Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-107, ratifying the engagement of Hyde Kelly, LLP to provide Special Counsel Legal Services, including Legal Ethics Consulting, with a not-to-exceed limitation of $50,000; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Mayor Pro Tem David Reid, Councilwoman Tina Bennett-Burton, Councilwoman Lupe Gonzalez
BACKGROUND:
At the request of three City Council Members, the City Manager has retained an independent outside legal counsel to provide legal services related to Council governance matters. The requesting Council Members expressed that an independent review of the City’s ethics processes by outside legal counsel would help promote public confidence in the City's ethics processes by providing an objective evaluation and minimizing any perception or claims of bias; therefore, an independent assessment is in the best interest of the City as it evaluates its existing ethics procedures and considers any potential improvements.
Following a review of qualified municipal law firms with significant experience in municipal governance and ethics, Hyde Kelley LLP was determined to be well qualified to provide the requested legal services based on its experience representing local governments throughout Texas. Accordingly, staff engaged with Hyde Kelley LLP, a Merit Certified law firm recognized by the Texas City Attorneys Association, an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League (TML), with extensive experience representing Texas municipalities and advising local governments on governance, ethics, and municipal law matters.
The firm's Managing Partner, George Hyde, will serve as the attorney-in-charge for this engagement. Mr. Hyde has represented local governments for more than 25 years and has extensive experience advising city councils, boards, commissions, and other governmental entities on ethics, governance, and related legal matters.
DISCUSSION:
The City Manager has the administrative authority to retain outside legal counsel when necessary to carry out municipal operations, and the anticipated cost of this engagement is currently within the City Manager's contracting and purchasing authority. Although the City Manager possesses the authority to execute this engagement administratively, staff believe it is appropriate to present the matter to the City Council for consideration because the legal services relate directly to City Council governance and Council functions rather than just the routine administrative operations. Additionally, while the initial engagement is within the City Manager's approval authority, the total cost of the services may approach $50,000 depending on the scope of work ultimately requested.
Presenting the engagement for City Council approval promotes transparency, reinforces public confidence, and provides clear authorization for retaining independent outside legal counsel to assist with matters affecting the governing body. Consideration of the engagement in an open meeting also ensures the Council has the opportunity to affirm the scope of services and associated expenditure for matters directly involving Council governance.
Approval of Resolution No. 2026-107 authorizes and ratifies the City Manager's engagement of Hyde Kelley, LLP to provide the specialized legal services described in the accompanying agreement and authorizes the expenditure of funds in accordance with the approved contract.
George Hyde will be present at the meeting to answer any questions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not to exceed $50,000.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-107 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-107, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-107