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12/20/2006 Agreement DANNY L. KOLHAGE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT DATE: December 27, 2006 TO: Suzanne A. Hutton County Attorney ATTN: Kathy Peters Executive Assistant Pamela G. Hancoc~ Deputy Clerk 0 FROM: At the December 20,2006, Board of County Commissioner's (BOCe) meeting the Board granted approval and authorized execution of the following: hgreement between Monroe County and Larry R. Erskine, P.A. to provide legal services to the County for real estate closings and related matters and to be available for other cases if authorized. Enclosed is a copy for your handling. Revised Settlement Agreement in Lucy Ladd v. Monroe County, Florida, Case Ino. CA-K-06-952. Enclosed is the original Agreementfor your handling. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact this office. cc: Finance File AGREEMENT BETWEEN MONROE COUNTY AND LARRY R. ERSKINE, P.A. THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into thisUJiday of ~....1.ct.2006, by and between the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, as the legislative and governing body of Monroe County, Florida, and in accordance with the powers enumerated in Section 125.Dl, Florida Statutes ("COUNTY") and, LARRY R. ERSKINE, P.A ("A TIORNEY") hereby enter into this Agreement regarding the retention of ATTORNEY by COUNTY to provide legal advice and services. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and provisions contained herein, the parties agree as follows: 1. THE CLIENT The Client is the COUNTY, and to the extent ethically permissible, it's elected and appointed officers and its employees, unless COUNTY advises ATTORNEY otherwise. 2. THE ATTORNEY ATTORNEY is the individual or professional association named above and whose legally authorized signature appears at the bottom of this Agreement. ATTORNEY is licensed to practice law in all jurisdictions relevant to this matter. ATTORNEY has been retained specifically because ATTORNEY is understood by COUNTY to be able to handle this matter. If ATTORNEY practices with others who may also provide services to COUNTY, he or she understands that COUNTY expects that ATTORNEY will be responsible for managing the representation, assuring compliance of others with the terms of this Agreement and ethical requirements, preparing and substantiating all bills, and communicating with COUNTY. ATTORNEY may not delegate or outsource this work without full written disclosure to, and prior written approval from, the COUNTY. 3. TERM OF AGREEMENT This Agreement and representation by ATTORNEY is effective upon execution by ATTORNEY and acceptance and approval by COUNTY in accordance with COUNTY'S policies, ordinances, or governing statutes. The representation shall continue until terminated by either the COUNTY, or by the ATTORNEY in accordance with ethical requirements and/or the terms of this Agreement. 4. SCOPE OF THE WORK ATTORNEY shall provide legal services and advice to COUNTY for the closings or potential closings of the Park Village, Islander Village, Overseas, and Hickory House real estate sales, as well as other Real Estate matters as assigned specifically to ATTORNEY by the County Attorney. ATTORNEY will be assigned new matters by the COUNTY ATTORNEY from time to time during the term of the agreement, those matters shall be included under this Agreement when assigned by the COUNTY in writing and accepted in writing by ATTORNEY and the Clerk of Court is notified in writing of the addition of the matter. The new matter shall be given a new name and the matter shall be billed under that name. 4.1 Professional abilitv to perform work. appointment of contract manager ATTORNEY warrants that he or she is authorized by law to engage in the performance of the activities herein described, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in these contract documents. ATTORNEY shall designate an individual attorney to be the contract manager for each matter and the contract manager shall at all times exercise independent, professional judgment and shall assume professional responsibility for the services to be provided. ATTORNEY warrants that he or she and the authorized time keepers are authorized by law and the Rules and Regulations of The Florida Bar to engage in the performance of the activities encompassed by this Agreement. If ATTORNEY is a member of a law firm, either as partner, shareholder, associate, or other relationship, ATTORNEY warrants that he or she is authorized to enter into this Agreement by the law firm. 4.2 Management of time keepers ATTORNEY is responsible for managing the matter cost-effectively and competently, e.g., by insuring that additional time-keepers are competent, properly supervised, efficient, and in compliance with the terms of this Agreement as well as with ethical obligations. 5. REVIEW OF ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BEFORE INITIATING REPRESENTATION AND COUNTY'S WAIVER OF PRESENTLY APPARENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST ATTORNEY has conducted a thorough investigation and determined that there not a presently any ethical impediment to representing COUNTY. However, ATTORNEY has notified COUNTY of the potential for a conflict of interest to arise in the future between ATTORNEY and COUNTY. ATTORNEY also represents the City of Key West, in transactional matters including real estate transactions, leases, contracts, other land matters. He also attends the Planning Board for the City and handles matters pertaining to the Marina, the Key West cemetery and forfeitures. In addition, the City of Key West and COUNTY have a potential litigation regarding storm water. ATTORNEY does not believe that he will be involved in the litigation for the City should it arise, however ATTORNEY hereby acknowledges and notifies COUNTY of the potential conflict of interest. To the extent that any further ethical impediment, real or potential, is discovered or ever arises in the above stated areas or in any others, ATTORNEY shall immediately inform COUNTY in writing ofthe impediment (regardless of whether ATTORNEY believes he or she has taken all steps necessary to avoid the impediment and regardless of whether ATTORNEY believes that the impediment is insubstantial or questionable), make full disclosure ofthe situation to COUNTY, obtain COUNTY'S express, written consent to continue the representation of the other client, and take all steps requested by COUNTY to avoid or mitigate the impediment. ATTORNEY understands that, if a direct or indirect conflict of interest arises which, in the opinion of the COUNTY, cannot be avoided or mitigated under the Rules of Professional Conduct of The Florida Bar, COUNTY may, in its discretion, (a) obtain reimbursement from ATTORNEY for all fees and expenses paid to ATTORNEY in this matter; (b) obtain cancellation of all amounts allegedly owed by COUNTY to ATTORNEY; and (c) obtain reimbursement for consequential expenses incurred by COUNTY, including the cost of replacement counsel. COUNTY. pursuant to Rule 4-1.7(b)(4) of the Rules of Professional Responsibilitv herebv authorizes Larrv R. Erskine to represent COUNTY in real estate closings and related real estate matters despite his continuing representation of the Citv of Kev West. and notwithstanding the dispute between the Citv ofKev West and the COUNTY over the storm water utilitv fee the Citv is 2 charging the KWIA. COUNTY reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withdraw this waiver anytime in the future should the Board of Countv Commissioners or the Countv Attornev deem it aooropriate. 6. PAYMENTS TO ATTORNEY ATTORNEY shall submit to COUNTY invoices with supporting documentation acceptable to the Clerk on a schedule as set forth in the contract. Acceptability to the Clerk is based on generally accepted accounting principles and such laws, rules and regulations as may govern the Clerk's disbursal of funds. 6.1 ATTORNEY Fee !Hourlv) ATTORNEY will be paid for his or her services based on the number of hours expended on behalf of COUNTY (rounded to the nearest tenth hour for each time entry), not to include time billable to or compensated by other clients, multiplied by the ATTORNEY'S hourly rate. The following minimum billing documentation and time-keeper requirements are a condition precedent to payment by the COUNTY. 6.2. Non-billable time ATTORNEY will bill COUNTY only for time reasonably and necessarily incurred to render professional services on COUNTY'S behalf in accordance with this Agreement. Time attributable to billing questions is not billable. Time expended by time-keepers who have not been approved by COUNTY is also not billable. 6.3. Hourlv Rates, and Changes to hourlv rates Hourly rates for ATTORNEY will be set at $225.00 per hour. ATTORNEY will charge no more than the hourly rate quoted above throughout the duration of the matter, unless otherwise agreed in writing and approved by COUNTY in the same manner as Agreement. 6.4. Discounts to other Clients The rates ATTORNEY will charge COUNTY represent the lowest rates charged by the same time-keepers to other clients. In the event that lower rates or discounts are provided to other clients, ATTORNEY and approved time-keepers will also provide them on the same basis to COUNTY. 6.5. Time keepers As used in this Agreement, the term "time keeper" shall include ATTORNEY and other ATTORNEYS and individuals identified in paragraph 6.3 of this Agreement who will be providing services under this Agreement and who will bill the COUNTY for their services in accordance with this Agreement. 6.51. Duplication of effort Unless advance COUNTY approval is obtained, ATTORNEY will not have more than one time- keeper bill for court appearances, attendance at depositions and meetings, including meetings with COUNTY representatives, and internal conferences. In the event that more than one person attends, only the time of the person with the lowest rate will be billable. ATTORNEY is not permitted to use this matter to provide on the job training for a time-keeper, and bill for that time- keeper's services, without COUNTY'S advance approval. 3 6.5.2. Time-keeper changes Time-keepers approved by the COUNTY are listed in paragraph 6.3 of this Agreement, and may be amended from time to time, upon mutual agreement ofthe COUNTY and the ATTORNEY, to evidence the then-current circumstances. Additional time-keepers may not be added to the matter without advance written approval from COUNTY. In the event that additional time-keepers providing services which are to be billed to COUNTY are to be added to the staff, then their hourly rates shall be provided to COUNTY in advance, and, upon written approval by the COUNTY, their rates and billing practices shall comply with the requirements ofthis Agreement. COUNTY expects to receive discounts or other concessions so that any increases or changes in time-keepers will not result in unnecessary or unreasonable charges to COUNTY, e.g., for training, internal conferences, and management. 6.6. Existing work product To the extent the ATTORNEY makes use of existing work product, e.g., in the form of research previously performed for another client, then ATTORNEY shall bill only that time expended in using that work product for COUNTY. In other words, no premium, markup, or other adjustment shall be made to COUNTY bill for time spent on work already performed. 7. BILLING OF FEES AND EXPENSES ATTORNEY shall comply with the following requirements as to billing fees and expenses as a condition precedent to COUNTY'S obligation to pay each bill: 7.1. Monthlv bills Unless otherwise agreed in a writing signed by the COUNTY, bills shall be issued monthly by ATTORNEY within fifteen (15) days after the close of each month. ATTORNEY understands that COUNTY requires prompt bills in part to facilitate effective management of the representation and fees. 7.2. Bill format ATTORNEY shall provide detailed, itemized bills which shall, at a minimum: 7.2.1 Description Provide a general description of the matter, to include the name of the COUNTY department or constitutional officer, if not indicated in the title of the matter, for which legal services are being performed (e.g. Richard Roe v. Monroe County~EEO Claim); a description ofthe work performed in enough detail so that each item is distinguishable from other listed items and sufficient to allow COUNTY to determine the necessity for and reasonableness of the time expended, the services performed, the project or task each service relates to, the subject and purpose of each service, and the names of others who were present or communicated with in the course of performing the service. For example, simply the word "research" is not acceptable, more detail about the type of research and what was determined by the research is necessary. 7.2.2 Personnel Clearly identify each timekeeper performing services in conjunction with each entry. Clearly identify all persons who are not full-time lawyers employed by the ATTORNEY'S firm (including paralegals, employees of ATTORNEY with their titles, subcontractors, independent contractors, temporary employees, and outsourcing providers). Personnel who are not listed as additional timekeepers will not be paid unless approved in writing under the requirements of this Agreement. 4 7.2.3 Time Records Record the time expended by each time-keeper separately. In those situations where the minimum billing increment exceeds the actual time spent on a task and several of these "minor" tasks are performed, it is expected that the services will be aggregated until the total actual time spent meets the minimum billing increment. 7.2.4 Totals and Bv Task State the amount of time expended by each time-keeper broken down for each task. 7.2.5 Summarv of Rates In a summary at the beginning or end of the bill, provide the current hourly rate for each time- keeper, the total time billed by each time-keeper in that bill, the product of the total time and hourly rate for each time-keeper, the total fees charged, and are reconciliation between the amount charged and any applicable estimated or budgeted amount, by task. In addition, each monthly statement should show the aggregate billing for that matter from the commencement of the matter through the currently-billed month. 7.3. Expenses COUNTY will pay the actual, reasonable cost of the following expense items if incurred in accordance with the guidelines below and promptly itemized in ATTORNEY'S montWy bill: 7.3.1 Reimbursable expenses Actual cost for necessary long distance telephone calls, telecopying at $.25 per outgoing page, overnight or expedited delivery, couriers, photocopying at $.15 per page, postage, court fees, and other expenses approved in advance by COUNTY or as listed below: 7.3.1.1. Expedited or emergencv services ATTORNEY is expected to avoid using expedited or emergency services, such as express delivery services, couriers, telecopying, overtime, and so on, unless necessary because of unexpected developments or extremely short deadlines. COUNTY may refuse to pay for any such expenses when incurred routinely or because of ATTORNEY'S failure to manage the matter efficiently. 7.3.1.2. Computerized research ATTORNEY is expected to use computerized research services cost-effectively to reduce time spent on research, for example, while closely-monitoring computerized research to insure that the charges are reasonable and necessary. ATTORNEY is expected to pass through to COUNTY any discounts or other arrangements that reduce the cost of computerized services. 7.3.1.3. Photocopving ATTORNEY is encouraged to use outside copying services to reduce the cost of large-volume copying, provided that these expenses are efficient, cost -effective, and incurred and billed in accordance with this Agreement. ATTORNEY is responsible for insuring that all copying complies with copyright obligations. 7.3.1.4. Transcripts Transcripts should not be ordered without prior approval from COUNTY. Transcripts should not be ordered on an expedited basis unless necessary and approved in advance by COUNTY. ATTORNEY should obtain digital electronic/computerized copies of transcripts when available 5 at a reasonable cost to avoid charging for time spent digesting or indexing transcripts, and to allow COUNTY to maintain a digital electronic/computerized database of all transcripts. 7.3.1.5 Travel Exoenses Travel expenses within the ATTORNEY'S local or metropolitan area will not be reimbursed and time in transit is not billable. Travel expenses outside the metropolitan area may only be reimbursed if the travel was approved in advance by COUNTY. Reimbursable travel expenses, if approved in advance, are the cost of transportation by the least expensive practicable means (e.g., coach class air travel), the cost of reasonable hotel accommodations, and the cost of transportation while out of town (e.g., by cab or rental car, whichever seems reasonable, at the lowest available rate). Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Florida Statute 112.321 and of the Monroe County Code for "approved travelers" and shall be summarized on the Monroe County Travel Form by ATTORNEY with all applicable receipts attached thereto. 7.3.1.6 Travel Time Time spent in transit outside Attorney's local area may be billed only if ATTORNEY or time- keeper is unable to avoid traveling by using other forms of communication or it is determined by the County that travel is in the County's best interest. Travel by more than one time-keeper at the same time to the same destination is not allowed without prior approval from COUNTY. This agreement contemplates the Attorney's local area to be from Marathon MM54 to Key West MM 0, any travel outside the local area but still in the Florida Keys may be billed as travel time upon approval by the County Attorney or designee of the County Attorney. 7.3.2. Non-reimbursable exoenses The following expenses will in no event be reimbursable without prior written approval by County Attorney and approval by the Board of County Commissioners: 7.3.2.1. Personal and Office Costs Meals for time-keepers not related to travel, overtime, word processing or computer charges, personal expenses, expenses that benefited other clients, expenses for books, costs of temporary employees, periodicals or other library materials, internal filing or other document handling charges, clerical expenses, stationery and other supply expenses, utilities, and any other expense that is either unreasonable or unnecessary. (The fact that ATTORNEY charges other clients or that other firms charge their clients for an expense does not make it reasonable or necessary under this Agreement.) 7.3.2.2. Exoerts. consultants. suooort services. outsourced services. etc. ATTORNEY is not authorized to retain experts, additional counsel, consultants, support services, or the like, or to out source or delegate work outside ATTORNEY'S law firm, without prior written approval by County Attorney and approval by the Board of County Commissioners. If agreed to ATTORNEY will be responsible for selecting and managing the services of others so that their services and expenses will be rendered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including terms applicable to ATTORNEY. ATTORNEY will manage others to obtain cost effective services for COUNTY. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, ATTORNEY shall obtain a written retainer agreement, in a form which may be specified by COUNTY, from each service provider, with bills from each provider being sent to both ATTORNEY and COUNTY. 6 7.3.2.3 Temporarv Staffing ATTORNEY will not bill COUNTY for the time and expenses of temporary employees, including so-called "Temps" or contract ATTORNEYS or other staff from outside companies, nor "out source" or delegate work, nor charge for summer associates, law clerks, or student clerks, (collectively "temporary staff' even if not temporarily employed) without full advance disclosure of the employee's temporary or short-term status to COUNTY, including disclosure of the actual amount paid or to be paid to the individual. Unless COUNTY expressly agrees in writing to paying additional amounts after full disclosure by ATTORNEY, ATTORNEY may not charge COUNTY more than the actual cost paid by ATTORNEY. 7.3.2.4. Expenses not passed through at actual cost COUNTY will not pay any markup for expenses. COUNTY will only reimburse the ATTORNEY for their actual approved out-of-pocket costs and expenses, whether incurred personally by an approved time-keeper or incurred by other approved personnel (such as experts, consultants, support services personnel, or outsourced services personnel). 7.3.2.5. Overhead not charged to Countv COUNTY will not pay for any "expense" items that are in fact part of ATTORNEY'S overhead which should be included within ATTORNEY'S fee, the determination of which expenses fall into this category are strictly within the discretion ofthe COUNTY. 7.3.3. Advance approval of expenses In addition to the items noted above, ATTORNEY shall obtain advance approval from COUNTY before incurring any expense in excess of$I,OOO.OO if ATTORNEY expects to be reimbursed for that expense. COUNTY may refuse to pay any expense for which advance approval was not obtained by ATTORNEY. 7.3.4. Copies ofreceipts for expenses ATTORNEY shall include copies of receipts for all expenses with the itemized montWy bill. COUNTY may refuse to pay any expense item for which documentation is not provided by ATTORNEY. 7.3.5. Expenses (and fees) aftertermination Upon termination of the representation, ATTORNEY shall promptly bill COUNTY for any remaining reimbursable expenses and fees. COUNTY may refuse to pay any fees or expenses not billed within 45 days of termination ofthe representation. ATTORNEY is also expected to cooperate promptly with all aspects of termination and, if applicable, transition to other counsel. Payment for fees and expenses is contingent upon prompt, full cooperation. 7.4. Bill and expense documentation ATTORNEY must maintain supporting documentation for invoices until at least one year after the termination ofthe representation. This documentation shall be made available by ATTORNEY to COUNTY (or COUNTY'S designated representative, including an accountant, the County Clerk or County Clerk's representative, or legal bill auditor) upon COUNTY'S written request. ATTORNEY agrees to cooperate with any examination of this documentation and ATTORNEY'S fees and expenses, e.g., by responding promptly and completely to any questions COUNTY or its designated representative may have. ATTORNEY shall notify COUNTY in writing at least 60 days in advance of destroying any such records and, in the event that COUNTY requests that they be preserved, shall preserve them at least one additional year or, at the option of the COUNTY, delivered to the COUNTY for storage by the COUNTY, with COUNTY responsible for paying the actual cost of storage. This documentation shall include, for 7 example, original time records, expense receipts, and documentation supporting the amount charged by ATTORNEY for expense items generated by ATTORNEY or his or her firm. COUNTY reserves the right not to pay any fee or expense item for which sufficient documentation or expense item for which sufficient documentation is not available to determine whether the item was necessary and reasonable. 8. PAYMENT TERMS ATTORNEY'S request for payments and reimbursements may be made in either the ATTORNEY'S name or the name of the ATTORNEY'S law firm, as appropriate. ATTORNEY bills complying with this Agreement are due and payable according to the Prompt Payment Act. If the bill materially fails to comply with the requirements of this Agreement, then it is not due and payable until its deficiencies are remedied by ATTORNEY. 9. MATTER MANAGEMENT COUNTY will expect that all communications between ATTORNEY, and additional time keepers, and COUNTY will be reviewed by ATTORNEY and that ATTORNEY will serve as the point of contact for this matter, including billing questions. 9.1. Case monitoring COUNTY will be advised promptly by ATTORNEY of all significant facts and developments in the matter so that COUNTY may manage the matter effectively and make informed decisions about strategy, tactics, settlement, scheduling, costs, and other related matters. COUNTY will promptly receive from ATTORNEY copies of all orders, opinions, pleadings, briefs, memoranda (internal and external), correspondence, and any other document material to the subject matter of this Agreement, such that the COUNTY will have a current, up-to-date, "mirror" copy of the COUNTY'S file maintained by ATTORNEY. For discovery materials or exhibits that are lengthy, ATTORNEY should discuss them with COUNTY before providing a copy. Documents available in digital electronic/computerized form should be provided in that form in lieu of paper copies, if requested by County. Additionally, ATTORNEY may be required to submit, on a monthly basis, a case status and progress report to be submitted to the Board of COUNTY Commissioners. The format of the report shall be in the form required by the COUNTY ATTORNEY. 9.2. Case control ATTORNEY shall discuss all significant issues of strategy and tactics, including motions, discovery, pleadings, briefs, trial preparation, experts, and settlement, with COUNTY before implementation. ATTORNEY is expected to exercise independent professional judgment. 9.3. ATTORNEY coooeration ATTORNEY will cooperate with COUNTY or COUNTY'S representatives to promptly provide all information COUNTY requests or needs about the subj ect matter of this Agreement and ATTORNEY'S bills and handling of the matter. 9.4. COUNTY coooeration ATTORNEY should consult with COUNTY about all opportunities for COUNTY to save money or make use of COUNTY'S expertise to assist in, e.g., responding to discovery, preparing for trial, locating experts, and the like. COUNTY may also have personnel and facilities available to reduce the expenses related to the subject matter of this Agreement. 8 10. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS ATTORNEY is not authorized to waive or release any privilege or other protection of information - confidential, secret, or otherwise - obtained from or on behalf of COUNTY. ATTORNEY is to keep all confidential, privileged, or secret information confidential. This requirement is perpetual, i.e., it will continue even after the termination ofthe relationship and this Agreement. 10.1 Prohibition against use of information This requirement is also intended to prohibit ATTORNEY from using information obtained from or on behalf of COUNTY, including work product prepared at COUNTY'S expense, for other client's of ATTORNEY or his or her firm, without COUNTY'S advance written approval. 10.2 No use of Countv for marketing ourposes ATTORNEY is not authorized to identify COUNTY as a COUNTY, e.g., for purposes of marketing or advertising, without COUNTY'S prior approval. II. OWNERSHIP OF ATTORNEY FILES AND WORK PRODUCT ATTORNEY understands that all files and work product prepared by ATTORNEY or his or her firm at the expense of COUNTY (or for which COUNTY is otherwise billed) is the property of COUNTY. Without COUNTY'S prior written approval, this work product may not be used by ATTORNEY or his or her firm nor disclosed by ATTORNEY or his or her firm to others, except in the normal course of ATTORNEY'S representation of COUNTY in this matter. ATTORNEY agrees that COUNTY owns all rights, including copyrights, to materials prepared by COUNTY or by ATTORNEY on behalf of COUNTY. ATTORNEY shall notify COUNTY in writing at least 60 days in advance of destroying any such records and, in the event that COUNTY requests that they be preserved, shall preserve them at least one additional year (with COUNTY responsible for paying the actual cost of storage). ATTORNEY shall provide COUNTY with prompt access to (including the ability to make copies of) all ATTORNEY files and work product, regardless of whether the representation or matter is ongoing and whether ATTORNEY fees and expenses have been paid in full. 12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION ATTORNEY and COUNTY agree that if a dispute arises between them that neither shall be required to enter into any arbitration proceedings related to this Agreement 12.1. Disoutes regarding Attornev fees or exoenses ATTORNEY and COUNTY agree that all disputes regarding ATTORNEY'S fees or expenses are to be resolved pursuant to the procedures and practices for mediation by the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program of the Florida Bar. 12.2. Disoutes regarding interpretation COUNTY and ATTORNEY agree that all disputes and disagreements between them regarding interpretation of the Agreement shall be attempted to be resolved by a meet and confer session between representatives of COUNTY and ATTORNEY. If the issue or issues are still not resolved to the satisfaction of both within thirty (30) days after the meet and confer session, then either shall have the right to terminate the Agreement upon ten (10) business days notice in writing to the other party. 9 12.3 Legal or Administrative procedures In the event any administrative or legal proceeding is instituted against either the COUNTY or ATTORNEY relating to the formation, execution, performance, or breach of this Agreement, the COUNTY and ATTORNEY each agree to participate, to the extent required by the other, in all proceedings, hearings, processes, meetings, and other activities related to the substance of this Agreement; institution of any administrative or legal proceeding shall constitute immediate termination of this Agreement. ATTORNEY agrees to forward copies of all documents in his or her possession related to the matter which is the subject of this Agreement to COUNTY at the time of filing any administrative or legal proceeding. 12.4 ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS In the event any administrative proceeding or cause of action is initiated or defended by the COUNTY or ATTORNEY relative to the enforcement or interpretation of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of reasonable ATTORNEY'S fees, court costs, investigative, and out-of-pocket expenses, as an award against the non-prevailing party, and shall include reasonable ATTORNEY'S fees, court costs, investigative, and out-of-pocket expenses in appellate proceedings. Mediation proceedings initiated and conducted pursuant to this Agreement or as may be required by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be conducted in accordance with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and the usual and customary procedures required by the circuit court of Monroe County and shall take place in Monroe County. 13. NOTICE REOUIREMENT Any notice required or permitted under this agreement shall be in writing and hand delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party by certified mail, returned receipt requested, to the following: FOR COUNTY County Attorney PO Box 1026 Key West, FL. 33041 (305)292-3470 FOR ATTORNEY Mr. Larry R. Erskine Post Office Box 4035 Key West, FL 33041 (305)872-8401 14. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely in the State. Venue for any legal action which may arise out of or under this agreement shall be in Monroe County, Florida. 15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT The entire agreement between the COUNTY and ATTORNEY with respect to the subject matter hereof is contained in this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior oral and written proposals and communications between the COUNTY and ATTORNEY related to this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended or modified by either party unless such waiver, amendment or modification is in writing and signed by the party 10 against whom the waiver, amendment or modification is claimed. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their pennitted successors and assigns. 16. FLORIDA GOVERNMENT -IN-THE-SUNSHINE LAW ATTORNEY agrees that, unless specifically exempted or excepted by Florida law, the provisions of Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, generally require full and public discussion of matters to be voted upon by the Board of County Commissioners. ATTORNEY agrees to consult with the COUNTY ATTORNEY'S office concerning the application of the Sunshine Law from time to time concerning specific circumstances that may arise during the term of this Agreement. 17. FLORIDA PUBLIC RECORDS LAW ATTORNEY agrees that, unless specifically exempted or excepted by Florida law or Rules and Regulations of The Florida Bar, the provisions of Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, generally require public access to all records and documents which may be made or received under this Agreement. ATTORNEY agrees to consult with the County Attorney's office concerning the application of the Public Records Law from time to time concerning specific circumstances that may arise during the term of this Agreement. 18. NO ASSIGNMENTS ATTORNEY shall not assign or subcontract its obligations under this agreement, except in writing and with the prior written approval of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, which approval shall be subject to such conditions and provisions as the Board may deem necessary. This paragraph shall be incorporated by reference into any assignment or subcontract and any assignee or subcontractor shall comply with all of the provisions of this Agreement. Unless expressly provided for therein, such approval shall in no manner or event be deemed to impose any additional obligation upon the Board. 19. TERMINATION Either of the parties hereto may terminate this contract without cause by giving the other party fifteen (15) business days written notice of its intention to do so. 19.1 Documents forwarded to COUNTY ATTORNEY agrees to forward to COUNTY along with Notice of Tennination or upon receipt of Notice of Tennination, depending upon which party terminates the Agreement, copies of all documents in his or her possession of any nature whatsoever related to the ATTORNEY'S representation of COUNTY or obtained due to ATTORNEY'S representation of COUNTY. 19.2 Restriction on Communications ATTORNEY agrees not to communicate with the public, including the press, about COUNTY or about this matter. 20. SEVERABILITY If a term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable to any extent by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby; and each remaining term, covenant, condition and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent pennitted by law unless the enforcement of the remaining terms, covenants, conditions and provision of this Agreement would prevent the accomplishment of the original intent of this Agreement. The COUNTY and ATTORNEY agree to reform the Agreement to replace any stricken provision with a valid provision that comes as close as possible to the intent of the stricken provision. 11 21. CAPTIONS The captions set forth herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not define, modify, or limit any of the terms hereof. 22. LEGAL OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: NON-DELEGATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL OR STATUTORY DUTIES This Agreement is not intended to relieve, nor shall it be construed as relieving, either the COUNTY or ATTORNEY from any obligation or responsibility imposed upon each by law except to the extent of actual and timely performance thereof by the other, in which case the performance may be offered in satisfaction of the obligation or responsibility. Further this Agreement is not intended to authorize, nor shall it be construed as authorizing, the delegation of the constitutional or statutory duties of the COUNTY, except to the extent pennitted by the Florida Constitution, state statutes, case law, and, specifically, the provisions of Chapter 125, Florida Statutes. 23. RECORDS ATTORNEY shall maintain all books, records, and documents directly pertinent to performance under this Agreement, including the documents referred to in this Agreement, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied. Upon ten (10) business days written notice to the other, representatives of either the COUNTY or ATTORNEY shall have access, at all reasonable times, to all the other party's books, records, correspondence, instructions, receipts, vouchers and memoranda (excluding computer software) pertaining to work under this Agreement for the purpose of conducting a complete independent fiscal audit. ATTORNEY shall retain all records required to be kept under this Agreement for a minimum of five years, and for at least four years after the termination of this agreement. ATTORNEY shall keep such records as are necessary to document the performance of the agreement and expenses as incurred, and give access to these records at the request of the COUNTY, the State of Florida or authorized agents and representatives of said goverrunent bodies. It is the responsibility of ATTORNEY to maintain appropriate records to insure a proper accounting of all collections and remittances. ATTORNEY shall be responsible for repayment of any and all audit exceptions which are identified by the Auditor General for the State of Florida, the Clerk of Court for Monroe County, the Board of County Commissioners for Monroe County, or their agents and representatives. 24. PUBLIC ACCESS The COUNTY and ATTORNEY shall allow and permit reasonable access to and inspection of, all documents, papers, letters, or other materials subject to the Florida Public Records Law, as provided in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and made or received by the them, unless specifically exempted by State Statute, Rules and Regulations of The Florida Bar, or case law. COUNTY shall have the right to cancel this agreement upon violation of this provision by ATTORNEY. 25. MONROE COUNTY CODE ETHICS PROVISION ATTORNEY warrants that he or she has not employed, retained or otherwise had act on his behalf any former COUNTY officer or employee in violation of Section 2 of Ordinance No. 10- 1990 or any COUNTY officer or employee in violation of Section 3 of Ordinance No. 10 1990. For breach or violation of this provision the COUNTY may, at its discretion, terminate this Agreement without liability and may also, at its discretion, deduct from the sums owed under the Agreement, or otherwise recover, the full amount of any fee, commission, percentage, gift, or 12 consideration paid to the former or present COUNTY officer or employee. COUNTY employees and officers are required to comply with the standards of conduct delineated in Section 112.313, Florida Statutes, regarding, but not limited to, solicitation or acceptance of gifts, doing business with one's agency, unauthorized compensation, and misuse of public position, conflicting employment or contractual relationship, and disclosure of certain information. 26. PUBLIC ENTITY CRIME STATEMENT Florida law provides that person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for public entity crime may not submit a bid on an agreement to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid on a agreement with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids on leases of real property to public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, sub contractor, or consultant under a agreement with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. ATTORNEY warrants the neither ATTORNEY nor any authorized time keeper has been named to the convicted vendor list. 27. ANTI-KICKBACK ATTORNEY warrants that no person has been employed or retained to solicit or secure this Agreement upon any contract or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee, and that no employee or officer of the COUNTY has any interest, financially or otherwise, in this Agreement, except as expressly stated herein. For breach or violation of this warranty, the COUNTY shall have the right to annul this agreement without liability or, in its discretion, to deduct any sums to be paid by COUNTY under this Agreement, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee. 28. MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS This Agreement may not be modified in any way without the express, written consent of both parties. Any and all modifications and Amendments of the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and executed by the Board of County Commissioners for Monroe County and by ATTORNEY in the same manner as this Agreement. 29. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR At all times and for all purposes hereunder, ATTORNEY is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County. No statement contained in this Agreement shall be construed so as to find ATTORNEY or any of the authorized time keepers, to be the employees of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, and they shall be entitled to none of the rights, privileges or benefits of employees of Monroe County. 30. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW In carrying out ATTORNEY'S obligations under this agreement, ATTORNEY shall abide by all statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to or regulating the provisions of this Agreement, including those now in effect and hereafter adopted. Any violation of said statutes, ordinances, rules or regulations shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement and shall entitle COUNTY to terminate this Agreement immediately upon delivery of written notice of termination to ATTORNEY. 13 31. LICENSING ATTORNEY warrants that ATTORNEY and additional timekeepers do presently have, shall have prior to commencement of work under this Agreement, and at all times during said work, all required licenses and permits whether federal, state, County or City. 32. NON-DISCRIMINATION ATTORNEY shall not discriminate, in its employment practices and in providing services hereunder, on the basis ofrace, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, or age, and shall abide by all federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Upon a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that such discrimination has occurred, this Agreement automatically terminates without any further action by the COUNTY, effective the date of the court order. ATTORNEY is aware of the provisions of Section 13-101 through 13-106, Monroe County Code, relating to non- discrimination, and agrees to abide by the Code's nondiscrimination requirements. 33. NON-RELIANCE BY NON-PARTIES No person or entity shall be entitled to rely upon the terms, or any of them, of this Agreement to enforce or attempt to enforce any third-party claim or entitlement to or benefit of any service or program contemplated hereunder, and the COUNTY and ATTORNEY agree that neither the COUNTY nor ATTORNEY or any officer, agent, or employee of each shall have the authority to inform, counsel, or otherwise indicate that any particular individual or group of individuals, entity or entities, have entitlements or benefits under this Agreement separate and apart, inferior to, or superior to the community in general or for the purposes contemplated under this Agreement. 34. ATTESTATIONS ATTORNEY agrees to execute such documents as the COUNTY may reasonable require, including a Drug-Free Workplace Statement, and a Public Entity Crime Statement. 35. COUNTY AUTHORITY This Agreement has been duly noticed at a legally held public meeting conducted in Monroe County, Florida. COUNTY'S performance and obligation to pay under this contract, is contingent upon annual appropriation by the Board of County Commissioners. 36. HOLD HARMLESS AND INSURANCE Prior to execution of this agreement, ATTORNEY shall furnish COUNTY Certificates of Insurance indicating the minimum professional liability coverage for ATTORNEY and additional time-keepers in the amount of $500,000 per claim and $1,000,000.00 aggregate. ATTORNEY agrees to keep the same amount of coverage or more at all times and to provide proof of said coverage to COUNTY at COUNTY'S request at any time during the term of the Agreement. 37. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY No covenant or obligation contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be a covenant or obligation of any member, officer, agent or employee of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County in his or her individual capacity and no member, officer, agent or employee of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County shall be liable personally on this Agreement or be subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of the execution of this Agreement. 14 38. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument and the COUNTY and ATTORNEY may execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart. THIS AGREEMENT shall become effective when executed by both the ATTORNEY and executed by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida and shall be retroactive to July 15, 2006. Attest: DnKohla~erk B' /tWl~ ...~ Dee.uty Clerk Date: DEe 2 0 200S Board of County Commissioners O~l}~ By: Mario DiGennaro, Mayor Date: DEe 2 0 7006 Witness to ATTORNEY: ATTOR Y: c~ ;f.~ Signature E..lo.....""t Ferda. Print Name Address: . DATE: ./1 I~ lofc .~ 6 Si~~~r;z,.x~ If.. -EAS4~)S Print Name DATE: II ;'z fA; b MONROE COUNTY ATTfZRN APPROVED AS ~O : (J ~/-hu' %- / NA ILEENE W CASSEL SSISTANT Cy"UNTY ATTORNEY Date /1 ~/,.,~ / 3: ...... 0 => -." 0 => z )> "" ::0("')2: = m or-:::': f'Tl Cl M::::r;:-'~ C"") n. r N '71 on' ..... c,) ~?Jl.~ ::0 " 7;:) ; C") !..-:. :I: i-~.i :;'....:-'::'- .~-) -" c' ~ 0 r f'l ;0 )> 0 CJ CD 15