HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2509-5182CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Monday, September 29, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
11.Authorization to Execute Amendment to Legal Services Contract S24190674 with Jeffrey
Oneal dba Rankin Oneal to Increase Amount by $85,000 for Total Not-to-Exceed Amount
of $170,000; CEQA Status – Not a Project.
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Attorney
Meeting Date: September 29, 2025
Report #:2509-5182
TITLE
Authorization to Execute Amendment to Legal Services Contract S24190674 with Jeffrey Oneal
dba Rankin Oneal to Increase Amount by $85,000 for Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $170,000;
CEQA Status – Not a Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Attorney or designee to amend the contract for litigation defense
services with the law firm of Jeffrey Oneal dba Rankin Oneal (Contract S24190674) to increase
the contract amount by $85,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $170,000.
BACKGROUND
In April 2023, the City entered into a three-year agreement (S24190674) in the amount
of $85,000 with Jeffrey Oneal dba Rankin Oneal for defense services in the case of McGavock v.
City of Palo Alto, et al. Santa Clara County Case No. 23-CV-413813. Staff now seeks authority to
increase the contract amount by $85,000 which will bring the new not to exceed amount to
$170,000. This matter is scheduled for jury trial in October. The amendment is expected to fund
legal services through trial.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for this amendment does not require additional budgetary authority as it can be
accommodated within existing funding allocated to the City Attorney’s Office as part of the FY
2026 Adopted Operating Budget.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The City Attorneys Office works closely with the City Manager and department personnel on
dispute resolution and defense.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Amendment of a legal services contract is not a project requiring environmental review
under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (See CEQA Guidelines
15378(b)(5), administrative activities that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in
the environment).
APPROVED BY:
Molly Stump, City Attorney