HomeMy WebLinkAbout05(G) - Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Enter into a Contract Renewal for Civil Legal Services with Campbell Knutson, P.A.u t'rl /2[;:\ - ?CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT :So'\�ITEM: SG
MEETING DATE:
PREPARED BY:
PRESENTED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
November 20, 2023
Jason Wedel, City Manager
Jason Wedel
Resolution Authorization of the Mayor and City Manager to Enter
into a Contract Renewal for Civil Legal Services with Campbell
Knutson, P.A. and Continuing with David Kendall as Primary City
Attorney
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for civil legal
services with Campbell Knutson, P.A. and continuing with David Kendall as primary City Attorney.
BACKGROUND:
The City went through a solicitation process for legal assistance in 2021. The City received five
proposals for legal representation and ultimately selected the firm of Campbell Knutson. The
primary attorney that was assigned to the City from Campbell Knutson was initially Shana Conklin.
However, several months after contracting with Campbell Knutson Ms. Conklin left the firm and
David Kendall stepped in to replace her. Mr. Kendall is a principal with Campbell Knutson and
has been with the firm for nearly six years.
Mr. Kendall has served the City well for the past two years and staff would recommend continuing
to contract with him for City Attorney services. Attached is the proposed contract agreement for
City Council consideration.
Minnesota Statutes 412.651, Subd 3. Appointment of personnel. Provides," ... the appointment
and removal of the attorney shall be subject to the approval of the council." This statutory provision
recognizes that the city attorney is in the unique position of working both for the city council and
city manager at the same time. With this exception, all other personnel appointments are made
by the city manager.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Campbell Knutson, P.A. rates charged for services have not been adjusted and have been
flat for the past two years. The proposed rate for 2024 is $190 per hour for attorneys and $95 per
hour for paralegal and law clerk. Pass-through legal services and expenses will also be incurred.
Moving forward, the rates charged will be increased annually per the fee schedule included within
the agreement for a three-year period. At the end of the three-year period, the rates will be
reevaluated and brought back to the City Council for consideration.
ALTERNATIVES:
City of Prior Lake I 4646 Dakota Street SE I Prior Lake MN 55372
Item 5G
Page 12
1.Motion and second as part of the consent agenda to enter into a contract with Campbell
Knutson, P.A. and renewing the appointment of David Kendall as primary City Attorney.
2.Motion and second to remove the contract with Campbell Knutson, P.A. for additional
discussion.
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Resolution -Approve Authorization of the Mayor and City Manager to Enter into a
Contract Renewal for Civil Legal Services with Campbell Knutson, P.A. and Continuing
with David Kendall as Primary City Attorney