Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Finance

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Heidi Nelson, Assistant Finance Director Chuck Soules, Public Works Director Mike Lawless, Assistant Utilities Director Toni Wheeler, Legal Director Jonathan Douglass, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager
CC:	Ed Mullins, Finance Director
Date:	June 21, 2011
RE:	June 28, 2011 Agenda Item Bond Counsel Recommendation

Please include the following item on the City Commission agenda for consideration at the June 28, 2011 meeting:

Background.   The Finance Department sent a request for proposal to law firms for professional legal services as Bond Counsel on May 6, 2011.  The request was also posted on DemandStar the same day.  On May 25, 2011, the department received four (4) responses.  The responses were reviewed by a committee consisting of Chuck Soules (Public Works Director), Mike Lawless (Assistant Utilities Director), Toni Wheeler (Legal Director) and Jonathan Douglass (City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager) and Heidi Nelson (Assistant Finance Director). 

Status.  The City received four (4) responses to the request for proposal.  All responding firms met minimum qualifications. 

The committee reviewed the proposals based on the following criteria:

Quality of Similar Work

Firm Personnel Experience

Overall Responsiveness

Applicable Resources

Project Approach

Cost of Service

The committee is recommending the firm of Gilmore & Bell, P.C.  Gilmore & Bell is currently serving the City as Bond Counsel, and the experience has been positive.  The firm has significant experience and offers additional services, included financial analysis.  Additionally, Gilmore & Bell’s pricing was the lowest of all responding firms.

Action Request.  Authorize staff to proceed with the development of an agreement with Gilmore & Bell, P.C.