HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4095-06-2012A Resolution
NO. 4095 -06 -2012
AUTHORIZING THE EMPLOYMENT OF DAVID D'ALESSANDRO
AND THE LAW FIRM OF VINSON & ELKINS, L.L.P.,
AS OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNSEL TO ASSIST THE CITY
IN PENSION RELATED ISSUES
WHEREAS, the City Manager is in the process of reviewing and preparing recommendations to
the City Council to improve the health of the City of Fort Worth Employees Retirement Fund; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager requested assistance from the City Attorney's Office regarding
legal issues related to reductions in employee pension benefits; and
WHEREAS, because of the extraordinary complexity of this area of law, the City Manager
recommended that the City retain outside legal counsel with knowledge and expertise in matters
involving pension law; and
WHEREAS, David D'Alessandro and the law firm Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P., possesses the
required knowledge and expertise in pension law;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, THAT:
1.
The City Attorney is hereby authorized to retain David D'Alessandro and the law firm of Vinson
& Elkins, L.L.P., as outside legal counsel pursuant to Chapter VI, Section 3, of the City Charter for
assistance with matters related to potential reductions in employee pension benefits.
2.
That the City be authorized to compensate Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P., in an amount not to exceed
an amount of $75,000.00.
Adopted this 12`x' day of June, 2012.
ATTEST:
B y: - --
Mary Kayser, ity Secretary
Im
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 6/12/2012 - Resolution No. 4095 -06 -2012
DATE: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 REFERENCE NO.: G -17614
LOG NAME: 12VINSON & ELKINS PENSION COUNSEL
SUBJECT:
Adopt Resolution Authorizing the Employment of David D'Alessandro and the Law Firm of Vinson & Elkins,
L.L.P., as Outside Counsel, in the Amount Not to Exceed $75,000.00 to Assist the City in Pension Related
Issues (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the retention of David
D'Alessandro and the law firm of Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P., as outside legal counsel to represent the City in
matters related to employee pension benefit reductions.
DISCUSSION:
The City Manager is in the process of reviewing and preparing recommendations to the City Council to
improve the health of the City of Fort Worth Employees Retirement Fund. The recommendations may
include benefit reductions for future and current employees. Recommendations to modify employee
pension benefits must be made in accordance with Article 16, Section 66, of the Texas Constitution, and
Article 62431 of the Texas Revised Civil Statutes.
The City Manager's Office requested assistance from the City Attorney's Office regarding legal issues
related to employee pension benefit reductions. Due to the extraordinary complexity of this area of the
law, the City Manager recommended that the City retain outside legal counsel with extensive knowledge
and expertise in public pension law.
David D'Alessandro, a partner with Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P., has experience in a wide range of benefit
matters, including pension, and has agreed to represent the City. Chapter VI, Section 3 of the City Charter
requires the City Council to approve the retention of any outside legal counsel for assistance to the City
Attorney. Accordingly, it is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution for retention
of David D'Alessandro and the law firm of Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P., to represent the City in matters related
to potential reductions in employee pension benefits. The City Attorney's Office will use in -house attorneys
where possible to minimize the expenditure of funds for outside counsel.
Legal fees are not expected to exceed $75,000.00.
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:
TO Fund /Account/Centers FROM Fund /Account/Centers
Logname: 12VINSON ELKINS PENSION COUNSEL Page 1 of 2
CERTIFICATIONS:
Submitted for City Manager's Office by:
Originating Department Head:
Additional Information Contact:
Logname: 12VINSON ELKINS PENSION COUNSEL
GG01 531200 0901100
Susan Alanis (8180)
Sarah Fullenwider (7606)
Laetitia Brown (6639)
$75,000.00
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