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.
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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 co...
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