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The firm proposed Amanda Johnson as the primary attorney for the City of Little Canada. Ms. <br />Johnson received her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. <br />Ms. Johnson joined LeVander, Gillen & Miller, PA in 2020 and was hired specifically due to her <br />previous land development experience in the private sector. Ms. Johnson currently serves as the <br />City Attorney for the cities of Forest Lake and South St. Paul. <br />AGREEMENT: <br />Following the July 24 direction from the City Council to negotiate an agreement with LeVander, <br />staff reviewed an initial agreement. Provided below is a high-level overview of the agreement: <br />Term of the Agreement <br />The Agreement shall be through August 31, 2027. Either party may terminate with sixty (60) <br />days written notice. <br />“Matters” Definitions <br />General matters include appearances at City Council meetings, providing legal opinions, <br />research, ordinance drafting and general civil legal work. <br />Special matters include all development-related work where the city is reimbursed, and any <br />litigation initiated by the city of third parties not covered by the League of Minnesota Cities <br />Insurance Trust. <br />Fees, Charges, and Billing <br />LeVander will bill the city monthly. Initially, LeVander proposed a 3% annual increase, however <br />staff was able to negotiate a flat rate for 2024 and 2025, with a 3% increase beginning January 1, <br />2026. All time is billed in minimum increments of one-tenth (0.1) of an hour. Detailed monthly <br />bills will be provided. <br />BUDGET: <br />With the increase in hourly rates, there will be a budgetary impact for the remainder of 2024 and <br />2025. Staff has anticipated and included a modest increase for the 2025 budget. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Staff recommends the City Council approve the Civil Legal Services Agreement between the <br />City of Little Canada and LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A., See Attachment A. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />•Attachment A: Civil Legal Services Agreement between the City of Little Canada and <br />LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A