CityAK
Posted
Nov 5, 2026
Dec 11, 2026
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS CITY ATTORNEY / MUNICIPAL LEGAL SERVICES RFP No. 2026-01-LEGAL Issue Date: 11-13-2026
CITY OF HOUSTON, ALASKA P.O. Box 940027 • Houston, Alaska 99694-0027 Phone: (907) 892-6869 • Fax: (907) 892-7677 • Email: clerk@houston-ak.gov Website: www.houstonak.us REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS CITY ATTORNEY / MUNICIPAL LEGAL SERVICES RFP No. 2026-01-LEGAL 1. KEY DATES AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION The following schedule is tentative and subject to change by the City of Houston. All times are Alaska Time. Event Date / Time RFP Issued 11-5-2026 Deadline for Written Questions December 1, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. Answers to Witten Questions Posted / Distributed December 4, 2026 Proposal Submission Deadline December 11 by 4:00 p.m. Alaska Time Evaluation Period December 14-18 Interviews (if conducted) December 21-22, 2026, Notice of Intent to Award December 30, 2026 Contract Approval by City Council 1-14-2027 Anticipated Contract Start Date 1-15-2027 Submission Address: Proposals shall be submitted electronically by email to clerk@houston-ak.gov with the subject line "RFP 2026-01-LEGAL - City Attorney Proposal - [Firm/Attorney Name]", or delivered in a sealed envelope marked "City Attorney RFP - Confidential" to the City Clerk's Office, City of Houston, 13878 W Armstrong Road / P.O. Box 940027, Houston, AK 99694-0027. Late proposals will not be considered. Contact for Questions: All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing by email to the City Clerk at clerk@houston-ak.gov. Any questions should be relevant to the RFP process or the legal services to be provided; responses will be distributed to all known proposers and/or posted on the City website. 2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The City of Houston, Alaska (the "City"), a second-class city organized under Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes and located within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, invites qualified attorneys and law firms to submit proposals to provide City Attorney / municipal legal services. Houston is a growing community of approximately 2,100 residents situated along the George Parks Highway and the Little Susitna River, approximately 33 miles north of Anchorage. The City operates under a mayor-council form of government. The Mayor serves as the Chief Administrator pursuant to AS 29.20.220-.280 and Houston Municipal Code (HMC) Chapter 2.04. The City Council consists of seven members elected at-large; the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are selected annually by and from the Council. Pursuant to AS 29.20.360 and HMC provisions governing appointive officers (including HMC 2.16), the City Attorney is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council and serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The duties of the municipal attorney are set forth in AS 29.20.370: "The municipal attorney is the legal advisor of the governing body, and the other officials of the municipality. The municipal attorney represents the municipality as attorney in civil and criminal proceedings. The school board may hire independent counsel when in its judgment independent counsel is needed." This Request for Proposals is issued consistent with the City's purchasing and contracting procedures under HMC Chapter 4.10 (Purchasing and Contracting), which defines professional services to include services provided by an attorney, and authorizes procurement by competitive sealed proposals under HMC 4.10.120 when qualifications and factors other than price are material to selection. The City has determined that competitive sealed proposals are the appropriate method because attorney qualifications, experience in Alaska municipal law, availability, and approach are primary considerations. The City of Houston, has determined that it's in our best interest to follow the recommendation from Alaska Municipal League and the State of Alaska, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Community and Regional Affairs (Local Government Resource Desk - Municipal Attorneys) recommends that municipalities publish notices requesting proposals for municipal attorney services and select counsel based primarily on qualifications and experience, with price as an important but secondary consideration. 3. SCOPE OF SERVICES The selected City Attorney (or firm) shall serve as the legal advisor to the City Council, Mayor (as Chief Administrator), City Clerk, department heads, and other City officials, and shall represent the City in civil and criminal proceedings as required. Services include, but are not limited to: • General Municipal Law Advice. Provide timely legal advice and opinions (written and oral) on matters of Alaska municipal law, the Houston Municipal Code, Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes, Open Meetings Act, public records, conflicts of interest, elections, land use and zoning, public safety, finance, taxation, personnel, and other issues arising in the ordinary course of City business. • Ordinance, Resolution, and Document Drafting. Draft, review, and revise ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, deeds, easements, policies, and other legal documents as requested. • Meeting Attendance. Attend regular and special City Council meetings, work sessions, and other meetings (in person or remotely) as requested by the Mayor or Council. Provide parliamentary and legal guidance during meetings. • Litigation and Administrative Proceedings. Represent the City in civil litigation, administrative hearings, code enforcement matters, and other proceedings. Coordinate with insurance counsel and outside specialists as needed. Prosecute or defend ordinance violations as directed. • Labor and Employment. Advise on personnel matters, employment law, disciplinary actions, and related issues under applicable state and federal law and City policies. • Land Use and Planning. Advise the Planning Commission, Public Works, and Council on land use regulations (HMC Title 10), permitting, variances, appeals, and related matters. • Public Finance and Contracting. Review and advise on procurement under HMC Chapter 4.10, public works contracting, bonding, and related financial matters. • Other Duties. Perform such other legal duties as may be assigned by the Mayor or City Council consistent with AS 29.20.370 and the professional standards of the Alaska Bar Association. The City Attorney shall not represent individual Council members, the Mayor, or City employees in their personal capacities. The City Attorney's client is the City of Houston as a municipal corporation. 4. TERM OF AGREEMENT The initial contract term shall be one (1) year from the effective date of the agreement. The City and the selected attorney/firm may mutually agree, in writing, to extend the agreement for up to five (5) additional one-year periods, for a potential total term of six (6) years. Each extension shall be subject to mutual written agreement of the parties and appropriation of sufficient funds by the City Council. Either party may terminate the agreement for convenience upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice, or for cause upon written notice specifying the default and a reasonable opportunity to cure, consistent with the City's standard professional services terms under HMC Chapter 4.10 and applicable Alaska law. The City Attorney serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority as provided in AS 29.20.360 and HMC 2.16. 5. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To be considered, proposers must meet the following minimum qualifications: • The lead attorney designated to serve as City Attorney must be a member in good standing of the Alaska Bar Association and authorized to practice in all Alaska state courts and the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. • Demonstrated experience (preferably five or more years) providing legal counsel to Alaska municipalities, boroughs, or other local government entities, or substantial equivalent experience in Alaska municipal, administrative, or public law. • Familiarity with Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes, the Open Meetings Act, Alaska public records law, and municipal governance. • Ability to provide timely, responsive service to a small second-class city, including availability for Council meetings (second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m., or as scheduled) and urgent matters. • No conflicts of interest that would impair representation of the City, or a clear plan for identifying and managing any potential conflicts. • Professional liability (malpractice) insurance in amounts satisfactory to the City (minimum recommended $1,000,000 per claim / $1,000,000 aggregate, or as otherwise agreed). 6. PROPOSAL CONTENT AND FORMAT Proposals should be concise, organized, and address the following (suggested maximum 15 pages excluding resumes and attachments): • Cover Letter. Identify the proposer, primary contact, and the individual designated to serve as City Attorney. Confirm willingness to enter into a contract on the terms described herein, including the one-year term with up to five mutual one-year extensions. • Qualifications and Experience. Describe the firm's (or individual's) experience in Alaska municipal law, including specific municipalities or similar clients served. Identify the lead attorney and any supporting attorneys, with brief biographies or resumes focusing on relevant experience. • Approach and Availability. Describe how services will be delivered (in-person, remote, hybrid), typical response times, meeting attendance practices, and capacity to handle the City's anticipated volume of work. • Fee Proposal. Provide a clear fee structure (hourly rates by attorney/paralegal category, any proposed monthly retainer or blended rate, travel and expense policies, and any other charges). Indicate whether rates would remain fixed during the initial term and how any adjustments would be handled in extension years. • References. Provide contact information for at least three current or recent municipal or governmental clients (or equivalent) who can speak to the proposer's performance. • Conflicts and Insurance. Disclose any actual or potential conflicts and describe professional liability insurance coverage. • Sample Work Product (optional). A short sample legal memorandum or ordinance review prepared for a municipal client may be attached. 7. EVALUATION CRITERIA Proposals will be evaluated by a committee designated by the Mayor and/or City Council. Evaluation will be based on the following criteria and relative weights: Criterion Weight Qualifications and experience in Alaska municipal law and local government representation 35% Approach to providing services, availability, responsiveness, and understanding of the City's 20% needs Fee proposal and overall value to the City 25% References and past performance 15% Completeness of proposal and professional presentation 5% The City may conduct interviews with top-ranked proposers. The City reserves the right to negotiate with one or more proposers, to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities, and to award the contract in the best interest of the City. Price is an important factor but is secondary to qualifications and experience, consistent with guidance from the Alaska Municipal League and DCRA. 8. CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS The selected proposer will be required to enter into a written professional services agreement with the City. Key terms will include: • Scope of services substantially as described in this RFP. • Initial one-year term with option for up to five additional one-year extensions by mutual written agreement. • Compensation according to the negotiated fee schedule. • Requirement to maintain professional liability insurance and provide certificates of insurance. • Confidentiality and attorney-client privilege protections consistent with Alaska law and HMC 2.50 (City Records) exemptions for privileged communications and attorney work product. • Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including non-discrimination requirements. • Prohibition on representation of individual Council members, the Mayor, or employees in their personal capacities. • Record-keeping and invoicing requirements satisfactory to the City Clerk/Finance Director. A draft form of agreement may be provided to short-listed proposers or negotiated with the selected proposer. The City's standard contract terms for professional services under HMC Chapter 4.10 will apply unless otherwise agreed. Contracts exceeding $20,000 require City Council approval of essential terms pursuant to HMC 4.10.060. 9. GENERAL CONDITIONS • This RFP does not commit the City to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal, or to procure or contract for services. • All proposals become the property of the City and are subject to public disclosure under Alaska public records law, subject to any applicable exemptions for proprietary or confidential information that is clearly marked and legally protectable. • The City reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFP at any time. • Proposers are responsible for examining this RFP and all related documents and for informing themselves of all conditions that may affect the performance of the services. • By submitting a proposal, the proposer certifies that it has not colluded with any other proposer and that the proposal is made without connection to any other person or firm making a proposal. • Local preference or other preferences under HMC 4.10.190, if applicable, will be applied in accordance with the Code. 10. AUTHORITY AND REFERENCES This solicitation is issued under the authority of: • Alaska Statutes Title 29, particularly AS 29.20.360 (Appointment of officials) and AS 29.20.370 (Municipal attorney); • Houston Municipal Code, including Chapter 2.04 (City Council), Chapter 2.16 (Appointive Officers), Chapter 2.50 (City Records - attorney-client privileges), and Chapter 4.10 (Purchasing and Contracting, including competitive sealed proposals under HMC 4.10.120); • Guidance of the Alaska Municipal League and the State of Alaska, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Community and Regional Affairs, Local Government Resource Desk - Municipal Attorneys, recommending that municipalities publish notices requesting proposals for municipal attorney services and select counsel based primarily on qualifications and experience, with price as an important but secondary consideration. The City of Houston looks forward to receiving proposals from qualified attorneys and firms interested in serving as City Attorney. Questions should be directed in writing to the City Clerk as set forth above. Issued by: *** ** * ** *** Mayor, Carter R. Cole City of Houston, Alaska Date: ____________________ Attest: *** ** * ** *** City Clerk PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT CITY ATTORNEY / MUNICIPAL LEGAL SERVICES RFP No. 2026-01-LEGAL This Professional Services Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the ____ day of ______________, 20____ (the "Effective Date"), by and between: CITY OF HOUSTON, ALASKA, a second-class city organized under Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes, with its principal offices at 13878 W. Armstrong Road, P.O. Box 940027, Houston, Alaska 99694-0027 (the "City"); and _______________________________________________ ("Attorney" or "Firm"), with its principal place of business at _______________________________________________ (together with the City, the "Parties"). In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: 1. APPOINTMENT AND SCOPE OF SERVICES 1.1 Appointment: Pursuant to AS 29.20.360, AS 29.20.370, and Houston Municipal Code (HMC) Chapter 2.16, the City hereby engages Attorney to serve as City Attorney for the City of Houston, Alaska. Attorney is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council and serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority, subject to the terms of this Agreement. 1.2 Designated City Attorney: The individual designated to serve as the City Attorney under this Agreement is _________________________________ (the "Designated Attorney"). Attorney may utilize other attorneys and professional staff of the Firm under the supervision of the Designated Attorney, provided that the Designated Attorney remains primarily responsible for the quality and continuity of services. 1.3 Scope of Services: Attorney shall provide general counsel legal services to the City as its municipal attorney, including but not limited to the following: a. Serve as the legal advisor to the City Council, Mayor (as Chief Administrator), City Clerk, department heads, and other City officials on matters of Alaska municipal law, the Houston Municipal Code, Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes, the Open Meetings Act, public records, conflicts of interest, elections, land use and zoning, public safety, finance, taxation, personnel, and other issues arising in the ordinary course of City business. b. Prepare, review, and revise ordinances, resolutions, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, deeds, easements, policies, and other legal documents as requested by the City. c. Attend regular and special City Council meetings, work sessions, and other meetings (in person or remotely) as requested by the Mayor or City Council, and provide parliamentary and legal guidance during such meetings. d. Represent the City in civil litigation, administrative hearings, code enforcement matters, and other proceedings. Coordinate with insurance counsel and outside specialists as needed. Prosecute or defend ordinance violations as directed. e. Advise on labor and employment matters, including personnel actions, disciplinary proceedings, and compliance with applicable state and federal employment law and City policies. f. Advise the Planning Commission, Public Works Department, and City Council on land use regulations under HMC Title 10, permitting, variances, appeals, and related matters. g. Review and advise on procurement and contracting under HMC Chapter 4.10, public works contracting, bonding, and related financial matters. h. Perform such other legal duties as may be assigned by the Mayor or City Council consistent with AS 29.20.370 and the professional standards of the Alaska Bar Association. 1.4 Client Relationship: Attorney's client is the City of Houston as a municipal corporation. Attorney shall not represent individual City Council members, the Mayor, or City employees in their personal capacities. Attorney shall not provide legal advice to members of the public on City matters except as authorized by the Mayor or City Council. 1.5 Independent Contractor: Attorney is an independent contractor and not an employee of the City. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship. Attorney shall be solely responsible for all taxes, withholdings, and benefits related to its personnel. 2. TERM 2.1 Initial Term: The initial term of this Agreement shall be one (1) year, commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the first anniversary of the Effective Date, unless earlier terminated as provided herein. 2.2 Extension Options: Upon mutual written agreement of the Parties, this Agreement may be extended for up to five (5) additional one-year periods (each an "Extension Term"). Each Extension Term shall be subject to: (a) mutual written agreement of the Parties executed prior to the expiration of the then-current term; and (b) appropriation of sufficient funds by the City Council for the Extension Term. The total potential term of this Agreement shall not exceed six (6) years from the Effective Date. 2.3 Holdover: If the Parties continue performance after the expiration of the then-current term without a written extension, such performance shall be on a month-to-month basis under the same terms and conditions, terminable by either Party upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice. 3. COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT 3.1 Fee Schedule: The City shall compensate Attorney for services rendered under this Agreement according to the following fee schedule (or as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated by reference): Category Hourly Rate Designated Attorney / Partner $________ per hour Associate Attorney $________ per hour Paralegal / Legal Assistant $________ per hour Other (specify): _______________ $________ per hour 3.2 Alternative Fee Arrangements: If the Parties agree to a monthly retainer, blended rate, or other alternative fee structure, such arrangement shall be set forth in Exhibit A. Any retainer shall be applied against hourly fees incurred, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 3.3 Expenses: The City shall reimburse Attorney for reasonable, pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of services under this Agreement, including filing fees, court costs, process service, deposition costs, and travel expenses (if authorized in advance). Travel time may be charged only as agreed in Exhibit A. Routine office expenses (postage, photocopying, telephone) are included in the hourly rates unless otherwise specified. 3.4 Invoicing: Attorney shall submit detailed monthly invoices to the City Clerk / Finance Director, itemizing the date, description of services, time expended (in tenths of an hour), attorney or staff member performing the work, and any expenses. Invoices shall be submitted within thirty (30) days after the end of the month in which services were rendered. 3.5 Payment: The City shall pay properly submitted and approved invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt, subject to appropriation of funds and certification by the Treasurer that funds are available, consistent with HMC Chapter 4.10. 3.6 Rate Adjustments: The fee schedule set forth above (or in Exhibit A) shall remain fixed during the Initial Term. Any adjustment for an Extension Term shall be negotiated and agreed in writing as part of the mutual extension agreement. 3.7 Non-Appropriation: This Agreement is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. If the City Council fails to appropriate sufficient funds for any fiscal year, the City may terminate this Agreement without penalty upon written notice to Attorney. 4. INSURANCE 4.1 Professional Liability Insurance: Attorney shall maintain throughout the term of this Agreement professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance with limits of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per claim and One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the aggregate, or such higher amounts as may be required by the City. Coverage shall apply to services performed under this Agreement. 4.2 Certificates: Upon execution of this Agreement and upon each renewal or replacement of coverage, Attorney shall provide the City with certificates of insurance evidencing the required coverage. The certificates shall name the City of Houston as an additional insured or certificate holder as appropriate and shall provide that coverage shall not be canceled or materially reduced without at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the City. 4.3 Workers' Compensation: If applicable, Attorney shall maintain workers' compensation insurance as required by Alaska law. 5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY 5.1 Conflicts: Attorney represents that it has no actual or potential conflict of interest that would impair its ability to represent the City under the Alaska Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorney shall promptly disclose to the Mayor and City Council any actual or potential conflict that arises during the term of this Agreement and shall not undertake representation adverse to the City without the City's informed written consent, if permitted under applicable ethical rules. 5.2 Professional Standards: Attorney shall perform all services in accordance with the Alaska Rules of Professional Conduct, applicable standards of professional competence, and the highest standards of the legal profession. 5.3 Confidentiality: Attorney shall maintain the confidentiality of all confidential and privileged information of the City, consistent with the attorney-client privilege, work-product doctrine, Alaska public records law, and HMC Chapter 2.50 (City Records). 6. RECORDS, REPORTING, AND ACCESS 6.1 Records: Attorney shall maintain complete and accurate records of all services performed and expenses incurred under this Agreement for a period of not less than three (3) years after final payment or the resolution of any audit or dispute, whichever is later. 6.2 Access: Upon reasonable notice, the City (or its authorized representatives) shall have the right to inspect and audit Attorney's records relating to this Agreement during normal business hours. 6.3 Status Reports: Upon request of the Mayor or City Council, Attorney shall provide periodic status reports on open matters, significant legal developments affecting the City, and recommendations for action. 7. TERMINATION 7.1 Termination for Convenience: Either Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the other Party. 7.2 Termination for Cause: Either Party may terminate this Agreement for cause upon written notice specifying the material breach and providing a reasonable opportunity to cure (not less than fifteen (15) days unless the breach is not reasonably curable). Cause includes, without limitation, material breach of this Agreement, failure to maintain required insurance, professional misconduct, or loss of good standing with the Alaska Bar Association. 7.3 Effect of Termination: Upon termination or expiration: a. Attorney shall immediately cease all work under this Agreement except as necessary for an orderly transition. b. Attorney shall deliver to the City all files, documents, work product, and property belonging to the City, in a usable format, within fifteen (15) days (or such longer period as the Parties agree for complex litigation files). c. The City shall pay Attorney for all services satisfactorily performed and authorized expenses incurred through the effective date of termination, in accordance with Section 3. d. Attorney shall cooperate in the orderly transition of pending matters to successor counsel designated by the City. 7.4 Survival: The provisions of Sections 4, 5.3, 6, 7.3, 8, 9, and 10 shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement. 8. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY 8.1 Attorney Indemnification: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Attorney shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City and its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or resulting from the negligent performance of professional services under this Agreement or any material breach of this Agreement by Attorney, except to the extent caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the City. 8.2 City Obligations: The City's obligations under this Agreement are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and the limitations of Alaska law, including AS 09.65.070 and related sovereign immunity and tort claims statutes as applicable to municipalities. 8.3 No Personal Liability: No officer, employee, or agent of the City shall have any personal liability under this Agreement. 9. GENERAL PROVISIONS 9.1 Governing Law and Venue: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alaska. Venue for any action arising out of this Agreement shall lie in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska, Third Judicial District at Palmer, Alaska, or such other venue as the Parties may mutually agree in writing. 9.2 Entire Agreement: This Agreement, including any Exhibits attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements relating thereto, whether written or oral. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both Parties. 9.3 Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. 9.4 Waiver: The failure of either Party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that Party's right to enforce that provision or any other provision in the future. 9.5 Assignment: Attorney may not assign or subcontract this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the City, except that Attorney may utilize other attorneys and staff of the Firm as provided in Section 1.2. 9.6 Notices: All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by hand, certified mail (return receipt requested), overnight courier, or email (with confirmation of receipt) to the addresses set forth below, or to such other address as a Party may designate by notice: To the City: City of Houston, Alaska Attn: Mayor / City Clerk P.O. Box 940027 Houston, AK 99694-0027 Email: clerk@houston-ak.gov To Attorney: *** ** * ** *** Attn: _________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________ Email: _______________________________________ 9.7 Compliance with Laws: Attorney shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations in the performance of this Agreement, including non-discrimination requirements. 9.8 Force Majeure: Neither Party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemic, or government action, provided that the affected Party gives prompt notice and uses reasonable efforts to mitigate the effects. 9.9 Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures shall be deemed valid and binding. 9.10 Authority: Each person signing this Agreement on behalf of a Party represents that he or she has the full authority to bind that Party to the terms of this Agreement. 9.11 HMC Chapter 4.10: This Agreement is entered into pursuant to HMC Chapter 4.10 (Purchasing and Contracting). To the extent any provision of this Agreement conflicts with mandatory provisions of HMC Chapter 4.10, the Code shall control. Contracts under which the City is obligated to pay more than $20,000 require City Council approval of essential terms pursuant to HMC 4.10.060. 10. EXHIBITS The following Exhibits are attached hereto and incorporated by reference: Exhibit A - Fee Schedule and Alternative Fee Arrangements (if any) Exhibit B - Certificate(s) of Insurance (to be provided upon execution) IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date first written above. CITY OF HOUSTON, ALASKA By: _____________________________________________ Name: Carter R. Cole Title: Mayor Date: ____________________________________________ Attest: By: _____________________________________________ Name: ___________________________________________ Title: City Clerk Date: ____________________________________________ Approved as to form and substance (if required): By: _____________________________________________ Name: ___________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________ ATTORNEY / FIRM By: _____________________________________________ Name: ___________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________ Alaska Bar Number (Designated Attorney): _______________ EXHIBIT A FEE SCHEDULE AND ALTERNATIVE FEE ARRANGEMENTS A. Hourly Rates (as of Effective Date) Category Hourly Rate Designated Attorney / Partner $________ / hour Associate Attorney $________ / hour Paralegal / Legal Assistant $________ / hour Other: _______________________ $________ / hour B. Alternative Fee Arrangement (if applicable) ☐ Monthly Retainer: $________ per month, covering up to ____ hours of general counsel services. Hours in excess of the retainer shall be billed at the hourly rates above. ☐ Blended Rate: $________ per hour for all attorney time. ☐ Other: _______________________________________________________________ C. Travel and Expenses Travel time: ☐ Not charged ☐ Charged at ____% of applicable hourly rate ☐ Other: _______________ Mileage: IRS standard rate or $______ per mile Lodging / Meals: Actual reasonable costs with prior approval for overnight travel Other pre-approved expenses: Actual cost with documentation D. Rate Adjustment for Extension Terms Rates for any Extension Term shall be negotiated and documented in a written amendment or extension agreement. Absent agreement, rates remain as set forth herein.
