LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (78)LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
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THIS AGREEMENT is made on the _la) day of March, 2019, by and between the
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA (the "City") and the law firm of Manson, Bolves,
Donaldson, Varn P.A. ("Counsel").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City wishes to retain a firm to serve as Counsel in connection with
matters pertaining to provide expertise as it relates to water law/submerged lands and act
as liaison to the FDEP and other parties as may be necessary to assist in clearing any
cloud on title of the lands being developed under the Seminole Street Boat Ramp —
North Marina District Improvements Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein
contained, the parties hereto do 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 in connection with the following matter: to provide expertise as it
relates to water law/submerged lands and act as liaison to the FDEP and other parties
as may be necessary to assist in clearing any cloud on title of the lands being developed
under the Seminole Street Boat Ramp — North Marina District Improvements Project.
SECTION 3. PROFESSIONAL FEES FOR SERVICES. The City and Counsel
agree to a rate of $300.00 per hour for attorney services for Jacob D. Varn and other
partners and $200.00 per hour for attorney services for associate attorneys. Professional
fees for services shall not exceed $50,000.00 for the term of this Agreement.
SECTION 4 TERM. This Agreement will be effective from February 15, 2019 to
February 28, 2022.
SECTION 5. COMPENSABLE EXPENSES. Reimbursement of expenses shall be
made by the City to the firm for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as determined by the
City 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 the duties hereunder. Travel and per diem costs as well as
auto travel expenses shall not exceed that which is available to City of Clearwater
employees.
SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE. 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 or its employees 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 in excess of $1,000,000. This
provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. It is understood by the City and Counsel
that Counsel is not aware of any clients of the firm 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 permit 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. COURT REPORTER SERVICES. The City has a contract with D & D
Reporting Services for all court reporter services, including the use of court reporter services
by the City's outside counsel. Counsel agrees to use D & D Reporting Services whenever
possible.
SECTION 10. CANCELLATION OF AGREEMENT. The City or Counsel 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 Jacob
D. Varn, Esquire, will be the lead attorney assigned by the firm to provide the services
contained herein. The City in its absolute discretion may immediately terminate this
Agreement upon written notice to the firm if the services of this attorney are unavailable to
the City.
SECTION 11. ATTORNEYS FEES. In the event that either party seeks to enforce
this Agreement through attorneys at law, then the parties agree that each party shall bear its
own costs and that jurisdiction for such an action shall be in a court of competent jurisdiction
in Pinellas County, Florida.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City and Counsel have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.
Countersigned:
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George N. Cretekos
Mayor
Approved as to form:
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Pamela K. Akin
City Attorney
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CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
By: ,,",� 4.
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William B. Horne II
City Manager
Attest:
Rosemarie Call
City Clerk
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MANSON, BOLVES, DONALDSON,
VARN P.A.
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Jacob D. Varn, Esq.