City Council
MEETING DATE: 9/23/2015
TITLE:
Title
Legal Services Related to Medical Marijuana Ordinances and Permits
End
FROM:
Charlie McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council approve the recommendation of the Council subcommittee and authorize an Engagement Letter with Vicente Sederberg to provide Medical Marijuana related legal services.
Body
BACKGROUND:
On July 30, 2015 Cathedral City issued a Request for Qualifications for expert legal services related to medical marijuana cultivation, processing and testing as well as dispensaries. Responses from interested firms were due by August 13, 2015. Two responses were received.
DISCUSSION:
A Council subcommittee consisting of MPT Pettis and CM Kaplan met shortly thereafter to review the proposals and decided to interview the top ranked firm, Vicente Sederberg. The interview was conducted on September 2, 2015.
In the opinion of the subcommittee members, the attorneys from Vicente Sederberg, who will be assigned to work with Cathedral City, possess the necessary qualifications to advise the Council on matters related to medical marijuana. The firm has significant experience with legislation, local ordinances and the statewide initiative in Colorado and has an associate in California with significant experience working on California legislation and the proposed California initiative.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The initial retainer required to initiate the work with be $10,000. Additional costs may be incurred depending on the extent of the work required. Funding will come from the administrative contingency budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
Expert Legal Services RFQ
Vicente Sederberg Proposal
Engagement Letter