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Item T06 T.6 County �� � .�� �y,4 ' �, "tr, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Mayor Michelle Coldiron,District 2 �1 `ll Mayor Pro Tem David Rice,District 4 Tire Florida.Keys ��� � � Craig Cates,District 1 Eddie Martinez,District 3 w Mike Forster,District 5 County Commission Meeting February 17, 2021 Agenda Item Number: T.6 Agenda Item Summary #7872 BULK ITEM: Yes DEPARTMENT: County Attorney's Office TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Derek Howard (305)292-3470 N/A AGENDA ITEM WORDING: A Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Approving a Settlement and Release Agreement on Trial Level Attorneys' Fees and Costs with Donald Davis and Smith Hawks LLC in Thomas Collins et. al. and Donald Davis v. Monroe County and State of Florida. ITEM BACKGROUND: The Settlement and Release Agreement provides for the settlement of Donald Davis' motion for trial level attorneys' fees and costs, which is the only remaining issue to be resolved in Davis' inverse condemnation litigation against Monroe County and the State of Florida. Monroe County has already paid its share of the Final Judgment and appellate level attorneys' fees and costs. Under the Settlement Agreement, the parties agree that the total amount of trial level attorneys' fees and costs due to Davis from the County and State is $109,382.91. The County is agreeing to pay Davis the full amount, and to separately seek reimbursement from the State for the State's share of$54,691.46. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: On May 20, 2020, the BOCC passed Resolution No. 147-2020 authorizing payment of attorneys' fees and costs at the appellate level as to Donald Davis to Smith Hawks PL. On August 19, 2020, the BOCC passed Resolution No. 227-2020, approving a settlement and release agreement between the County and State that resolved all claims between the parties in the Davis litigation, exclusive of attorneys' fees and costs. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval DOCUMENTATION: Packet Pg. 3691 T.6 3 County and Davis Settlement and Release Agreement Februrary 2021 Resolution Approving Settlement and Release Agreement in Davis Resolution 147-2020 Resolution 227-2020 FINANCIAL IMPACT: Effective Date: Expiration Date: Total Dollar Value of Contract: Total Cost to County: Current Year Portion: Budgeted: Source of Funds: CPI: Indirect Costs: Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: Revenue Producing: If yes, amount: Grant: County Match: Insurance Required: Additional Details: REVIEWED BY: Bob Shillinger Completed 02/08/2021 5:01 PM Derek Howard Completed 02/08/2021 5:04 PM Purchasing Completed 02/09/2021 8:07 AM Budget and Finance Completed 02/09/2021 8:41 AM Maria Slavik Completed 02/09/2021 9:17 AM Liz Yongue Completed 02/09/2021 9:35 AM Board of County Commissioners Pending 02/17/2021 9:00 AM Packet Pg. 3692 L6.a IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEEN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN Ch AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA W E THOMAS F. COLLINS , et al., and 0 DONALD DAVIS, �C 0 Plaintiffs, E VS. CASE NO. CA-M-04-379 MONROE COUNTY, a Political Subdivision y of the State of Florida, a and STATE OF FLORIDA Defendants. w SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT This Settlement and Release Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into by E Donald Davis ("Davis") and Smith Hawks PL (collectively "Releasors"), and Monroe County, 2 Florida also referred to herein as "Releasee"). The purpose of this Agreement is to settle any and all claims for an award of attorneys' fees and costs against Monroe County and the State of Florida in connection with the above-captioned litigation (the "Davis Litigation"), including, but not limited to, any claim under or related to Davis' Motion for Attorney Fees and Costs (dated February 28, 2017) or the Stipulation of Settlement(dated August 29, 2016). ) WHEREAS, the above-captioned suit was filed in 2004 by eleven (11) separate plaintiffs .� against Monroe County, alleging inverse condemnation of their properties through the imposition c of the County's Rate-of-Growth Ordinance (ROGO), and plaintiffs added the State of Florida as 1 Packet Pg. 3693 L6.a a defendant in their Second Amendment by Interlineation to First Amended Complaint in 2006; and WHEREAS, all the plaintiffs, including Davis, were represented at the trial level by E 0 Andrew M. Tobin, Esq. (hereinafter "Tobin") and James S. Mattson, Esq. (hereinafter 0 "Mattson"); and a WHEREAS, Davis entered into a contingency fee agreement with Tobin and Mattson on e( October 6, 2004, that provided, inter alia, as follows: If CLIENT obtains a final judgment on compensation, or accepts a .� monetary settlement from a condemning authority or a third party, ATTORNEYS' compensation shall be based on the difference between the judgment or settlement amount (not including the amounts designated as "attorneys' fees" or "costs"), and the last bona-fide, written offer to purchase the Subject Property by the U) condemning authority, and received by CLIENT before the date 0 CLIENT signed this fee agreement. This difference is defined as > CLIENT's `Benefit." The last bona-fed written offer from a 2 condemning authority was $35,000 . . . e( ATTORNEYS shall be entitled to compensation equal to 33% of a CLIENT's benefit up to $250,000, and 25% of any portion of the benefit between $250,000 and $1 million, and 20% of any portion of the benefit exceeding $1 million. In cases where the Court awards attorneys' fees as part of a final judgment using statutory factors in § 73.092, Fla. Stat., CLIENT agrees to pay ATTORNEYS the greater of the Court-awarded fees or the .� compensation set forth in the preceding sentence. WHEREAS, following a liability trial in April 2011, the trial court entered its Final m Judgment Denying and Granting Liability on October 14, 2011, holding that Davis was the only landowner to establish that a regulatory taking of his property occurred; and WHEREAS, on August 4, 2016, the trial court directed the parties to mediation, and on August 29, 2016, the parties entered into the Stipulation of Settlement agreeing (a) that for 0 purposes of calculating damages, the fair market value of the subject property on July 17, 2002 E 2 Packet Pg. 3694 L6.a (the date of taking), was one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000.00) and (b) "Plaintiff Davis is entitled to recovery attorneys' fees and costs incurred, which the court shall determine in a separate hearing if Plaintiff Donald Davis is ultimately the prevailing part"; and E 0 WHEREAS, on February 15, 2017, Circuit Judge Mark Jones entered a Final Judgment for 0 Davis (hereinafter "Davis Final Judgment") reaffirming the court's finding of inverse a condemnation liability, providing for compensation, and "retaining jurisdiction to determine any �t entitlement to costs and attorneys' fees"; and WHEREAS, on February 28, 2017, Davis filed his Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Costs, .� seeking "entry of an order finding that Plaintiff is entitled to an award of attorneys' fees and E costs, and reserving jurisdiction to determine the amount of attorneys' fees and costs at a v) separate hearing"; and 0 WHEREAS on March 7 2017 Monroe County and the State of Florida appealed the Davis Final Judgment to the Third District of Court of Appeal; and WHEREAS, on August 25, 2017, Tobin and Mattson filed a Notice of Attorneys' Charging Lien and subsequently amended that notice on October 20, 2020; and WHEREAS, Davis discharged Tobin and Mattson for good cause shortly after the appeal of the Davis Final Judgment was filed, and Tobin filed a Motion to Withdraw As Attorney Of Record on October 20, 2017, that was granted by the Third District; and WHEREAS, on October 17, 2017, Tobin and Mattson filed a "Motion to Confirm Attorneys' Charging Lien and To Require Proceeds To Be Held In Escrow"; and WHEREAS, Davis was represented at the appellate level by Smith Hawks, P.L. and incurred $68,627.11 in attorneys' fees and costs; and 0 3 Packet Pg. 3695 L6.a WHEREAS, on October 2, 2019, the Third District per curiam affirmed the Davis Final Judgment and conditionally granted Davis' motion for appellate attorneys' fees; and WHEREAS, on November 22, 2019, Monroe County individually paid into the court E 0 registry $375,714.06, which was the total amount of the Final Judgment as to liability and just 0 compensation, exclusive of attorneys' fees and costs, together with statutory interest, and an a additional $5,643.00 was paid by the County to cover the Court Registry Services Charges; and �t WHEREAS, on November 22, 2019, the Clerk of County Court issued a Satisfaction of Judgment; and .� WHEREAS, in May 2019, Monroe County, Davis, and Smith Hawks P.L. entered into a E Settlement and Release Agreement to settle a claim against Monroe County for appellate v) attorneys' fees and costs incurred by Davis based on Smith Hawks P.L.'s representation of him 0 in the above-captioned matter; and 2 WHEREAS, Smith Hawks P.L. agreed to a reduction in fees and costs bringing the total amount to $66,951.11; and WHEREAS, it was the intention of the parties to the May 2019 Settlement and Release Agreement that "Monroe County will separately pay 50% of Smith Hawks' appellate fees in the amount of$33,475.56, and the Releasors will seek payment of the remaining 50% from the State of Florida"; and WHEREAS, the parties to the May 2019 Settlement and Release Agreement stipulated (1) "Monroe County will individually pay Smith Hawks, P.L., $33,475.56, which is 50% of the firm's total reduced fees and costs related to the firm's representation of Donald Davis in the above-captioned matter" and (2) "[u]pon payment of $33,475.56 by Monroe County as set forth 0 above, Donald Davis and Smith Hawks, P.L. (individually and collectively) release Monroe E 4 Packet Pg. 3696 L6.a County from any past, present or future claims or entitlements the Releasors may have for attorneys' fees or costs related to the firm's representation of Donald Davis in the above- captioned matter"; and E 0 WHEREAS, on May 20, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, 0 Florida unanimously passed Resolution No. 147-2020, authorizing payment of attorneys' fees a CD and costs pursuant to the May 2019 Settlement and Release Agreement, and the $33,475.56 e( amount was subsequently paid by the County; and WHEREAS, the State of Florida still owes its 50% share of Davis' appellate fees and .� costs; and E WHEREAS, based on the contingency fee agreement with Mattson and Tobin, and assuming arguendo that the agreement remains valid, Davis asserts that he incurred $105,178.50 0 76 in attorneys' fees in the litigation of the above-captioned matter at the trial level; and 2 WHEREAS, Monroe County does not admit that Davis actually incurred attorneys' fees and costs under his contingency fee agreement with Tobin and Mattson but seek to avoid the time and expense in litigating the issue; and WHEREAS, the contingency fee agreement with Mattson and Tobin effectively incorporated the payment schedule set forth in § 73.092(1)(c), Fla. Stat.; and WHEREAS, § 73.092(2) provides factors that a court should consider "[i]n assessing attorney's fees incurred in defeating an order of taking, or for apportionment, or other supplemental proceedings," and the parties agree that the those factors are inapplicable to this inverse condemnation case where Davis obtained a monetary benefit; and WHEREAS, Tobin and Mattson did not through their efforts obtain for Davis any 0 nonmonetary benefits; and E 5 Packet Pg. 3697 L6.a WHEREAS, Davis incurred $4,204.41 in costs in the litigation of the above-captioned matter at the trial level, which includes all incurred costs and obligations related to Davis' representation by Tobin and Mattson; and E 0 WHEREAS, the Davis Final Judgment found Monroe County and the State jointly and 0 severally liable, and the parties recognize that the State would be liable to pay a share of any a CD award of attorneys' fees and costs; and WHEREAS, in the interest of efficiency and more swiftly concluding the above-captioned litigation, Monroe County is agreeing to pay Davis the entire total of attorneys' fees and costs in .� the amount of $109,382.91 and to separately seek reimbursement directly from the State for the E State's share ($54,691.46); and WHEREAS, Releasors and Monroe County acknowledge that Tobin and Mattson have 0 asserted a demand for attorneys' fees in an amount greater than $105,178.50 and a demand for 2 costs in an amount greater than $4,204.41; and WHEREAS, Releasors and Monroe County agree that the fee and costs amounts demanded by Tobin and Mattson are unsupported and unreasonable, and that the conduct of Tobin unreasonably prolonged the resolution of the fees and costs issue; and WHEREAS, on November 4, 2020, the circuit court entered an Order that (a) deferred ruling on Davis' Motion to Release Charging Lien because liability for attorneys' fees has not yet been determined in an order by the court and (b) states Tobin and Mattson's charging lien shall dissolve automatically without further court action on March 1, 2021, unless liability for attorneys' fees is determined by agreement or through an evidentiary hearing on or before February 28, 2021; and c 6 Packet Pg. 3698 L6.a WHEREAS, on January 26, 2021, the circuit court entered an Amended Order, which amended the November 4, 2020's Order's provision regarding dissolution of the charging lien as follows: "James S. Mattson, Esq. and Andrew Tobin, Esq.'s Charging Lien filed on August 25, E 0 2017, shall be dissolved automatically without further Court action unless liability for attorney's 0 fees is determined by agreement or through an evidentiary hearing on or before May 4, 2021;" a Q 2 and WHEREAS, Releasors and Monroe County acknowledge that on November 25, 2020, Tobin and Mattson filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari in the Third District directed to the .� November 4, 2020 Order and agree that the pendency of that petition and its outcome do not E impact or alter the terms of this Agreement; and WHEREAS, on January 5, 2021, Davis, Mattson and Tobin entered into an Escrow 0 Agreement providing for the release of funds paid into the court registry, stating in pertinent art: c (a) "The Parties desire to release One Hundred and Five Thousand and One Hundred and Seventy-eight Dollars and fifty cents ($105,178.50) (the "Escrow Funds") from the court registry to be held in escrow by Escrow Agent until the matter of prevailing party attorney's fees is resolved in Circuit Court Case No. CA-M-04-379 (the "Resolution") and (b) "The Parties desire to release the sum of $270,535.56 (the balance of the funds) from the court registry to the Plaintiff'; and WHEREAS, on January 11, 2021, Tobin and Mattson filed their Attorneys' Motion to ) Release Funds seeking an Order Directing the Clerk to Disburse Funds, in accordance with the Escrow Agreement; and 0 7 Packet Pg. 3699 L6.a WHEREAS, Releasors and Monroe County agree that the pendency and outcome of the Motion to Release Funds, as well as the Escrow Agreement and any release of funds from the court registry, do no impact or alter the terms of this Agreement; and E 0 WHEREAS, Releasors agree to release Monroe County and the State of Florida from any 0 past, present, or future claims or entitlements to attorneys' fees or costs in the above-captioned a matter by Releasors, Tobin, or Mattson; and �t WHEREAS, Releasors agree to indemnify Monroe County and the State of Florida as to any claims against them for attorneys' fees or costs in connection with the above-captioned .� matter asserted by Tobin, Mattson, or any other attorney; and E NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, which constitute material provisions of this Agreement and not mere recitals, and of mutual agreements, 0 covenants, and promises as may be set forth herein, and for other good, adequate, and sufficient 2 consideration described herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, F the parties hereto agree and stipulate to settle as follows: PAYMENT BY RELEASEES All parties agree that the total amount of trial level attorneys' fees and costs due to Davis in the above-captioned matter is $109,382.91. Upon Monroe County's payment of $109.382.91 as set forth above, Releasors will release a� the County and the State of Florida from any past, present, or future claims or entitlements they may have for trial-level attorneys' fees or costs, including, but not limited to, those related to .� Tobin and Mattson's representation of Davis in the above-captioned matter. Davis further agrees 0 to indemnify Monroe County and the State of Florida against any claims for attorneys' fees or costs that Tobin or Mattson may seek directly from Monroe County or the State of Florida. a 8 Packet Pg. 3700 L6.a RELEASE BY RELEASORS CD W Once the settlement amount as enumerated above is paid to Releasors, Releasors will E fully, forever, voluntarily, knowingly, and upon advice of counsel, expressly release, remise, 0 acquit, satisfy and discharge Releasees and all of their attorneys, agents, servants, employees, associates, administrators, successors, predecessors, officers, directors, representatives, insurers E and assigns from any and all claims, crossclaims and third-party claims, and any demands, damages, actions, causes of action, claims, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, a reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, executions, representations and restitutions, a m whatsoever in law or in equity, concerning the Davis Litigation, which Releasors ever had, have, u 4- 0 or will have, or which they or their successors, administrators and assigns hereinafter can, shall, 2 or may have, for or by reason of any matter, cause, act, transaction or thing whatsoever, related e( thereto, connected with, arising out of, referring to, or in any manner relevant to or which has a� been or could have been asserted by any of the parties hereto as a result of the claims and/or 2 series of claims which gave rise to these disputes, relationships, and controversies, including the Davis Litigation, and any and all contracts, whether oral or written, between the parties hereto, relating to said matters, and in particular on account of all damages, economic or otherwise, known or unknown, together with any accrued statutory interest, which resulted or may in the a� future result, which are in any way connected with, related to, or arise from, the liability and damages claim of Releasors. .� UNKOWN CLAIMS BY RELEASOR 0 Releasors acknowledge that they execute this Agreement after consultation with, and a� upon the advice of, counsel. Releasors acknowledge that during said consultation and 9 Packet Pg. 3701 L6.a representation their counsel apprised them of the legal effect of the release and waiver of unknown or unsuspected claims as to Monroe County and the State of Florida. Having been so apprised, they nevertheless elect to and do assume all risks for claims as to Releasees heretofore E 0 or hereafter arising, known or unknown, relating to the subject matters contained herein, and 0 Releasors expressly include within the scope of this Agreement all such claims as to Monroe a County and the State of Florida, and expressly waives any right they may have to dispute the �t scope of this Agreement on the basis of any statutory or common law grounds addressing the issue of the release of unknown or unsuspected claims as to Monroe County and the State of .� Florida. a� The parties agree that nothing in this agreement shall be construed as a waiver of Davis' claims to unpaid appellate fees by the State of Florida. 0 76 2 NO ADMISSION OF LIABILITY It is understood and agreed that this Agreement, any considerations given or accepted in 0) connection with it, and the promises and covenants made in it, are all made, given, and accepted 2 �t in settlement and compromise of disputed claims and are not an admission of liability by any a� party. Neither the execution nor performance of this Agreement, nor any of its terms or .� provisions, will be deemed a presumption, concession, statement, or admission of any fact, a� liability, fault, or wrongdoing of any kind by either Releasor, Monroe County, or the State of .2 Florida, and neither this Agreement nor any of its terms can be used in any legal or equitable proceeding, other than to enforce the provisions of this Agreement. The decision to settle a case may reflect the economic practicalities pertaining to the cost of litigation. 0 10 Packet Pg. 3702 L6.a ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior communications, discussions, agreements, or understandings between the parties. This E 0 Agreement is entered into without reliance upon any statement or representation of any parry 0 hereby released except for those contained in this Agreement. Any oral or written promises or assurances not contained in this Agreement are waived, abandoned, withdrawn, and without 2 legal effect. Further, the parties acknowledge that no other parry, or agent, or attorney of any other parry, has made any promise, representation, or warranty whatsoever, express or implied, not contained herein concerning the subject matter hereof, to induce the other parry to execute this Agreement, and the parties acknowledge they have not executed this Agreement in reliance a� upon any such promise, representation, or warranty not contained herein. - 76 MODIFICATION IN WRITING 2 This Agreement embodies all the settlement agreements of the parties and may be amended, modified, altered, or changed only by a verified written instrument executed by all 0) parties wherein specific reference is made to this Agreement. 2 GOVERNING LAW This Agreement was negotiated and executed in the State of Florida and shall be .� construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to a� conflicts of laws principles. VENUE For any legal dispute arising out of this Agreement, the proper venue for any action will be in the Circuit Court of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, in and for Monroe 0 County, Florida. ll Packet Pg. 3703 L6.a SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS CD W Except as may be otherwise set forth herein, the parties to this Agreement agree and covenant that this Agreement is binding on the parties, and their subsidiaries, representatives, E 0 and successors in-interest, and all other persons, firms, corporations, agencies, or entities with 0 whom any of the former have been, are now, or may hereafter be affiliated. Releasors do hereby a covenant, warrant, and represent that they have not assigned, in whole or in part, any right, claim, or cause of action to any other person or parry which might be asserted in the future against Releasee. .� CONSTRUCTION OF TERMS As used in this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and the use of any gender shall include all genders as the context may admit or 0 76 require. The language of all parts of this Agreement shall be construed as a whole and according 2 to its plain meaning. INTERPRETATION OF SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT In the event of litigation between the parties, this Agreement shall not be strictly interpreted or construed against any party due to that parry having prepared this Agreement, as it is acknowledged that all parties participated in the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and have been represented by experienced counsel. SEVERABILITY Any provision of this Agreement declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction that cannot be modified to be enforceable will immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect. 0 12 Packet Pg. 3704 L6.a SECTION HEADINGS CD W All section or paragraph headings appearing in this Agreement have been inserted for the sole purpose of convenience and ready reference of the parties. They do not purport to, and shall E 0 not be deemed to, define, limit, or extend the scope or intent of the sections and paragraphs to 0 which they may pertain. MULTIPLE ORIGINALS Multiple copies of this Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto, each of which shall be deemed to be an original .� COUNTERPARTS This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which together will constitute a single document. Execution of facsimile 0 copies, scanned copies, and other reproductions will be acceptable as counterparts. 2 AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT By their signatures, the undersigned warrant and represent they are authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of their respective parties and to bind their respective parties to the terms of this Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date E first written below: MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA MICHELLE COLDIRON MONROE COUNTY MAYOR ROBERT B. SHIL,LINGER, FBN: 058262 0 COUNTY ATTORNEY 13 Packet Pg. 3705 L6.a Monroe County Attorney's Office 1111 12th Street, Suite 408 Key West, FL 33041-1026 U- Dated: February 2021 E 0 0 SMITH HAWKS, PL BARTON SMITH Smith Hawks PL a� 138 Simonton Street m Key West, FL 33040 Dated: February , 2021 0 DONALD DAVIS 2 Address: Dated: February 2021 MONROE COUNTY ATTORNEY APPROVEDS TO FORM: - m ASSIST T-��&NITY ATTORNEY ATE c 14 Packet Pg. 3706 RESOLUTION NO. -2021 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT ON TRIAL-LEVEL ATTORNEYS FEES' AND COSTS WITH DONALD DAVIS AND SMITH HAWKS PL IN 03 THOMAS COLLINS ET. AL AND DONALD DAVIS V. MONROE COUNTY AND STATE OF FLORIDA AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF SUCH FEES AND COSTS. WHEREAS, on October 14, 2011, the Circuit Court entered its Final Judgment Denying and 0 0. Granting Liability in Thomas F. Collins et. al. and Donald Davis v. Monroe County and State of Florida in Circuit Court Case NO. 04-CA-379-M in which the County and State prevailed as to all plaintiffs except for Donald Davis; and WHEREAS, on February 15, 2017, Circuit Judge Mark Jones entered a Final Judgment for S Plaintiff Donald Davis (hereinafter "Final Judgment") in the litigation reaffirming the court's finding of inverse condemnation liability, finding that Monroe County and State of Florida were E jointly and severally liable, providing for compensation, and retaining jurisdiction to determine 2, any entitlement to attorneys' fees and costs; and WHEREAS, on February 28, 2017, Davis filed in the trial court his Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Costs that remains pending; and WHEREAS, on November 22, 2019, Monroe County individually paid into the court registry $375,714.06, which was the total amount of Final Judgment as to liability and just compensation, exclusive of attorney's fees and costs, together with statutory interest; and a� WHEREAS, on November 22, 2019,the Clerk of County Court issued a Satisfaction of Judgment; and WHEREAS, on May 20, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida unanimously passed Resolution No. 147-2020, authorizing payment of attorney's fees and costs at the appellate level as to Plaintiff Donald Davis to Smith Hawks,P.L. and those fees and costs were subsequently paid; and WHEREAS, on August 19,2020,the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida passed Resolution No. 227-2020, approving a settlement and release agreement between the County and State that resolved all claims between the parties in the Davis litigation, exclusive of , attorneys' fees and costs, and the State subsequently reimbursed the County $190,678.53 for its 50% of the Final Judgment that the County individually paid; and 2 WHEREAS, the attached Settlement and Release Agreement provides for the settlement of the remaining issue of Davis' Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Costs at the trial level; and E WHEREAS, under the Settlement and Release Agreement, the County is individually paying Davis' claim to trial level attorneys' fees and costs in the amount of $109,382.91 with the C Page 1 of 2 Packet Pg. 3707 expectation that the State will directly reimburse the County for the State's 50% share of this amount; and 0' NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA: 1. The attached Settlement and Release Agreement attached hereto and incorporated herein a as Exhibit 1 to this resolution is hereby approved, adopted, and ratified. 2. The Monroe County Clerk is authorized to pay Smith Hawks, P.L. $109,382.91. 4- PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, c Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 17th day of February 2021. 2 Mayor Michelle Coldiron T) Mayor Pro Tem David Rice Commissioner Craig Cates Commissioner Eddie Martinez Commissioner Mike Forster E BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS y OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA m BY: Mayor Michelle Coldiron a (SEAL) E ATTEST: KEVIN MADOK, CLERK By: Deputy Clerk 0 N CD MONROE COUNTYATTORNEY APPROVEDTFORM:- DEREK V1.1-90WARD ASSISTANT,60UNTY ATTORNEY - T _.... Page 2 of 2 Packet Pg. 3708 L6.c RESOLUTION NO. 147-2020 .5 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF APPELLATE FEES AND U COSTS IN THOMAS F. COLLINS ET AL., AND DONALD DAVIS V.MONROE COUNTY AND STATE OF FLORIDA. y 0 WHEREAS,on February 15,2017,Circuit Judge Mark Jones entered a Final Judgment for Plaintiff Donald Davis (hereinafter "Final Judgment") in Thomas F. Collins, et al. v. Monroe County and State of Florida(Circuit Court Case No. 04-CA-379-M in the amount of$347,475.53 plus statutory interest from December 31,2016 until the judgment is satisfied;and E WHEREAS,the Final Judgment retained jurisdiction to determine entitlement to costs and attorney's fees; and 0 WHEREAS, Monroe County and the State of Florida appealed the Final Judgment to the Third District Court of Appeal and the Third District per curiam affirmed the Final Judgment on October 2,2019; and WHEREAS, on October 2, 2019, the Third District conditionally granted Donald Davis' w motion for appellate attorney's fees; and WHEREAS, the Final Judgment, exclusive of attorney's fees and costs, was satisfied on November 22,2019;and WHEREAS,Donald Davis was represented at the appellate level by Smith Hawks,P.L.and E incurred $66,951.11 in attorney's fees and costs based on the firm's representation of him in the matter;and 4- 0 WHEREAS,Monroe County has reached a settlement on appellate attorneys' fees and costs with Donald Davis and Smith Hawks,P.L.wherein the County will pay the firm$33,475.56,which is 50%of the firm's total fees and costs, upon receipt of a release by Mr. Davis and the firm as to the remaining 50%, which would be separately paid by the State of Florida; N CD NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY ___COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA, 0 The Monroe County Clerk is authorized to pay Smith Hawks, P.L. $33,475.56. 0 Page 1 of 2 Packet Pg. 3709 L6.c PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 20th day of May,2020. Mayor Heather Carruthers Yes Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Coldiron Yes Commissioner Craig Cates Yes y Commissioner David Rice Yes o Commissioner Sylvia Murphy Yes BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE CO NTY,FLORIDA o BY: M or er Carruthers (SEAL) ATTEST: KEVIN MADOK,CLERK By: As Deputy Clerk E DDUN7Y r+TSGr•NrY ED AS Ni`Ir RN Qaue7 5 2 �p ) 0 2 -T, wr J C> cn fT1 N o Page 2 of 2 Packet Pg. 3710 T.6.d RESOLUTION NO. 227 -2020 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY y COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN THOMAS F. COLLINS ET AL., AND DONALD DAVIS V. MONROE N COUNTY AND STATE OF FLORIDA. WHEREAS, on October 14, 2011, the Circuit Court entered its Final Judgment Denying and Granting Liability in Thomas F. Collins et. al. and Donald Davis v. Monroe County and State v, ofFlorida in Circuit Court Case NO.04-CA-379-M in which the County and State prevailed as to all plaintiffs except for Donald Davis;and - WHEREAS,on February 15,2017,Circuit Judge Mark Jones entered a Final Judgment for Plaintiff Donald Davis (hereinafter "Final Judgment") in the litigation reaffirming the court's finding of inverse condemnation liability, finding that Monroe County and State of Florida were jointly and severally liable;and o WHEREAS, on November 22, 2019, Monroe County individually paid into the court 0) registry $375,714.06, which was the total amount of Final Judgment as to liability and just 2 compensation,exclusive of attorney's fees and costs,together with statutory interest;and WHEREAS, on November 22, 2019, the Clerk of County Court issued a Satisfaction of Judgment;and WHEREAS, on May 20, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida unanimously passed Resolution NO. 147-2020,authorizing payment of attorney's fees and costs at the appellate level as to Plaintiff Donald Davis to Smith Hawks, P1. and those fees and m costs were subsequently paid;and WHEREAS,the parties are still litigating the entitlement and amount of attorney's fees and costs as to Plaintiff Donald Davis at the trial level; and > WHEREAS, the attached Settlement and Release Agreement provides for the global settlement and release of all claims at both the trial and appellate levels in the Collins/Davis litigation between Monroe County and the State of Florida, including the State's payment of its cv fifty percent(50%) share of the Final Judgment to Monroe County; N NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA: 0 The attached Settlement and Release Agreement attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 1.to this resolution is hereby approved,adopted,and ratified. Pagel of 2 Packet Pg. 3711 T.6.d PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 19`h day of August,2020. Mayor Heather Carruthers Yes Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Coldiron Yes Commissioner Craig Cates Yes N Commissioner David Rice Yes Commissioner Sylvia Murphy Yes BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA E I i BY: May6r H r Carruthers ATTEST: KEVIN MADOK,CLERIC By: As Deputy Clerk MONROE A F @_94114NQER.JR. ) 4- 0 2 cv 29 r� cv L? CA � 0 C.n �D E U Page 2 of 2 Packet Pg. 3712 T.6.d EXHIBIT 1. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA THOMAS F.COLLINS et al.,and DONALD DAVIS, Plaintiffs, 0 V. Case No.:04-CA-379-M MONROE COUNTY,a Political Subdivision of the State of Florida,and the STATE OF FLORIDA, E Defendants. 0 SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT THIS SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into by Monroe County, Florida (hereinafter known as "Releasor"), and State of Florida, through the Department of Economic Opportunity ("hereinafter referred to as "Releasee"), (and Releasor and Releasee shall be collectively referred to as the "Parties"). The purpose of this Agreement is to provide for a global settlement and the release of all claims at both the trial and appellate levels in the Davis Litigation between the Releasor and Releasee. This Agreement 0) 4- 0 specifically does not address or include any claims for costs and attorney's fees by Plaintiff 2 Donald Davis which may or may not be brought,ordered,or denied. WHEREAS, various disputes, relationships, controversies, and claims exist between W cv Releasor and Release including those claims alleged in an action filed in 2004 in the Circuit Court cv cv of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida in Case No. 2004-CA-379-M, styled Thomas F. Collins and Patricia Collins, TIE; Donald Davis; Aurelia Del Valle and Maria Del Valle, TIE; Hill Family Investments, Inc.; Richard J Johnson and Joann C. Johnson, TIE; Robert A. Lomrance;Joseph Magrini and Elda S. Magrini, TIE; Keith P. Radenhausen; Frank J. c Page l of 9 Packet Pg. 3713 T.6.d Schneider, Mary Ann Ricklin, and Romary Riordin, TIC; Hubert Tost and Marilyn Tost, TIE., and Samuel I. Burstyn, P.A. v. Monroe County, a Political Subdivision of the State of Florida, and the State of Florida (referred to herein as the "Davis Litigation"), wherein Plaintiff Davis is the only remaining Plaintiff of the original eleven(11) real property owners; and N WHEREAS, Releasee is contesting said suit and does not admit any liability whatsoever; and WHEREAS, on February 18, 2005, Releasor Monroe County filed a third-party claim against Releasee State of Florida for indemnification, contribution, and subrogation. Plaintiffs 0 were granted leave to amend their Second Amended Complaint by Interlineation to add the State 0 of Florida as a Defendant on May 10, 2007. WHEREAS, a liability trial was held on Plaintiff Davis' inverse condemnation claim. On October 14, 2011, the trial court entered an Order finding that a permanent taking of Plaintiff y Davis' real property had occurred as of July 17, 2002. On August 29, 2016, Plaintiff Davis and Releasor Monroe County and Releasee State of Florida stipulated that the fair market value of his real property as of July 17,2002,was$175,000.00. WHEREAS, a Final Judgment for Plaintiff Davis was entered on February 15, 2017, 4- 0 reaffirming the court's finding of inverse condemnation liability, finding that Releasor Monroe 0. County and Releasee State of Florida were jointly and severally liable, and affirming the agreed amount as to valuation of the property. According to the Final Judgment, upon payment of the cv just compensation, title to Plaintiff Davis' real property shall pass to Releasor Monroe County and N Releasee State of Florida. p WHEREAS, Releasor Monroe County and Releasee State of Florida appealed the Final Judgment to the Third District Court of Appeals. On October 18, 2019, the mandate was issued Page 2 of 9 Packet Pg. 3714 T.6.d affirming the Final Judgment in favor of Plaintiff Davis and against Releasor Monroe County and Reicasee State of Florida. WHEREAS, on November 22, 2019, Releasor Monroe County individually paid into the U court registry $375,714.06, which was the total amount of the Final Judgment as to liability and N just compensation, exclusive of attorney's fees and costs, together with Statutory Interest. An additional $5,643.00 was paid by Releasor Monroe County to cover the Court Registry Services Charges. WHEREAS,on November 22, 2019,the Clerk of the County Court issued a Satisfaction of 0 Judgment. 0 WHEREAS, Releasor Monroe County and Releasee State of Florida wish to resolve,settle, and compromise all claims between them exclusive only of any claims for attorneys' fees and costs that may be brought by the Plaintiff, Donald Davis, and avoid the cost of further litigation y and the interruption or disruption of government business. NOW THEREFORE, KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: in consideration of the foregoing premises, which constitute material provisions of this Agreement and not mere recitals, and of mutual agreements,covenants,and promises as may be set forth herein, and for other good, 4- 0 adequate, and sufficient consideration described herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are 0. hereby acknowledged,the Parties hereto agree and stipulate to settle their differences as follows: PAYMENT BY RELEASES CD cv The Parties agree that the amount of contribution the Releasee State of Florida shall make cv cv to Releasor Monroe County in settlement of the Final Judgment is fifty percent (50%) of the just compensation, interest, and Court Registry Services Charges, in the total amount of$190,678.53 (the "Settlement Amount"), subject to legislative appropriation, and exclusive of any later award, if any,to Plaintiff Davis for Plaintiff s attorney's fees and costs. Page 3 ❑f 9 Packet Pg. 3715 T.6.d Releasor Monroe County through its legislative delegation will seek legislation in its annual package of requested legislative action for the Settlement Amount as enumerated above, and Releasee State of Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity, will not oppose such U legislative appropriation. However, Releasee State of Florida does not and cannot make any S covenants, promises,agreements, or estimates as to whether that proposed legislation will become law or when, or the amount of any such appropriation. RELEASE BY RELEASOR Once Releasee State of Florida's Settlement Amount as enumerated above is appropriated E 0 and paid to Monroe County, Releasor Monroe County fully, forever, and voluntarily, knowingly 0 and upon advice of counsel, expressly releases, remises, acquits, satisfies and forever discharges Releasee State of Florida and all of its attorneys, agents, servants, employees, associates, administrators, successors, predecessors, officers, directors, representatives, insurers and assigns, y (herein collectively referred to as "Releasees"), from any and all claims, crossclaims and third party claims (including but not limited to indemnification, contribution, and subrogation, and a demand that the State of Florida defend Monroe County in this action and pay Releasor Monroe County's attorney's fees and costs for such defense), and any demands, damages, actions, causes 0 of action,claims,suits,debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds,bills, specialties, 2 covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments,executions, representations and restitutions, whatsoever in law or in equity, concerning CD cv the Davis Litigation, except any claims for costs or attorney's fees brought by Plaintiff Davis, cv which Releasor ever had, has, have, or which it or its successors, administrators and assigns o hereinafter can, shall, or may have, for upon or by reason of any matter, cause, act,transaction or thing whatsoever, related thereto, connected with, arising out of, referred to, or in any manner relevant to or which has been or could have been asserted by any of the Parties hereto as a result of Page 4 of 9 Packet Pg. 3716 T.ti.d the claims and/or series of claims which gave rise to these disputes, relationships, and controversies, including the Davis Litigation, and any and all contracts, whether oral or written, between the Parties hereto, relating to said matters, and in particular on account of all damages, U economic or otherwise, known or unknown, together with any accrued statutory interest, which N resulted or may in the future result, which are in any way connected with, related to,or arise from, the liability and damages claim of Plaintiff Davis. Releasor Monroe County's release of claims y against Releasees in this subparagraph does not include any later award, if any, to Plaintiff Davis for Plaintiff's attorney's fees and costs. If Releasee State of Florida does not pay the Settlement 0 Amount to Monroe County within two(2) years of the date of this Agreement, then the entirety of 0 this Agreement(including the agreed to Settlement Amount)shall become null and void. UNKNOWN CLAIMS OF RELEASOR Releasor acknowledges this Agreement is executed by it after consultation with, and upon y the advice of counsel. Releasor acknowledges during the course of said consultation and representation that it was apprised by said counsel of the legal effect of the release or waiver of unknown or unsuspected claims as to Releasees. Having been so apprised, it nevertheless elects to E and does assume all risks for claims as to Releasees heretofore or hereafter arising, known or 4- 0 unknown, relating to the subject matters contained herein, and Releasor expressly includes within 2 0. the scope of this Agreement all such claims as to Releasees, and expressly waives any right it may have to dispute the scope of this Agreement on the basis of any statutory or common law grounds cv addressing the issue of the release of unknown or unsuspected claims as to Releasees. cv NO ADMISSION OF LIABILITY 0 It is understood and agreed that this Agreement, any considerations given or accepted in connection with it, and the promises and covenants made in it,are all made,given,and accepted in settlement and compromise of disputed claims and are not an admission of liability by any party. Page 5 of 9 Packet Pg. 3717 T.6.d Neither the execution nor performance of this Agreement, nor any of its terms or provisions, will be deemed a presumption, concession, statement, or admission of any fact, liability, fault, or wrongdoing of any kind by either Releasor or Releasees,and neither this Agreement nor any of its U terms can be used in any legal or equitable proceeding, other than to enforce the provisions of this N Agreement. The decision to settle a case may reflect the economic practicalities pertaining to the cost of litigation. ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes any 0 and all prior communications, discussions, agreements, or understandings between the Parties. 0 This Agreement is entered into without reliance upon any statement or representation of any party hereby released except for those contained in this Agreement. Any oral or written promises or assurances not contained in this Agreement are waived, abandoned, withdrawn, and without legal y effect. Further, the Parties acknowledge that no other party, or agent, or attorney of any other party, has made any promise, representation, or warranty whatsoever, express or implied, not contained herein concerning the subject matter hereof, to induce the other party to execute this E Agreement, and the Parties acknowledge they have not executed this Agreement in reliance upon 0 any such promise, representation,or warranty not contained herein. 2 MODIFICATION IN WRITING This Agreement embodies all of the settlement agreements of the Parties and may be N amended, modified, altered, or changed only by a verified written instrument executed by both cv Parties wherein specific reference is made to this Agreement. o 0 U Page 6 of 9 Packet Pg. 3718 T.6.d GOVERNING LAW This Agreement was negotiated and executed in the State of Florida and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflicts of U laws principles. S VENUE For any legal dispute arising out of this Agreement,the proper venue for any action will be y in the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, in and for Leon County, Florida. E 0 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS 0 Except as may be otherwise set forth herein, the Parties to this Agreement agree and 0) covenant that this Agreement is binding on the Parties, and their subsidiaries, representatives, and successors in-interest, and all other persons, firms, corporations, agencies, or entities with whom y any of the former have been, are now, or may hereafter be affiliated. Releasor does hereby covenant, warrant and represent that it has not assigned, in whole or in part, any right, claim, or cause of action to any other person or party which might be asserted in the future against m Releasees. 0 CONSTRUCTION OF TERMS 2 As used in this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and the use of any gender shall include all genders as the context may admit or require. cv The language of all parts of this Agreement shall be construed as a whole and according to its cv plain meaning. o INTERPRETATION OF SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT o In the event of litigation between the Parties, this Agreement shall not be strictly interpreted or construed against any party due to that party having prepared this Agreement,as it is Page 7 of 9 Packet Pg. 3719 T.6.d acknowledged that all Parties participated in the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and have been represented by experienced counsel. SEVERABILITY U Any provision of this Agreement declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of N competent jurisdiction that cannot be modified to be enforceable will immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect. y SECTION HEADINGS Any section or paragraph headings appearing in this Agreement has been inserted for the 0 sole purpose of convenience and ready reference of the Parties. They do not purport to, and shall 0 not be deemed to, define, limit, or extend the scope or intent of the sections and paragraphs to which they may pertain. MULTIPLE ORIGINALS y Multiple copies of this Agreement may be executed by the Parties hereto, each of which shall be deemed to be an original. COUNTERPARTS This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an 4- 0 original, and all of which together will constitute a single document. Execution of facsimile 2 copies,scanned copies,and other reproductions will be acceptable as counterparts. AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT cv By their signatures, the undersigned warrant and represent they are authorized to enter into cv this Agreement on behalf of their respective parties and to bind their respective parties to the terms of this Agreement. Page 8 of 9 Packet Pg. 3720 T.6.d APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT This Agreement is subject to the approval of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida. If this Agreement is not approved by the Board of County . Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida within ninety (90) days of its execution, then this N Agreement will expire and be null and void. If this Agreement is approved by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, Releasor will promptly provide Releasee Department of Economic Opportunity with written confirmation that this Agreement has been approved along with an executed copy of this Agreement. E 0 0 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date CD written below: 2 MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA STATE OF FLORIDA y FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEATHER CARRUTHERS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY MONROE COUNTY MAYOR KEN LAWSON ROBERT B. SHILYVGER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COUNTY N Y ffice o the County Attorney Florida Department of Economic Opportunity 111 12" Street, Suite 408 107 East Madison Street Key West,FL 33041-1026 The Caldwell Building,MSC 110 E FBN: 058262 � �j Tallahassee, FL 32399-4128 Dated: ,2020 Dated: July ,2020 N N N 0 0 Page 9 of 9 Packet Pg. 3721 APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT This Agreement is subject to the approval of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida. If this Agreement is not approved by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida within ninety (90) days of its execution, then this N Agreement will expire and be null and void. If this Agreement is approved by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, Releasor will promptly provide Releasee Department of Economic Opportunity with written confirmation that this Agreement has been approved along with an executed copy of this Agreement. E 0 0 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date written below: MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA STATE OF FLORIDA FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEATHER CARRUTHERS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY MONROE COUNTY MAYOR HAWS ROBERT B. SHILLINGER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR E COUNTY ATTORNEY 3 c Office of the County Attorney 1744 la Department of Economic Opportunity > 111 121h Street, Suite 408 107 East Madison Street 2 Key West, FL 33041-1026 The Caldwell Building, MSC 110 FBN: 058262 Tallahassee, FL 32399-4128 N Dated: July , 2020 Dated: J.ulya" , 2020 N c 0 Page 9 of 9 Packet Pg. 3722