*Amend legal services agreement with Radler White Parks & Alexander, LLP, for outside legal counsel (amend Agreement No. 30006992)

The purpose of this legislation is to amend the legal services agreement with Radler White Parks & Alexander, LLP, for additional services required to support siting of the Portland Water Bureau’s filtration plant in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties. The Water Bureau is responsible for delivering the Bull Run Filtration Projects (Filtration). This will bring the City of Portland into compliance with federal safe drinking water regulations—the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. The Water Bureau has a compliance agreement with the Oregon Health Authority that establishes September 30, 2027, as the compliance deadline for Filtration. The legal services agreement with Radler White Parks & Alexander provides ongoing legal counsel for Filtration. On August 12, 2019, The City of Portland entered into Contract No. 30006992 with Radler White Parks & Alexander, LLP, for outside legal counsel to provide advice regarding the siting of the Portland Water Bureau’s filtration plant in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties. The Original Contract amount was $100,000. There have been four (4) amendments to the contract: Amendment 1, dated November 11, 2021, extended the contract to August 12, 2023, and added $100,000 to the contract for a total contract amount of $200,000. Amendment 2, dated July 13, 2022, extended the contract to August 12, 2029, and added $800,000 to the contract for a total contract amount of $1,000,000. Amendment 3, in process, updates attorney hourly billing rates. This legislation does not change any City policy. No revenues will be impacted by this legislation.

The amendment to this contract has no long-term financial impacts for the City. Funding for the Contract is available in the FY 23-24 Budget and will be requested in the FY 2024-25 Budget.

There are no new impacts to the community. Since 2017, the Water Bureau has been working to keep the community informed and involved using multiple communication tools, including monthly e-newsletters, sharing project information in bill inserts and the annual water quality report, community meetings, engagement with interested parties, and sharing project videos through Portland Water Bureau’s social media platforms. The Water Bureau is considering the full spectrum of impacts to neighbors, indigenous peoples, underrepresented communities, low-income customers, and ratepayers.