Title
a. Authorize County Counsel to execute a Renewal and Amendment Number 3 to Agreement (A-16236) 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 Natividad Medical Center, extending the agreement one year (retroactive to July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027) for a revised full agreement term of April 10, 2021, through June 30, 2027, and adding $100,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $410,000; and
b. Authorize County Counsel to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($10,000) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $420,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize County Counsel to execute a Renewal and Amendment Number 3 to Agreement (A-16236) 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 Natividad Medical Center, extending the agreement one year (retroactive to July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027) for a revised full agreement term of April 10, 2021, through June 30, 2027, and adding $100,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $410,000; and
b. Authorize County Counsel to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($10,000) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $420,000.
SUMMARY:
The Law Office 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. Natividad Medical Center seeks the law firm’s continued assistance with H-1B visas, employment-based visas for permanent residence., and I-140 adjustments of status.
DISCUSSION:
Kelly Wachs and her associates have provided consistent reliable guidance and exceptional results in an area of law subject to rapid changes and developments. Amendment of the law firm’s agreement was delayed until after expiration of the agreement in order to meet AB 339 notice requirements before circulating the renewal and amendment for County reviews and approvals.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Renewal and Amendment Number 3 as to legal form. Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to fiscal provisions. The Renewal and Amendment Number 3 has also been reviewed and approved by Natividad’s Finance Committee and by its Board of Trustees on September 4, 2026.
FINANCING:
The cost for this renewal and amendment is $100,000, of which $100,000 will be included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Adopted Budget. Amounts for remaining years of the agreement will be included in those budgets as appropriate.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement is for the provision of employment-based immigration law matters. This agreement directly assists Natividad in maintaining legally required staffing levels for patient care and safety.
__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for Present and Future
__ Safe and Resilient Communities
__Diverse and Thriving Economy
X_ Administrative
Prepared by: Stacy L. Saetta, Chief Deputy County Counsel, 755-5045
Approved by: Nancy Buscher, Interim Chief Executive Officer, 783-2553
Attachments:
Board Report
Renewal and Amendment No. 3 to Specialized Services Agreement with Law Offices of Kelly S. Wachs
Amendment No. 2 to Specialized Services Agreement with Law Offices of Kelly S. Wachs
Amendment No. 1 to Specialized Services Agreement with Law Offices of Kelly S. Wachs
Law Office of Kelly S. Wachs Original Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board