Title
title
A Resolution Approving the Engagement of Attorneys/Law Firms for Legal Services to be Performed on Behalf of the Village of Oak Park for the 2026 Fiscal Year
..end
Introduction
overview
Since 2012, it has been standard protocol for the Village Manager to bring all engagements for contractual legal services to the Village Board for authorization in the event that through the course of a calendar year, the costs of services were to exceed $50,000.
end
body
Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has previously approved similar items for FY 2025 (RES-24-349 & RES 25-216), FY 2024 (RES 24-106), FY 2023 (RES 22-297), FY 2022 (RES 21-322), FY 2021 (RES 21-52); FY 2020 (RES 20-017), FY 2019 (RES 19-53), FY 2018 (RES 18-756), FY 2017 (RES 17-463), FY 2016 (RES 16-100), FY 2015 (RES 15-215 & RES 15-125).
Background
Pursuant to Section 2-5-1 of the Oak Park Village Code, the Village Manager is authorized to employ legal counsel for the various needs of the Village. The Village Board is further authorized to approve the engagement of independent contractors for the purpose of handling specific legal matters per Section 2-6-1 of the Code which requires all contracts over $50,000 to be authorized by the Village Board. The request for authorization is being presented in the event that the total cost for hourly services would exceed $50,000 for any individual firm. The engaged firms provide representation to the Village in labor negotiations, employment matters, prosecution of traffic offenses, defense of Workers’ Compensation matters, to serve as bond and disclosure counsel, and to provide general legal services.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Budget Impact
The fiscal year 2025 budget provides funding for contractual legal services in the General Fund in account #1001-41070-101-530667 (External Support).
Staffing Impact
The use of external support for these specialized areas of the law eases the workload on in-house attorneys and support staff so that they may be more responsive to the needs of Village Departments and staff.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Advantages:
• This action will allow for the continued representation of the Village in various matters by counsel with specialized expertise and qualifications.
• This action eases the burden on in-house staff and frees them up to directly address other areas of concern by their client units.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this option.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can decline to adopt the Resolution.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this Alternative.
Disadvantages:
• Counsel currently engaged on matters for the Village may lack authorization to continue said representation.
• This action will require further staff, time, and resource allocation by in-house attorneys.
• This action will result in the diversion of staff resources, time and, and attention to other matters handled by the Law Department.
Anticipated Future Actions
This is an annual re-authorization by the Board of Trustees.
Prepared By: Tony S. Fioretti, Assistant Village Attorney
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution