Approve extending criminal prosecution services with Eckberg Lammers

In 2017, the Police Department went out for Requests For Proposals (RFP) for prosecution legal services. The firm Eckberg Lammers was selected and began working for the City of Ramsey in 2018. The first contract outlined the legal service retainer fees for the first four years. The police department's expectations have been met and exceeded by the prosecution services offered by Eckberg Lammers. The original contract with Eckberg Lammers was for four years, and under section 2.7 that contract outlined legal services for the first four years and into 2022 and beyond, and that the City reserves the right to extend this Agreement and to compensate the Criminal Prosecution Attorney as determined and negotiated by the City. Eckberg Lammers proposal is to raise the retainer amount by 3% ($2,185.00). They have not raised their retainer fee since 2020. 

Section 4.5 of the Purchasing Policy states the City Council may, at its discretion, formally extend a current standard services contract upon the recommendation of city staff. The Police Department Chief, Captains, and other Police Department staff do request and recommend extending this contract. Due to staff being pleased with the current services provided, staff does not believe it is necessary to run an RFP at this time.

Alternative: Hold an RFP process for prosecution legal services.

The history of annual retainer fees are as follows:
2018 was $68,000
2019 was $70,380
2020 was $72,843
2021 was $72,843
2022 was $72,843

The 2023 proposed retainer is $75,028, the funding for this is included in the 2023 General Fund Budget.
 

Staff recommends extending the legal prosecution services contract with Eckberg Lammers for an additional five (5) years; January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027. The previous contracts, as well as the proposed contract are attached.

Motion to approve entering into a contract with the law firm of Eckberg Lammers to provide criminal prosecution legal services and related services for a term effective January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2027; subject to attorney review.