TO: Chair and Members of the Board
FROM: Diane Colonna, Executive Director
DATE: May 11, 2016
Title
PRESENTATIONS AND SELECTION OF LAW FIRM -- MCRA LEGAL SERVICES
BACKGROUND:
At the MCRA meeting of February 10, 2016, the board directed staff to solicit proposals from qualified attorneys to provide legal services to the MCRA. An RFP for legal services was issued on March 10, 2016, and proposals were received by the following attorneys/firms:
• Carol A. Leone, P.L.L.C., Milton, FL
• Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol, PA Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• GrayRobinson, PA, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Ms. Leone’s response was deemed nonresponsive due to a failure to meet the minimum requirement of seven (7) years’ experience. A Selection Committee consisting of MCRA Executive Director Diane Colonna, MCRA Project Manager Kim Vazquez, and Margate City Clerk Joseph Kavanagh reviewed and ranked the two remaining firms based on the following criteria:
1. Firm’s experience with CRAs and familiarity with FS Chapter 163 Part III (30 pts.)
2. Firm’s experience with additional legal services as described in the Scope of Services
3. (25 pts.)
4. Qualifications and availability of personnel to be assigned to the MCRA (25 pts.)
5. Cost proposal (20 pts.)
Maximum total: 100 pts.
The resulting scores are as follows:
1. Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol, PA 285
2. GrayRobinson, PA 265
Both firms have extensive experience with CRAs and local governments, however the Committee felt that the experience of the primary individuals to be assigned to the MCRA varied significantly. Goren, Cherof, Doody and Ezrol propose to assign two attorneys: David Tolces, who has served as general counsel to the Lake Worth and Delray Beach CRAs for more than ten (10) years, and D.J. Doody who has also advised the Delray Beach CRA for ten years. GrayRobinson would assign John Herin, Jr., who serves as assistant general counsel to the Hallandale and North Miami Beach CRAs. He would be supported by Steven Zelkowitz, who has extensive experience with several CRAs in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, including Hallandale, Naranja Lakes, North Miami and others. Both firms propose a fee (for partners) of $225.00 per hour.
As outlined in the RFP, the two qualifying firms will be given an opportunity to make a presentation to the board and address any questions.
RECOMMENDATION: The Selection Committee recommends that the MCRA enter into an agreement for legal services with the Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol PA
FISCAL IMPACT: Legal fees will be charged at $225/hr. for partners, rates for other positions vary. Fees will be offset by reducing the current cost allocation paid by the CRA to the City for City Attorney’s legal services (approximately $94,000/year).
CONTACT PERSON: Diane Colonna, Executive Director