Explanation
Due to a conflict of interest, the City Attorney had a need to retain special legal services for the purpose of representing the City in connection with certain labor relations matters at the Department of Public Utilities. The law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur, LLP, was retained to do preliminary work on the matter. The matter has proceeded and currently there is a need to contract for further services to conclude the matter. Their Contract Compliance Number is 314373657.
Title
To authorize the City Attorney to enter into a contract with the law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur, LLP for legal services in connection with labor relations matters within the Department of Public Utilities, to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes, to authorize the expenditure of $34,522.45 from the Sewerage System Operating Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($34,522.45)
Body
WHEREAS, the City is involved in labor relations matters within its Department of Public Utilities that, due to a conflict of interest, require the services of outside legal counsel; and
WHEREAS, City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr. entered into a contract with special legal counsel, on behalf of the Department of Public Utilities, with the law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur, LLP; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City in that continuation of services is necessary to conclude the matter; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO:
Section 1. That the City Attorney be, and he is hereby, authorized to increase a contract with Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur, LLP for legal services in connection with certain labor relations matters for the Department of Public Utilities, in the amount of $34,522.45.
Section 2. That the provisions of the Columbus City Codes relative to the procurement of professional services are hereby waived, such waiver being in the best interest of the City.
Section 3. That there is hereby authorized to be expended the sum of $34,522.45, or so much thereof as is necessary, and the City Auditor is directed to draw warrants upon the treasury for services thereunder upon receipt of invoices approved by the City Attorney and the Department of Public Utilities. Said expenditures shall be paid from Division 6005, Fund: 650, Object Level One: 03, OCA Code: 605006, Object Level 3: 3324.
Section 4. That for the reasons set forth in the preamble hereto, which is incorporated by reference herein, this measure is deemed 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 ten (10) days thereafter if the Mayor neither signs nor vetoes the same.