Title
a. Authorize the County Counsel to execute a Renewal and Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement for Specialized Attorney Services (“Agreement”) with the Law Offices of Kelly Wachs, P.C., for independent consulting and legal services with respect to employment-based immigration law matters for the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, retroactive to July 1, 2024, adding three years (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027) for a revised full term April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027, and adding $23,000 for a total agreement amount not to exceed $30,000; and
b. Authorize the County Counsel to execute one future amendment to this Agreement where the future amendment does not exceed $8,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $38,000 and does not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the County Counsel to execute a Renewal and Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement for Specialized Attorney Services (“Agreement”) with the Law Offices of Kelly Wachs, P.C., for independent consulting and legal services with respect to employment-based immigration law matters for the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, retroactive to July 1, 2024, adding three years (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027) for a revised full term April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027, and adding $23,000 for a total agreement amount not to exceed $30,000; and
b. Authorize the County Counsel to execute one future amendment to this Agreement where the future amendment does not exceed $8,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $38,000 and does not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Law Offices of Kelly S. Wachs, P.C, assists the County of Monterey in navigating the complex immigration process related to employment. Located in Aptos, California, the law firm provides County departments with services related to obtaining temporary work visas or visas for permanent residence in the United States for their employees. The District Attorney’s Office seeks the law firm’s assistance with H-1B visas and permanent residence applications.
This work supports the District Attorney’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Goals to promote justice, ensure that the rights of victims are upheld by treating them with dignity, respect, and compassion, and aggressively and fairly prosecuting those who violate the law.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form. Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
Sufficient funds are available in the FY 2023-2024 Adopted Budget. There is no financial impact to the General Fund resulting from approval of this Agreement.
The County of Monterey has a current contract with the Law Offices of Kelly S. Wachs, P.C, on behalf of Natividad Medical Center, with a total liability of $310,000. Board approval of this Agreement for services to the District Attorney’s Office is necessary because the total aggregate liability of the County’s two agreements with the law firm exceed the signing authority of the County Counsel under the Monterey County Code.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Bruce Suckow, Finance Manager, Ext. 5259
Approved by: Jeannine M. Pacioni, District Attorney, Ext. 5470
Attachments:
A. Renewal and Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with the Law Offices of Kelly S. Wachs, P.C.
B. Agreement with the Law Offices of Kelly S. Wachs, P.C.