TO: Margate CRA Chair and Members of the Board
FROM: Cale Curtis, CRA Executive Director
DATE: September 13, 2023
Title
APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE MARGATE COMMUNITY REDEVELOMENT 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 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.
This second amendment would provide for an adjustment in the hourly rate that the firm would charge the MCRA as follows: increase from $240 to $275 for Partners, Associates, and Of Counsel and increase from $175 to $200 for Paralegals. Additionally, this second amendment provides for renewal on an annual basis through the adoption of the MCRA budget, but may be terminated as provided in the original agreement. The Firm’s rates will automatically increase on October 1st of each year by the greater of (i) three percent (3%); or (ii) the change in the consumer price index for all urban consumers for Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach as of August of that year, up to a maximum of 5%; provided, however, that the first rate increase shall not occur until October 1, 2024. All other terms and conditions would remain the same.
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the Second Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT: Increase in the hourly rates as described above. Funding would be provided for under the Professional Services-Legal account #140-0510-512.31-01
CONTACT PERSON: Cale Curtis, CRA Executive Director