Agenda

Return

C. 27

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Sharon L. Anderson, County Counsel
Date:	January 23, 2018

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Approval of Contract for Specialized Professional Services

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 01/23/2018

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:	Mary Ann Mason, (925) 335-1800
cc:	Mary Ann Mason, Chief Assistant County Counsel Moscone Emblidge & Otis, LLP (via County Counsel) Bob Campbell, Auditor-Controller David Twa, County Administrator Kathy Gallagher, Director, EHSD

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: January 23, 2018
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the County Counsel, or designee, to execute, on behalf of Contra Costa County, a contract for specialized professional services with Moscone Emblidge and Otis, LLP.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Services will be billed at hourly rates not to exceed $350.00 per hour and will be charged 100% to the General Fund.

BACKGROUND:

A lawsuit has been filed against the County, the Board of Supervisors, the Employment and Human Services Department, and its Director, seeking a writ of mandate. The lawsuit, captioned Paul Cruciani and Peter Bellici v. County of Contra Costa, et al., Contra Costa Superior Court Case No. MSN17-2091, alleges legal deficiencies in the operation of the County’s General Assistance Program. The law firm of Moscone Emblidge and Otis, LLP has specialized expertise in the area of public assistance law and litigation. It is anticipated that the services of Moscone Emblidge and Otis, LLP will be of assistance in defending the County against the lawsuit.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

The County will be unable to obtain the firm's services.