HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5361-03-2021 A Resolution
NO. 5361-03-2021
Authorizing Employment of David Mendez and
Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP as Outside Legal Counsel
for Assistance to the City Attorney's Office in Connection with Redistricting
WHEREAS every ten years following completion of the Constitutionally
mandated United States Census, the City of Fort Worth analyzes its population and
redraws the boundaries of the various single-member Council districts; and
WHEREAS the 2020 United States Census is anticipated to reflect a
significant increase in the population of the City of Fort Worth, which growth is
not evenly distributed throughout the City; and
WHEREAS in 2016, voters of the City of Fort Worth approved an
amendment to the City Charter to increase the number of City Council persons to
eleven (11) following the completion of the 2020 Census, further complicating the
upcoming redistricting process; and
WHEREAS it is necessary to hire outside legal counsel with redistricting
expertise to assist the City Attorney's Office in assuring that the City's
redistricting efforts comply with all federal law; and
WHEREAS David Mendez and other attorneys at Bickerstaff, Heath,
Delgado, Acosta LLP have extensive expertise representing governmental entities
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, David Mendez
and Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP, 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 Bickerstaff,
Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP for their services is hereby fixed in an amount not to
exceed $35,000.00.
Adopted this 9"' day of March 2021.
ATTEST:
O�FpRT 1,1,0'A
By:
Mary J. Kayser, City Secretary ''
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 03/09/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0171
LOG NAME: 12REDISTRICTINGCOUNSEL
SUBJECT
(ALL)Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Employment of David Mendez and Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado,Acosta LLP as Outside Legal Counsel for
Assistance to the City Attorney's Office in Connection with Redistricting
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing employment of David Mendez and Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado,
Acosta LLP as outside legal counsel for assistance to the City Attorney's Office in connection with redistricting the City of Fort Worth's single
member districts following the United States 2020 Census.
DISCUSSION:
Every ten years following completion of the constitutionally-mandated United States Census,the City of Fort Worth analyzes its population and
redraws the boundaries of the various single-member Council districts. The United States 2020 Census is anticipated to reflect a significant
increase in the population of the City of Fort Worth,which growth is not evenly distributed throughout the City.
Further,in 2016,voters of the City of Fort Worth approved an amendment to the City Charter to increase the number of City Council persons to
eleven following the completion of the 2020 Census,which has the effect of adding two new council districts,further complicating the upcoming
redistricting process.
Therefore,it is necessary to hire outside legal counsel with redistricting expertise to assist the City Attorney's Office in assuring that the City's
redistricting efforts comply with all federal law. Pursuant to Chapter VI,Section 3,of the City Charter,the City Council must approve the hiring of
outside counsel. David Mendez and other attorneys at Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado,Acosta LLP have extensive expertise representing
governmental entities in the legal processes and State and Federal law requirements concerning redistricting,and the City Attorney's Office
recommends the City Council approve their hiring in an amount not to exceed$35,000.00.
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the recommendations,funds are available in the current operating budget,as appropriated,
of the General Fund and that,prior to an expenditure being made,the participating department has the responsibility to validate the availability of
funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: ALL ACMs 6222
Originating Business Unit Head: Sarah Fullenwider 7623
Additional Information Contact: Sarah Fullenwider 7623
Leann Guzman 8973
Expedited