Title
A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Commission Of The City Of City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Payment Of Attorneys’ Fees To GrayRobinson, P.A. For Legal Services In The ICON Office Building Property Litigation In An Amount Not To Exceed $100,000.00 For FY 2018.
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of the resolution.
Explanation:
GrayRobinson, P.A. (“the Law Firm”) is defending the City of Hollywood against claims of environmental contamination on the proposed ICON Office Building property, which was conveyed by the City to a developer. These claims are now the subject of litigation known as Berman Development Group, LLC, et al. v. City of Hollywood et al.
Section 38.40(C)(2) of the Code of Ordinances exempts from the competitive bid and competitive proposal requirements of the Purchasing Ordinance contracts for professional services. In view of the considerable amount of legal services being rendered by the Law Firm, the City Attorney recommends that the City Commission approve attorneys’ fees for FY 2018, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.
The CRA is named as a co-defendant in the above-described litigation and has agreed to share equally in the attorneys’ fees paid to the Law Firm. It is expected that on the same day on which the City Commission is adopting this resolution, the CRA Board is adopting a similar resolution approving attorneys’ fees for FY 2018, for legal services in the ICON litigation, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.
Funding is available in the FY 2017 budget in #01.0104.00000.514.003122.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Douglas R. Gonzales, City Attorney
Dr. Wazir A. Ishmael, City Manager