Staff Report
PREPARED BY: ROBERT SCHULTZ
TOWN ATTORNEY
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/19/2017
ITEM NO: 5
DATE: DECEMBER 10, 2017
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR LEGAL SERVICES IN AN
AMOUNT OF $35,000 FOR LITIGATION DEFENSE IN THE MATTER OF EDEN
HOUSING INC., SUMMERHILL HOMES LLC, AND GROSVENOR USA LIMITED
V. TOWN OF LOS GATOS FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED
AMOUNT OF $135,000
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize additional compensation for legal services in an amount of $35,000 for litigation
defense services in the Matter of Eden Housing Inc., Summerhill Homes LLC, and Grosvenor
USA Limited v. Town of Los Gatos for a total contract not to exceed amount of $135,000.
BACKGROUND:
In October 2016, the Town Council authorized the Town Attorney and Town Manager to enter
into an agreement with the law firm Richards, Watson, and Gershon to provide litigation
defense services in the Matter of Eden Housing Inc., Summerhill Homes LLC, and Grosvenor
USA Limited v. Town of Los Gatos for a total contract not to exceed amount of $100,000.
DISCUSSION:
The Town Attorney’s Office is seeking Town Council approval for authorization for an additional
amount of $35,000 for a total sum of $135,000 for litigation defense services in the matter of
Eden Housing Inc., Summerhill Homes LLC, and Grosvenor USA Limited v. Town of Los Gatos.
The additional $35,000 was needed to oppose the Petitioners’ Motion for Attorney’s Fees and
Costs and to prepare the Return of the Writ for the Court.
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SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
AGREEMENT WITH RICHARDS, WATSON, AND GERSHON TO PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR LEGAL SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT OF
$35,000 FOR A TOTAL AGREEMENT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $135,000
DECEMBER 10, 2017
CONCLUSION:
The requested increase will allow for the payment of all legal services related to the completed
North Forty litigation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the services will be requested during the Town’s mid -year review.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.