City of Columbus - File #: 1201-2023

• File #: 1201-2023
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Passed
• File created: 4/14/2023
• In control: Public Utilities Committee
• On agenda: 7/10/2023
• Final action: 7/13/2023
• Title: To authorize the City Attorney, on behalf of the Department of Public Utilities, to modify the contract for special legal counsel services with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for the Divisions of Sewerage and Drainage and Water; to authorize the expenditure of $255,000.00 from the Sewerage and Drainage and Water Operating Funds; and to declare an emergency. ($255,000.00)

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
7/13/2023	1	CITY CLERK	Attest
7/11/2023	1	MAYOR	Signed
7/10/2023	1	COUNCIL PRESIDENT	Signed
7/10/2023	1	Columbus City Council	Approved	Pass

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 related to the Department of Public Utilities’ Divisions of Sewerage and Drainage and Water PFAS Action Plan development as set forth in the Scope of Services.

The Divisions of Sewerage and Drainage and Water are a full service utility serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The Divisions each currently have approximately 280,000 customer accounts, which include sewerage and drainage and water services to several City buildings and facilities.
The term of this 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.

1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract is $255,000.00. 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. Moreover, the allocated funds encompass a sum of $130,000.00, designated for the provision of support services by Geosyntec Consultants to Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds was unknown at the time of the initial contract.
4. How cost was determined: Per quote from the law firm and Geosyntec Consultants.

SUPPLIER:

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP | D365 Vendor #039718 | Federal EIN# On File | Expired 1/11/2025 | Taft Stettinius & Hollister does not hold MBE/FBE status.

The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of...