Agenda

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C.91

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Legislation Committee
Date:	February 24, 2009

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Contract Extension for Representation on Indian Gaming Issues

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 02/24/2009

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

L. DeLaney, 5-1097

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: February 24, 2009
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the County Administrator, or designee, to execute a contract amendment/extension with Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller and Naylor to extend the term from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009 with no increase in the payment limit for advice and legal representation on Indian Gaming issues, as recommended by the Legislation Committee.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No impact as the contract amount is unchanged.

BACKGROUND:

The law firm of Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller and Naylor (“Nielsen Merksamer”) has extensive experience with Indian Gaming issues. Cathy Christian, the primary consultant, is a nationally recognized expert on Indian Gaming issues and has represented Contra Costa, Yolo, Sonoma, Marin, Amador and Tulare counties. Prior to joining the firm of Nielsen Merksamer, Ms. Christian served in the California Attorney General's office, where she was a senior advisor to the Attorney General on gambling and Indian law and was General Counsel to the California Horse Racing Board. Ms. Christian is also Contra Costa County’s lead legislative advocate in Sacramento, and so has an excellent understanding of the County.

Indian Gaming continues to be a significant issue for the County. Since March 2005, under this contract, Ms. Christian’s advice and guidance has been invaluable in advancing the Board’s policy positions on Indian Gaming.