LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (67)LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (the "Agreement ") is entered into as of this
1st day of July, 2015, by and between the CITY OF CLEARWATER, P.O. Box 4748,
Clearwater, Florida 33758 -4748 (the "City "), and the law firm of BAKER & HOSTETLER
LLP, SunTrust Center, Suite 2300, 200 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801
( "Counsel ").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City wishes to retain Counsel to serve as legal counsel on certain
environmental issues;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein
contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED AS COUNSEL. Counsel is hereby
authorized to provide services as described in this Agreement and for the professional fees
described in this Agreement.
SECTION 2. SCOPE OF SERVICES. Counsel hereby agrees to provide its
professional services to the City of Clearwater for the purpose of addressing environmental
matters as the same may arise from time to time, including, but not limited to the environmental
assessment and remediation activities being conducted at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex site,
the Brighthouse Networks Field, the Sherwood Yard facility, the Philip Jones Field, the Metal
Industries site, and other sites as necessary ( "Sites "). Counsel's professional services will
include coordinating with the City and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for
the remediation and ultimate closure of the Sites, engaging outside consultants, as otherwise
approved by the City, and other actions reasonably necessary to comply with the laws and
regulations applicable to, as well as the other legal obligations of, the City with respect to
remediating these Sites and addressing other environmental matters that arise from time to time.
SECTION 3. TERM. The term of this Agreement shall be for five years, beginning on
July 1, 2015, and expiring on June 30, 2020 ( "Term ").
SECTION 4. PROFESSIONAL FEES FOR SERVICES. The City and Counsel agree
to an initial rate of $410.00 per hour for attorney services for William L. Pence and other partners,
to a rate of $320.00 per hour for additional attorney services of Kristina R. Ramsey, and to a rate of
$285.00 per hour for additional attorney services of Lauren M. Johansson and other associates. For
the last two years of this Agreement, the City and Counsel agree to a rate of $450.00 per hour for
attorney services for William L. Pence and other partners, to a rate of $350.00 per hour for
additional attorney services of Kristina R. Ramsey, and to a rate of $315.00 per hour for additional
attorney services of Lauren M. Johansson and other associates. Professional fees for services shall
not exceed $250,000.00 for the term of this Agreement.
SECTION 5. COMPENSABLE EXPENSES. Reimbursement of expenses shall be
made by the City to Counsel for reasonable out -of- pocket expenses as determined by the City
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Attorney without markup, including but not limited to long distance calls and facsimiles, copying
or reproducing documents, postage, court costs, parking costs and travel incurred by Counsel in
performance of its duties hereunder. Travel and per diem costs as well as auto travel expenses
shall not exceed that which is available to City employees.
SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE. Counsel represents that it has
expertise in the area of environmental issues and is competent to perform the duties required by
this Agreement. Counsel agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold the City and its officers,
employees and agents free and harmless from and against any and all losses, penalties, damages,
settlements, costs, charges, professional fees or other expenses or liabilities of every kind and
character arising out of or due to any negligent act or omission of Counsel, its employees, agents
and subcontractors in connection with or arising directly or indirectly out of this Agreement
and/or the performance hereof. Without limiting its liability under this Agreement, Counsel shall
procure and maintain during the life of this Agreement professional liability insurance in an
amount of $1,000,000. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. It is understood by City and Counsel that
Counsel is not aware of any of Counsel's clients that currently present any conflict between the
interests of the City and other clients of Counsel. If any potential conflict of interest arises
during the time Counsel is representing the City, Counsel will promptly inform the City. The
City is under no obligation to agree to authorize the conflict representation.
SECTION 8. CONSTRUCTION AND AMENDMENTS. This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. This Agreement
may be amended only by a writing duly entered into by the City and Counsel.
SECTION 9. CANCELLATION OF AGREEMENT. The City may cancel or terminate
this Agreement upon ten days advance written notice to Counsel. In the event of cancellation,
Counsel shall immediately cease work hereunder and shall be reimbursed for eligible and
documented reimbursable expenses incurred prior to the date of cancellation. Further, it is
understood and agreed between the City and Counsel that William L. Pence will be the lead
attorney assigned by Counsel to provide the services contained herein. The City, in its absolute
discretion, may immediately terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Counsel if the
services of this attorney are unavailable to the City.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City and Counsel have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.
Approved as to form:
Pamela K. Akin
City Attorney
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CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
By: Q .. . 11
William B. Horne, II
City Manager
Attest:
Rosemarie Call
City Clerk
BAKER & HOSTETLER LLP
By:
William L. Pence