TO: Margate CRA Chair and Members of the Board
FROM: Cale Curtis, CRA Executive Director
DATE: September 10, 2025
Title
APPROVING THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE MARGATE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE & BIERMAN, P.L.
BACKGROUND: The MCRA entered into an Agreement for Legal Services with Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L., on December 19, 2019. The Original Agreement was for an initial term of three years, with an option for two additional one-year extensions. The First Amendment was approved by resolution on September 14, 2022, commencing December 19, 2022, and ending on December 18, 2023. The Second Amendment was approved by resolution on September 13, 2023, for an additional one-year term through December 18, 2024. It also provided an adjustment in the hourly rates charged by the Firm effective October 1, 2024.
This Third Amendment will extend the term of the Original Agreement on an annual basis and provide for continued renewal pursuant to the adoption of the MCRA budget, unless otherwise terminated by the MCRA as provided for in the Original Agreement. Effective October 1, 2025, the amendment also provides for an adjustment in the Firm’s rate schedule as follows: $300.00 per hour for partners, associates, and of counsel; the rate for paralegals would remain at $200.00. Commencing October 1, 2026, partners, associates, and of counsel will be billed at $325.00 per hour, and paralegals will be billed at the rate of $225.00 per hour. All other terms and conditions would remain the same.
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the Third Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement
FISCAL IMPACT: Increases in the Firm’s hourly rates as described above and in the Third Amendment. Funding would be provided under the Professional Services-Legal account #140-0520-531001.
CONTACT PERSON: Cale Curtis, CRA Executive Director