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