9-24 Resolution authorizing execution of Agreement with Richard D. Trenk Esq. as Township Attorney - 2024.pdf

9-24 January 9, 2024 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Township of West Orange is a municipal corporation of the State of New Jersey, duly established and operating as a Faulkner Act Mayor-Council form of government providing a wide range of municipal services for a diverse population of approximately 47,000 residents living within its more than 12 square miles; and WHEREAS, the governance of such a population, its businesses, land and infrastructure, gives rise to a wide variety and large volume of legal issues which must be promptly addressed and resolved to assure the effective and efficient operation of the administration of local government; and WHEREAS, the Township's Administrative Code provides for a Law Department headed by the Township Attorney and employing an Assistant Township Attorney and from time to time such Special Counsel, technical and expert assistance as are reasonable and necessary to provide competent, effective and efficient legal services for the Township; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council wish to ensure that the operation of the Law Department and employment of those providing legal services for the municipal corporation are consistent with current legal requirements and best practices, including those for formal retention agreements with provisions setting forth the scope of work to be performed and billing requirements promoting reduction of legal costs, transparency and accountability, all as recommended by the Office of the New Jersey State Comptroller; and WHEREAS, on January 13, 2023, Richard D. Trenk, Esq. (“Mr. Trenk”), currently a member and director in the firm of Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian P.C., has served as the Township Attorney who was reappointed by the Mayor and approved by the Township Council effective January 1, 2024, for a term of four years coterminous with that of the Mayor, and the

Mayor recommending and the Township Council approving Mr. Trenk’s continued retention as the Township Attorney; and the Township having maintained the practice of annual review and approval of the Township Attorney’s contract; and WHEREAS, a form of amended agreement between the Township of West Orange and the Mr. Trenk has been drafted consistent with the foregoing, including the retention of Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian P.C. is annexed hereto for review and approval by the Township Council for authorization for execution by the respective parties; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT, AND HEREBY IT IS, RESOLVED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSIDP OF WEST ORANGE, that the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to execute the Agreement annexed hereto as Exhibit “A” for the retention of Richard D. Trenk, Esq. as the Township Attorney, and the retention of Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian P.C., and be it further RESOLVED that the Municipal Clerk is authorized to attest to the Mayor's signature, and be it further RESOLVED that notice of this award shall be available in the Clerk’s office in accordance with applicable law. Karen J. Carnevale, R.M.C. Bill Rutherford Municipal Clerk Council President Adopted: January 9, 2024 I hereby certify funds are available from: Account No. John O. Gross, Chief Financial Officer