Explanation
BACKGROUND: On August 3, 2007 the City Attorney solicited proposals from a number of law firms via Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for special legal counsel to provide legal advice and other legal services to the City Attorney and the Department of Public Utilities with regard to litigation matters pertaining to the Big Walnut Augmentation Rickenbacker Interceptor Projects in which the City has an interest. The City Attorney received six proposals in response to the RFPs. After evaluating all proposals and interviewing attorneys representing three law firms, the Department of Public Utilities, in consultation with the City Attorney, found that Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP would be best-qualified to represent the City in this matter. On November 15, 2007, the City Attorney entered into an agreement with Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs for said services. This ordinance authorizes the City Attorney to modify said contract for continuation of special legal counsel with Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP.
FISCAL IMPACT: This contract modification will be funded by the Department of Public Utilities. The amount of this contract modification is $150,000.
COMPANY: Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs LLP (34-1832611) Expires 11-29-09
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to modify a contract for special legal counsel with Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP; to authorize the expenditure of $150,000 from the Sewerage System Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency ($150,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has a need for legal advice and other legal services with regard to litigation matters pertaining to the Big Walnut Augmentation Rickenbacker Interceptor Projects in which the City has an interest; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney solicited proposals from a number of law firms via Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on August 3, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney received six proposals in response to the RFPs; and
WHEREAS, after evaluating all proposals and interviewing attorneys representing three law firms, the Department of Public Utilities, in consultation with the City Attorney, found that Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP would be best-qualified to represent the City in this matter; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney and Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP entered into a contract for special legal counsel on November 15, 2007 to provide legal advice and other legal services to the City Attorney and the Department of Public Utilities with regard to litigation matters pertaining to the Big Walnut Augmentation Rickenbacker Interceptor Projects; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has determined that additional funds beyond the original contract amount of $20,000 are needed in order for the Contractor to perform the services agreed to in the original agreement between the parties; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney is requesting an additional $150,000 to pay for services by the Contractor which includes invoices for services already rendered by the Contractor; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of both parties to modify said contract; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the daily operation of the City Attorney's Office in that it is necessary to authorize the City Attorney to enter a contract modification with Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP at the earliest time possible to facilitate payment of unpaid legal bills for the preservation of public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare, Now, Therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the City Attorney is hereby authorized to modify the contract with Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP for special legal counsel to provide legal advice and other legal services to the City Attorney and the Department of Public Utilities with regard to litigation matters pertaining to the Big Walnut Augmentation Rickenbacker Interceptor Projects in which the City has an interest.
Section 2. That for the purposes stated in Section 1, an amount not to exceed $150,000 is authorized to be expended from Sewerage System Operating Fund, Fund 650, OCA: 605006, Object Level 3324
Section 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto which are hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and immediately after its passage and signature by the Mayor, or within 10 days thereafter if the Mayor neither signs nor vetoes the same.