between City of Seal Beach 211 - 8th Street Seal Beach, CA 90740 0 BLAYLOCK INVESTIGATIONS, INC. 1001 Avenida Pico, Suite C -298 San Clemente, CA 92673 949 - 922 -8711 This Professional Service Agreement ( "Agreement ") is made as of December 18, 2009 (the "Effective Date "), by and between Blaylock Investigations, Inc. ( "CONSULTANT "), a California corporation, and the City of Seal Beach ( "City "), a California charter city, (collectively, "the Parties "). investigation (Blaylock) final.12.22.09.DOC In consideration of the Parties' performance of the promises, covenants, and conditions stated herein, the City and CONSULTANT agree as follows: 1. Scope of Services CONSULTANT shall provide confidential investigative services ( "Services ") in a timely, professional and workman-like manner in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, and according to the standards and ethics in the industry as established by the California Secretary of State, Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Investigative Services. CONSULTANT shall perform the services called for under this Agreement, keep City informed of progress and developments, and respond promptly to City's inquiries and communications. 2. Independent Contractor CONSULTANT will determine the means, methods and details of performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. City retains CONSULTANT on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee. CONSULTANT retains the right to perform similar or different services for others during the term of this Agreement, provided such work does not conflict or interfere with CONSULTANT's obligations under this Agreement. Any personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of CONSULTANT are not employees of City and shall at all times be under CONSULTANT's exclusive direction and control. CONSULTANT shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in connection with their performance of Services under this Agreement and as required by law. CONSULTANT shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance. CONSULTANT agrees to pay all required taxes on amounts paid to CONSULTANT under this Agreement, and to indemnify and hold City harmless from any and all taxes, assessments, penalties, and interest asserted against City by reason of the independent contractor relationship created by this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall fully comply with the workers' compensation law regarding CONSULTANT and CONSULTANT's employees, if any. CONSULTANT further agrees to indemnify and hold City harmless from any failure of CONSULTANT to comply with applicable workers' compensation laws. City shall have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to CONSULTANT under this Agreement any amount due to City from CONSULTANT as a result of CONSULTANT's failure to promptly pay to City any reimbursement or indemnification arising under this Section 2. 3. Designated Representatives A. CONSULTANT hereby designates James Blaylock to act as its representative. Blaylock shall be primarily responsible for the investigation in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and will conduct all interviews. CITY is retaining CONSULTANT in reliance on Blaylock's special investigation (Blaylock) final.12.22.09.DOC 2 expertise and experience. Thus, Blaylock shall personally perform all of the services required under this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall not hire any subcontractor or third party to provide or perform the services required under this Agreement. B. Special Counsel Martin J. Mayer of the law firm of Jones and Mayer will provide legal advice to CONSULTANT in connection with the investigation. 4. Compensation A. Professional Services City shall pay CONSULTANT at the rate of $120.00 per hour for all services rendered. CONSULTANT will charge in increments of one tenth of an hour, rounded off for each particular activity to the nearest one tenth of an hour. The minimum time charged for any particular activity will be one tenth of an hour. B. Ex enses City shall reimburse CONSULTANT for reasonable out -of- pocket expenses incurred during the investigation, including but not limited to travel expenses, parking fees, and costs incurred in connection with messenger services and overnight delivery. City will reimburse CONSULTANT at the rate of $.55 cents per mile. Any voluminous copying in excess of 200 pages will be billed at Investigator's actual cost. Any transcription services required will be billed at $4.00 per page. If the City Manager has provided his prior, written approval, City will also reimburse CONSULTANT for any other reasonable and necessary costs incurred by CONSULTANT (e.g., airfare, hotels, rental cars, database searches). C. Billing CONSULTANT shall submit to the City Attorney a monthly itemized statement that indicates work performed, hours of services rendered and all reimbursable expenses incurred in connection with the investigation. City shall pay in full all approved fees and expenses within 30 days of the City's receipt of the itemized statement. 5. Schedules and Deadlines CONSULTANT shall meet any schedules and deadlines established by the City. 6. Indemnity. CONSULTANT shall indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents (collectively "Indemnitees ") free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, in any manner arising out of or incident to any acts, omissions or willful misconduct of CONSULTANT, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and contractors arising out of or in connection with the performance of the services or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all consequential damages and attorneys fees and other related costs and expenses. CONSULTANT shall defend, at CONSULTANT's own cost, expense and risk, any and all such aforesaid suits, actions or other legal proceedings of investigation (Blaylock) final.12.22.09.DOC 3 every kind that may be brought or instituted against Indemnitees. CONSULTANT shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against Indemnitees in any such suit, action or other legal proceeding. CONSULTANT shall reimburse Indemnitees, for any and all legal expenses and costs incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided. CONSULTANT's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by CONSULTANT or Indemnitees. 7. Notices All notices shall be in writing and shall be considered effective when deposited in the U.S. mail and addressed to the appropriate party at the address noted below: Address: James Blaylock Blaylock Investigations, Inc. 1001 Avenida Pico, Suite C -298 San Clemente, CA 92673 Address: City Clerk's Office City of Seal Beach 211 8`" Street Seal Beach, California 90740 -6305 8. Insurance CONSULTANT shall, at its expense, procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement the following insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Agreement, by CONSULTANT, its agents, representatives, or employees, and provide to the City Clerk a certificate of insurance documenting the following insurance: (1) Errors and Omissions Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence; and (2) Automobile Liability: $250,000 /$500,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. The Errors and Omissions policy shall contain a standard separation of insureds provision and name the City as an additional insured. In addition, such insurance shall not contain any special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the City, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers. Any deductibles or self - insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. At its sole discretion, the City may require: (1) the insurer to reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self - insured retentions as respects the City, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers; or (2) the CONSULTANT to procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigation costs, claims and administrative and defense expenses. investigation (Blaylock) final.12.22.09.DOC 4 9. Confidentialitv The City shall provide CONSULTANT access to any relevant, non - privileged information requested by CONSULTANT. CONSULTANT shall not disclose any information regarding the investigation to anyone other than Special Counsel or the City Attorney. CONSULTANT shall not, without the prior written consent of the City Attorney, use such materials for any purposes other than the performance of the Services. CONSULTANT shall not use City's name or insignia, photographs of City property or facilities, or any publicity pertaining to the Services in any magazine, trade paper, newspaper, television or radio production or other similar medium. 10. Assimmen CONSULTANT shall not assign, hypothecate, or transfer, either directly or by operation of law, this Agreement or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the City. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void, and any assignees, hypothecates or transferees shall acquire no right or interest by reason of such attempted assignment, hypothecation or transfer. 11. Entire Agreement & Modification. This Agreement shall constitute the entire Agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all prior or contemporaneous Agreements or communications (oral or written), and may not be modified except by a Agreement in writing dated subsequent to the Effective Date and signed on behalf of both parties by their respective authorized representatives. 12. Termination The City may terminate this Agreement with or without cause by providing notice at least 3 days prior to the effective date of termination. CONSULTANT may terminate this Agreement with or without cause by providing notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date of termination. 13. General Provisions A. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions will be given full force and effect. B. This Agreement will be governed by and construed, interpreted, applied and enforced according to the laws of California, including California law relating to choice of law. C. If either Party commences an action against the other Party, either legal, administrative or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, investigation (Blaylock) final.12.22.09.DOC 5 the prevailing Party in such litigation shall be entitled to have and recover from the losing Party all of its attorney's fees and other costs incurred in connection with such action. D. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto, through their respective authorized representatives have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written. Blaylock Investigation, Inc. City of Seal Beach e ffbyames Blaylock by David CarrAany President City Manager Dated: fZ�2L/y!q Dated: /, JD - lZ5 investigation (Blaylock) final. 12.22.09.130C 6