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Report regarding a resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a Legal Services Agreement with Redwood Public Law LLP and for Sky Woodruff to continue serving as City Attorney. (Sharon Ranals, City Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council consider adopting a resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a Legal Services Agreement with Redwood Public Law LLP and for Sky Woodruff to continue serving as City Attorney.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In July 2019, the City Council appointed Sky Woodruff as City Attorney. At that time, Mr. Woodruff was a Principal at the law firm Meyers Nave. The City Council first approved an agreement for legal services with Meyers Nave in 1994, and attorneys at the firm have served as City Attorney since then. Steve Mattas, also a Principal at Meyers Nave, has served as both City Attorney and Interim City Manager.
Meyers Nave attorneys have thus been providing legal services to South San Francisco for decades. Mr. Woodruff informed the City in early February that he and Mr. Mattas, along with other Meyers Nave Principals and attorneys, would be forming a new law firm called Redwood Public Law and leaving Meyers Nave. Redwood Public Law is a law firm that is focused on public agency representation and will include, in addition to Mr. Woodruff and Mr. Mattas, a number of other attorneys that serve as City Attorneys for cities throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The team of attorneys that primarily provide legal services to the City will be joining them, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service.
The City Council met in closed session on February 14, 2024 to discuss Mr. Woodruff’s transition. Staff have brought forward the attached resolution and agreement to authorize legal services to be provided by Redwood Public Law, and for Mr. Woodruff to continue serving as City Attorney. As a matter of due diligence, the attached agreement has been reviewed by outside counsel to ensure reasonability, consistency, and anything detrimental to the City by inclusion or omission.
Mr. Woodruff is an experienced attorney who has served as city attorney to various cities for over two decades and served as City Attorney for South San Francisco for approximately four and a half years. Over that period of time, Mr. Woodruff has consistently provided outstanding and timely legal services to the City, managing the full range of legal issues the City faces.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no direct fiscal impacts as a result of the City approving the proposed agreement as the rates for legal services are unchanged.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
This action supports Strategic Initiative #3, Financial Stability, as having top notch legal services reduces the City’s risks and contributes to successful operations and negotiations which improve the City’s financial position.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council consider adopting the attached resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a legal services agreement with Redwood Public Law LLP and for Sky Woodruff to continue serving as City Attorney.