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Sewer Authority extends general counsel agreement through 2029 after board debate
Summary
After discussion about oversight and continuity, the Sewer Authority board authorized its general manager to execute a second amendment extending general counsel services with the firm identified in materials through June 30, 2029, increasing the contract cap to allow continued support during ongoing claims and projects.
The Sewer Authority board voted June 22 to authorize a second amendment to its general counsel agreement, extending the relationship through June 30, 2029 and updating the contract cap.
Staff told the board the proposed amendment would raise the total authorized amount for outside legal services from $650,000 to $1.1 million over the length of the engagement; staff characterized actual annual billing as materially below that cap and said the change aligns with CPI adjustments and budget planning. The extension was presented as a continuity measure to ensure legal support while ongoing claims and other matters are resolved.
Several directors said they preferred a shorter extension (six months) to allow a targeted feedback process and an internal review of counsel performance before committing to a full three years. Others said the contract contains cancellation provisions and that continuity is valuable while litigation and complex projects remain active. Jeremy Rise, identified as general counsel in the meeting, told the board he welcomed feedback and noted that clients in California retain the right to replace counsel at any time.
After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to authorize the general manager to execute the proposed second amendment to the agreement with the law firm as reflected in attachment A. The board approved the motion by roll call.
What happens next: the general manager is authorized to execute the second amendment; the board requested a follow-up process to provide constructive performance feedback to counsel and to meet periodically on expectations.
