Title
Extending the appointment of Iverson Reuvers as Special Counsel for purposes of providing legal advice, counsel, and representation in civil lawsuits involving the City.
Body
WHEREAS, Section 5.02 of the Charter of the City of Saint Paul provides that in any case of special or unusual circumstances, the City Council, upon the request of the City Attorney may appoint special counsel to assist in providing for the legal business of the City; and
WHEREAS, due to issues including, a continued temporary staffing shortage within the Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office, the City Attorney’s Office lacks sufficient legal staff to provide the City of Saint Paul with timely representation necessary for the effective defense of civil lawsuits asserted against the City; specific legal expertise and/or due to conflicts in representation; and
WHEREAS, the City is a named defendant in several civil lawsuits involving assessment appeals, civil rights, personal injury, administrative, employment, data practices, bankruptcy and other claims; and
WHEREAS, the provision of legal advice, counsel and representation in civil lawsuits involving municipal liability in assessment appeals, civil rights, personal injury, administrative, employment, data practices, bankruptcy and other claims requires specialized and technical expertise for which the law firm of Iverson Reuvers is uniquely qualified in terms of expertise, experience, and skill; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney seeks City Council approval for the continued appointment of the law firm of Iverson Reuvers to serve as special counsel for the purpose of providing advice, counsel, and representation to the City of Saint Paul in these areas.
WHEREAS, Iverson Reuvers has served as Special Counsel since entering into a contract with the City of Saint Paul on May 29, 2024.
WHEREAS, since May 29, 2024, Iverson Reuvers has incurred at or near the cap of $325,000 in legal fees.
WHEREAS, the City Attorney seeks Cit...
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