DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES

 

Recommendation:

That the City Council consider the proposal from the South Bay Center for Dispute Resolution and direct staff to provide notice to Dispute Resolution Services.

 

Background:

A proposal has been received from South Bay Center for Dispute Resolution (SBCDR). SBCDR is a new entity formed by Lance Widman and John H. Hachmeister, formerly of Dispute Resolution Services (DRS - LA BAR). The proposal (attached) is to provide the same resolution and mediation services that are provided by DRS - LA BAR. The cost would be the same and the same type of services offered to our residents and businesses.

The City has contracted the DRS - LA BAR since 1995. They have provided services to our residents and businesses on a number of issues. Various City departments have referred people involved in disputes and, in most cases, they are able to help those individuals reach a solution to the issue. Barking dogs, shared driveways, tree trimming, loud music, etc. are examples of the issues that have been referred to the program. The program has operated in the area through similar contracts with El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance under the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Our contract with DRS - LA BAR runs through June 30, 2001. It does provide a 30 day cancellation clause.

It is my understanding that Torrance and Redondo Beach have provided notice to DRS - LA BAR and will be switching to SBCDR. El Segundo and Manhattan Beach are considering a similar proposal and, if accepted, they would also switch.

As you may be aware, Lance Widman has been the person that has operated the DRS - LA BAR program in the South Bay for ten years. The DRS - LA BAR has hired a new coordinator, Margaret Jacoby, and she has started work. I have met with Ms. Jacoby and she has assured me that the same level of services will be available to residents.

The reason for consideration of any change is generally difficult when a program is working well and the City and our residents are receiving value for the money spent. Staff has worked well with the program over the last five years and we have found this to be an important service that we can provide to our residents. The concern that I have if the other four cities switch is that the service would not be as viable with only one or two participating cities left. As it stands now, only three remain and, although we have been assured of continued service, it might not be possible with less revenue to the program.

I would therefore suggest that the City Council accept the proposal from the South Bay Center for Dispute Resolution and direct that notice be provided to the Los Angeles Bar Association's Dispute Resolution Services.

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