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.
This ordinance authorizes a second modification of the contract entered into with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP on January 20, 2023. 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. The original contract was not legislated due to the funding amount, the first modification was authorized by ORD 1201-2023. It is in the City's best interest to waive competitive bidding because Erica Spitzig is a legal expert in the field of in the field of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their relation to water. She speaks at national water conferences on legal considerations of the forthcoming federal regulations of PFAS.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract is $49,172.61 plus a $5,827.39 contingency for a total of $55,000.00. 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 include an increase to accommodate the sum of $72,735.00, designated for the provision of support services by SLR Consultants to Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. SLR is replacing Geosyntec who was previously identified as the consultant to Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.
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