Number
241535
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
212038, 220430, 241266
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Substitute resolution authorizing the Office of the City Attorney to contract for legal services between the City of Milwaukee and Nathan & Kamionski LLP in relation to the lawsuit entitled “Wilber v. City of Milwaukee, et. al.,” Case No. 2:23-CV-00951, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the City to increase the maximum dollar amount of the contract for legal services with the law firm of Nathan & Kamionski LLP, to advise and provide counsel to the City of Milwaukee in relation to the upcoming jury trial in the lawsuit entitled “Wilber v. City of Milwaukee, et. al.,” Case No. 2:23-CV-00951, in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, to $350,000.00.
Body
Whereas, Section 304-23 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances allows the Common Council to authorize retention of a law firm outside of the City Attorney’s permanent staff, pursuant to a written agreement; and
Whereas, On July 17, 2023, the People’s Law Office filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Milwaukee and several Milwaukee Police detectives entitled “Wilber v. City of Milwaukee, et. al,” Case No. 2:23-CV-00951, in the Eastern District of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, On December 17, 2024, the Common Council authorized the Office of the City Attorney to retain outside counsel from the law firm of Nathan & Kamionski LLP, to advise and provide legal services and representation of the City in relation to the lawsuit; and
Whereas, On December 17, 2024, the Common Council also authorized the Office of the City Attorney to execute a contract for legal services with Nathan & Kamionski LLP; and
Whereas, On December 17, 2024, the Common Council resolved that an amount not to exceed $50,000 was appropriated from the City Attorney’s Office Counsel Expert Witness Special Purpose Account Number 0001-1490-S157-06300 for retaining outside counsel; and
Whereas, The lawsuit entitled “Wilber v. City of Milwaukee, et. al.,” Case No. 2:23-CV-00951, in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, is scheduled for a jury trial on February 3, 2025; and
Whereas, The City Attorney desires to continue the retention of Nathan & Kamionski LLP to investigate the claim, and provide advice, counsel, and representation against the lawsuit; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Office of the City Attorney is authorized to increase the maximum dollar amount of the contract for legal services with the law firm of Nathan & Kamionski LLP, to advise and provide counsel to the City of Milwaukee in relation to the upcoming jury trial in the lawsuit entitled “Wilber v. City of Milwaukee, et. al.,” Case No. 2:23-CV-00951, in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, to $350,000.00; and, be it
Further Resolved, That an amount not to exceed $350,000.00 is appropriated from the City Attorney’s Office Counsel Expert Witness Special Purpose Account Number 0001-1490-S157-06300 for retaining outside counsel; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of the City Attorney is directed to expend up to $350,000.00 from this account for this purpose.
Requestor
City Attorney
Drafter
LRB180485-2
Dave Gelting
1/22/2025