CITY PROPOSING TO HIRE LAW FIRMS TO REVIEW HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT PRACTICES, RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS
July 17, 2009 -- Mayor Bill White today is recommending for City Council approval next week the hiring of two laws firms to review and suggest improvements of equal employment opportunity processes and practices within the Houston Fire Department (HFD).
“In any organization there is always room for improvement. We want this expertise to help us examine how we can do that,” said Mayor White. “This, of course, does not supplant the investigation of any particular incident or complaint within the department. Nor is it intended as a substitute for outreach to and the involvement of various stakeholders and the community.”
The law firms, Thompson and Horton, L.L.P., and Lemond and Lemond, L.L.C, will work jointly to review, assess, and recommend policies and practices on issues that include diversity, conflict resolution, preventive practices, compliance, communication and management practices.
The law firms were recommended unanimously by City Attorney Arturo Michel, HFD command staff representatives, and Mike Nichols, general counsel of Sysco Corporation, who has served as an adviser and volunteer to the City on various employment matters. This group has interviewed a number of candidates for the assignment. Attorneys in both firms have considerable expertise and experience in such matters.
The City Council is being asked to authorize a contract of up to $190,000 for the work.
