Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the City Attorney to modify and increase an existing contract with the law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, an Ohio limited liability partnership, for legal services relative to issues related to the Department of Public Utilities’ PFAS Action Plan development as set forth in the Scope of Services. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $75,000.00.
The term of this contract is from the date of execution until such time as the need for outside legal counsel concludes or the parties mutually agree to terminate this Contract. The contract amount authorized under the original contract was $20,000.00.
Ordinance 1201-2023 authorized the first modification, adding funding of $255,000.00.
Ordinance 1134-2024 authorized the second modification, adding funding of $55,000.00.
Ordinance 0857-2025 authorized the third modification, adding funding of $191,000.00.
This Ordinance authorizes the fourth modification, adding funding of $75,000.00, and is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract modification #4 is $75,000.00. 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 $596,000.00.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds was known, expected and budgeted for.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: The project was a second contract with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP and their employee legal expert Erica Spitzig who is a leading expert in the field of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and ...
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