To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE MICHAEL W. WEBB, CITY ATTORNEY ALEENA F. HASHMI, SENIOR DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY
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APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH AND THE LAW OFFICE OF TODD SIMONSON, PC.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Law Office of Todd Simonson has been on the City Attorney’s Approved Law Firms list since February 15, 2022, and has previously conducted workplace investigations for the City. The purpose of this First Amendment to the Agreement is solely to allow the Law Office of Todd Simonson to conduct a neutral, third-party investigation into a Police Department personnel matter, and not for other legal services.
BACKGROUND
Todd Simonson of the Law Office of Todd Simonson has previously conduced workplace investigations for the City when he was with his former law firm, Jackson Lewis, and since 2022 with his own law firm. Mr. Simonson is a former police officer, has 25 years of experience as an attorney, specializes in labor and employment law, and has conducted over 100 workplace investigations. These investigations have included a wide range of matters from harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and police internal affairs investigations, including issues dealing with the Public Safety Officers’ Procedural Bill of Rights Act, which is critical when conducting police personnel investigations. In his investigations, he has demonstrated a commitment to being neutral and independent.
The Police Department is requesting approval of the First Amendment to the Agreement for Legal Services between the City of Redondo Beach and the Law Office of Todd Simonson because the Police Department has a need for a neutral outside investigator in relation to a confidential personnel matter.
COORDINATION
The City Attorney’s Office has coordinated the preparation of this item with the Police Department. The City Attorney’s Office negotiated and prepared the agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
To perform investigations, Mr. Simonson will offer a public sector rate of $390 per hour, which is significantly discounted from the firm’s usual hourly rate for private clients, and given the distance, a further discounted rate for travel time. Much of Mr. Simonson’s previous investigations have been conducted remotely via Zoom to further cut down on travel costs. It is anticipated that this will be the case in this investigation.
There are sufficient funds in the current Police Department operation budget to cover the cost of this investigation.
ATTACHMENTS
• First Amendment to the Agreement for Legal Services between the City of Redondo Beach and the Law Office of Todd Simonson, PC.