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File #: RES 25-425    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Mayor's Office
In control: City Council
Final action: 3/12/2025
Title: Appointing and authorizing the execution of a Master Legal Services Agreement with Kutak Rock LLP.
Sponsors: Cheniqua Johnson

Title

Appointing and authorizing the execution of a Master Legal Services Agreement with Kutak Rock LLP.

Body

WHEREAS, Saint Paul City Charter § 5.02 authorizes the City, upon request of the City Attorney in the case of special or unusual circumstances, to appoint outside counsel to represent the City; and

 

WHEREAS, the City is in need of special counsel to provide bond counsel and related public finance legal services (“Legal Services”); and

 

WHEREAS, the City Attorney hereby requests and recommends the appointment of outside counsel due to the above-articulated needs; and

 

WHEREAS, currently the law firms of Ballard Spahr LLP and Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd., are the only outside law firms providing Legal Services to the City in its bond and public finance activities; and

 

WHEREAS, to update the panel of outside law firms, the City Attorney’s Office (“CAO”) researched interest and qualifications for Legal Services for both the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota (“HRA”) and the City; and

 

WHEREAS, the CAO evaluated the qualifications of various law firms and based on careful evaluation and interviews of selected law firms, the CAO recommends that the City engage the law firm of Kutak Rock LLP; and

 

WHEREAS, the CAO is hereby submitting to the City for approval a master legal services agreement (“Master Legal Services Agreement”) with Kutak Rock LLP for a duration of approximately eleven (11) months commencing February 3, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025, with an optional one-year renewal period; a copy of the Master Legal Services Agreement is on file in the office of the HRA Executive Director; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED pursuant to Saint Paul City Charter § 5.02 and upon the request and recommendation of the City Attorney, the Council of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota does hereby appoint the law firm of Kutak Rock LLP as special counsel for the purpose of providing Legal Services and authorizes the appropriate City officials to enter into and execute the Master Legal Services Agreement in the form on file in the office of the HRA Executive Director. The City Attorney is directed and authorized to take all actions necessary to implement this resolution.

 

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