Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Valeria Acevedo, City Attorney
Contact Info
(830) 221-4281 - vacevedo@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval to authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the contract with the Law Offices of Ryan Henry, PLLC for legal representation in matters involving an administrative ADAA complaint, and for review and analysis of related City policies and procedures.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
This firm was retained to represent the City on an administrative ADAA complaint which did not result in physical injury that was alleged to have occurred at Das Rec in 2019. The alleged basis of the complaint is that a nonverbal toddler age child with disabilities was treated differently by staff than other children at the childcare area of the facility. (ADA Complaint #20-DRS-06-15, 3TX1206, Thompson v. DAS Rec) In addition to mediation and ongoing negotiations with the mediator and the complainant, the City is also have this firm assist in revising applicable ADAA policies and procedures to improve the City’s ability to meet the requirements of the law. The original contracted work is nearing the $25,000 limit on the city manager’s legal authority per the City Charter so at this time the contract requires City Council approve to continue with this agreement and finalize the complaint negotiations and other ADAA related services being provided by this legal team.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is currently funding allocated for outside legal services in the FY 2021 City Attorney’s Office General Fund budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the contract.