Number
250561
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Substitute resolution authorizing the Office of the City Attorney to contract for legal services to the City concerning issues and matters of labor law.
Analysis
This resolution approves and authorizes the Office of the City Attorney to contract with the law firm of Buelow, Vetter, Buikema, Olson, and Vliet, LLC, to provide legal services and representation to the City of Milwaukee in the interest arbitration of the 2023-25 collective bargaining agreement.
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, The City of Milwaukee has been engaged in negotiations with the Milwaukee Police Association regarding the 2023-25 collective bargaining agreement; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Association are scheduled for interest arbitration to occur in September and October of 2025; and
Whereas, The Office of the City Attorney seeks outside counsel to provide legal services and representation to the City in the arbitration; and
Whereas, The City desires the law firm of Buelow, Vetter, Buikema, Olson, and Vliet, LLC, to represent the City in the interest arbitration; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City Milwaukee, that the Office of the City Attorney is authorized to retain outside counsel to provide legal services and representation to the City in the interest arbitration of the Milwaukee Police Association 2023-25 collective bargaining agreement; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Office of the City Attorney and appropriate City officers are authorized to negotiate and execute a Contract for Legal Services with the law firm of Buelow, Vetter, Buikema, Olson, and Vliet, LLC; and, be it
Further Resolved, That an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 is appropriated from the City Attorney’s Office Outside 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 $50.000.00 from this account for this purpose.
Requestor
City Attorney
Drafter
Robin Pederson
July 25, 2025