The City of Prairie Village, Kansas is seeking proposals for legal services and the position of City Attorney. This position is appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. The City Attorney serves at the pleasure of the Governing Body and is appointed to a two-year term.

Proposals should be submitted electronically to Meghan Buum, Assistant City Administrator, mbuum@pvkansas.com , by 4:00 p.m. on January 12, 2024.

Background

Prairie Village operates under the Mayor-Council form of government with an appointed professional City Administrator. The City is divided into six wards; two Council Members are elected from each ward and the Mayor is elected at-large. The City Administrator has responsibility for management of all City programs and departments in accordance with policies and annual budgets adopted by the Council. The City provides services in the areas of Administration, Community Development, Public Works, Police, Municipal Court, Community Programs, and Parks & Recreation.

Scope of Services

The applicant shall provide services to the City related to City Attorney duties:

• Provide legal advice to the Governing Body, City Administrator, and Department Heads regarding legal matters.

• Advise all relevant personnel on municipal-specific law, including but not limited to: home rule, zoning, eminent domain, open records, open meetings, meeting procedures, intergovernmental cooperation, employment law, billing and finance, and public relations.

• Attend all City Council meetings.

• Attend workshops or special meetings when requested.

• Draft and review charter ordinances, municipal ordinances, resolutions, and other forms of municipal legislation.

• Review and write policies, municipal codes, correspondences, and other routine documents of governmental functions.

• Understand the budget implications of policy determinations.

• Review and draft contracts and other forms of municipal agreements.

• Report changes in federal, state, or county legislation that affect the City.

• Provide consultation related to litigation, arbitration, or other legal/administrative proceedings and appearances.

• Maintain an ethical and professional relationship with the City, as well as elected officials, employees, and residents of the community.

• Comply with all Federal, State, and City codes and laws.

Selection Criteria

• General qualifications of the candidate(s) for the position.

• Experience in municipal law.

• Timeliness, responsiveness, and follow-through.

• Minimal conflicts of interest when representing the City.

• Hourly rates of staff anticipated as part of legal team.

Proposal Content

• Cover Letter: Signed by an authorized representative of the firm committing to provide the legal services described above.

• Qualifications: Provide a brief description of yourself or your firm, including qualifications, experience, and depth of staff, and the demonstration of your ability to be the City Attorney for Prairie Village. Identify qualifications of individuals who would be assigned to the City.

• Resumes: Include the resumes of individuals who will provide services for the City.

• References: Provide a list of references (including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses) with whom you or your firm currently have contracted service agreements.

• Compensation and Billing Practices: Provide a description of the proposed compensation schedule (hourly rates per legal team member) and the firm’s billing practices. Monthly invoices describing the services in detail, showing hours, and identifying the lawyer providing the services will be required.

• Insurance: Provide proof of professional liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.

• Value of your team: Describe how your team’s level of service and ability distinguishes it from others and articulate how this translates to benefit to the City, including enhanced governance.

Review

Following review of proposals and selection of a City Attorney, appointment is expected to take place at a City Council meeting in early 2024.