Explanation
This legislation authorizes the City Attorney to modify and increase the amount of a contract with the law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, an Ohio limited liability partnership, for legal services relative to issues pertaining to matters of employment.
This ordinance authorizes a second modification of the contract entered into with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP on September 21, 2021. The term of the Contract is from date of last execution until such time as the need for outside legal counsel concludes or the parties mutually agree to terminate this Contract, contingent on budgeted funds and approval of City Council. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
Bid Waiver: It is in the City's best interest to waive competitive bidding because of the contractor's experience with the matters at hand and their expertise in this area of law.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract is $176,000.00. City of Columbus shall pay a blended rate of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) per hour for said services after the submittal of detailed invoices documenting the work performed. Total contract amount including this modification is $206,000.00.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds was unknown at the time of the initial contract.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: This is a continuation of a contract for legal services and it is in the best interest of the City to continue with current representation due to the firm's experience with the matters at hand and their expertise.
4. How cost was determined: Per quote from the law firm.
SUPPLIER:
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP | D365 Vendor #039718 | Expired 1/11/2025 (update pending)| Taft Stettinius & Hollister does not hold MBE/FBE status.
The contractor is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$176,000.00 is available within the General Fund for this purpose.
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is requested due to outstanding invoices and upcoming case deadlines.
Title
To authorize the City Attorney, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, to modify the contract for special legal counsel services with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP; to waive competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $176,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($176,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City Attorney’s Office, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, entered into a contract with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for special legal counsel services relative to issues pertaining to matters of employment; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to modify the contract to provide additional funding; and
WHEREAS, due to Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP's experience in the matters at hand and subject matter expertise, it is in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $176,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, for special legal counsel services; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Office of the City Attorney and Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the City Attorney, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, to modify the contract for special legal counsel services with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, without delay to increase funding so that outstanding invoices and upcoming case deadlines can be met, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and 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 Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for special legal counsel services on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, to increase the contract amount by $176,000.00.
SECTION 2. That due to Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP's experience with the matters at hand and subject matter expertise, it is in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code, Chapter 329.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $176,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 1000 General Fund, in object class 03 Services, per the accounting codes attached to the ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is 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 after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.