Title
Continued Legal Services for Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO) - Firm transition
History
On September 2, 2025, the Board of Trustees formally approved the Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO). The RBO strengthens the Village’s procurement process by establishing additional requirements intended to ensure the selection of qualified and responsible bidders. These requirements include, in part, contractor participation in formal apprenticeship programs that have graduated at least five apprentices in each of the previous five years for each applicable construction craft. These standards are intended to promote quality workmanship, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
Due to the nature of certain project scopes, there are instances where the applicability of the RBO may require additional legal analysis. To support consistent interpretation and enforcement of the ordinance, the Village determined that specialized legal guidance was necessary to assist with reviewing project scopes, determining RBO applicability, evaluating compliance documentation, and addressing other RBO-related matters.
On September 2, 2025, the Village also approved legal services with attorney Christina K. Wernick, who was affiliated with Laner Muchin, Ltd. at that time, to provide specialized legal assistance related to the RBO. Christina recently transitioned to Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, effective September 23, 2026, and continues to provide substantial knowledge and experience regarding the Village’s RBO process and other legal matters as requested by the Village.
Since her initial engagement, Christina has been instrumental in assisting the Village with the interpretation and consistent enforcement of the ordinance, as well as strengthening communication between the Village and key apprenticeship program contacts. She works closely with the Purchasing/Contract Administrator to review RBO-related matters, address compliance questions, and provide ongoing legal guidance. Staff recommends continuing these services with Christina through her new firm for RBO-related legal services and other legal services on an as-needed basis.
Financial Impact
Funding for legal services is included in the current fiscal year budget.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve and authorize the execution of a new legal service agreement with Christina K. Wernick, of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart., for Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO) Legal services as outlined in her engagement letter dated September 23, 2026, as well as other legal services on an “as-needed” basis;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts, subject to Village Attorney review.