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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 3982-04-2011A Resolution NO. 3982 -04 -2011 Authorizing Employment of Outside Legal Counsel for Assistance to the City Attorney's Office in Connection with Redistricting WHEREAS, the 2010 Federal census reflects a thirty -eight and six - tenths percent (38.6 %) increase in the population of the City of Fort Worth; and WHEREAS, because the growth is not evenly distributed throughout the City, it is necessary to redraw City Council District boundaries; and WHEREAS, because this project involves specialized and complex legal issues, it is necessary to retain outside legal counsel to assist the City; and WHEREAS, Alan J. Bojorquez and the Bojorquez Law Firm, PLLC, have expertise in the legal processes and State and Federal law requirements concerning redistricting; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS: I. That pursuant to Chapter VI, Section 3, of the City Charter, Alan J. Bojorquez and the Bojorquez Law Firm, PLLC, are hereby employed to provide legal services to the City in relation to redrawing City Council District boundaries. II. That, as far as practicable, the compensation to be paid to Alan J. Bojorquez and the Bojorquez Law Firm, PLLC, for their services is hereby fixed in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00. Adopted this 12th day of April 2011. ATTEST: By: —� - - -- -- ---- - - - - -- -- Marty Hendrix, City Secretary ORT WO TRI 'r APPROVED CITY COUNCIL APR 12 2011 City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 4/12/2011 - Res, No. 3982 - ©4 -2011 DATE: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 LOG NAME: 12BOJORQUEZ REFERENCE NO.: * *G -17256 SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution Retaining Alan J. Bojorquez and the Bojorquez Law Firm, PLLC, as Outside Counsel on Legal Issues Related to Redistricting and Elections for a Fee Not to Exceed $15,000.00 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Retain Alan J. Bojorquez and the Bojorquez Law Firm, PLLC, as outside counsel, pursuant to Chapter VI, Section 3 of the City Charter, to assist the City Attorney on legal issues related to redistricting and elections; and 2. Adopt the attached resolution fixing in advance, as far as practicable, that the amount of compensation to be paid to Alan J. Bojorquez and the Bojorquez Law Firm, PLLC, for their services will not exceed $15,000.00. DISCUSSION: The 2010 census revealed that the City's population has increased thirty eight and six tenths percent (38.6 percent) since the 2000 census. This growth has occurred unevenly across the City. Therefore, the City is required to redraw the single- member district boundaries to more evenly distribute the City's population across these districts. Staff is beginning the process of redrawing City Council district boundaries based on the 2010 census. The City's Planning and Development Department will provide Geographic Information System (GIS) services and will be responsible for the public participation portion of the redistricting process. The City Attorney's Office will provide the bulk of legal advice necessary for the redistricting process, but will from time -to -time, need expert legal advice in order to insure the City's redistricting plan will meet all requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended. Alan J. Bojorquez has extensive experience in redistricting and election matters. Because of the importance of the redistricting process, the City Attorney recommends that Mr. Bojorquez and the Bojorquez Law Firm, PLLC, be employed to assist the Law Department from time -to -time with redistricting and election issues. FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION: The Financial Management Services Director certifies that funds are available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, of the General Fund. FUND CENTERS: Logname: 12BOJORQUEZ Page 1 of 2 TO Fund /Account/Centers FROM Fund /Account/Centers GG01 538110 0121000 $15,000.00 CERTIFICATIONS: Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Originating Department Head: Additional Information Contact: ALL ACMs (6222) Sarah Fullenwider (7606) Charlene Sanders (7611) Logname: 12BOJORQUEZ Page 2 of 2