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Item R2 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: July 20, 2005 Division: Administration Bulk Item: Yes X No - Department: Administration Staff Contact Person: Tom Willi AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of retainer agreement with TPC Governmental Consulting for provision of strategic governmental consulting services. ITEM BACKGROUND: The county presently uses the firm of Moody and Reyes to perform lobbying services on behalf of the BOCC. This proposed contract would replace the relationship with Mr. Reyes. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommend agreement approval TOTAL COST: $66,000 BUDGETED: Yes X No - COST TO COUNTY: SOURCE OF FUNDS: REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes - No X AMOUNT PER MONTH - Year - APPROVED BY: County Atty _ OMBIPurchasing _ Risk Management _ DIVISION DIRECTOR APPROVAL: g~ J. Willi (TYPE NAME HERE) DOCUMENTA TION: Included X Not Required_ DISPOSITION: AGENDA ITEM # Revised 2/05 TPC GOVERNMENTAL CONSULTING rVilliam R. Pfeiffer, Esq. P.o. Box 10528 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 850-212-5941 Web: tpcgc.com Email: bill@tpcgc.com -25-05 homas J. Willi :ounty Administrator Ilonroe County Florida 100 Simonton Street uite 2-205 :ey West, Florida 33040 ~e: Retainer Agreement between Monroe County and TPCGC )ear Mr. Willi, hank you for your interest in The Pfeiffer Company Government Consulting (TPCGC). I appreciate the opportunity to erve Monroe County and provide it with strategic governmental consulting services. TPCGC is committed to providing he highest level of service in furtherance of your goals. This agreement outlines the terms under which that epresentation will occur. 'ou have requested, and TPCGC has agreed to represent Monroe County before the Legislative and Executive branches in 'lorida concerning issues relevant to Monroe County. In addition, TPCGC will occasionally provide you relevant articles, nalyses, and important governmental announcements. tl addition, TPCGC will always be available to advance Monroe County's interests. You may review in detail the ualifications of TPCGC at www.tpcgc.com. TPCGC contact information is reflected above and includes my email ddress and direct phone line. tl exchange for these services, Monroe County agrees to pay TPCGC $5,000.00 per month beginning July I, 2005. TPCGC vill send an invoice on the first of each month and Monroe County agrees to make full payment by the end of each tlonth. This agreement will proceed on a quarterly basis and may be terminated by either party with 90 days written lotice. Any costs, including travel, entertainment, and other expenses incurred on Monroe County's behalf directly ttributable to the performance of this work will also be billed in addition to the monthly retainer. However, TPCGC grees to secure prior authority from Thomas Willi prior to incurring more than $500.00 in expenses in any given month. tl addition, Monroe County agrees to complete any and all forms necessary to comply with lobbyist registration and gift ,r expenditure disclosure requirements under Florida law that may arise as a result of TPCGC's representation during the :>rm of this contract or after its termination if two reporting periods overlap. he above reflects the complete agreement between TPCGC and Monroe County. Inasmuch, please sign the two originals ,f this agreement and return one for our files. Also, please sign the enclosed client information form and lobbyist uthorization forms and return those with the original of this agreement. I appreciate your attention to this matter and Jok forward to working with you. Please never hesitate to contact me at any time if I can assist Monroe County in any tlanner. incerely, Villiam R. Pfeiffer 'resident 'PCGC 'or Monroe County Date :nclosures Curriculum Vitae WILLIAM R. PFEIFFER, Esq. P.O. Box 10528, Tallahassee, Florida 32302, (850) 212-5941, bi11@tpcgc.com SUMMARY: Highly strategic, respected and seasoned attorney and governmental consultant with extensive experience achieving in the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of Florida government. Focused experience in high-level procurement activities, legislative issues and litigation. Trusted relationships with key decision-makers at all levels of Florida government. EDUCATION: Florida State University College of Law, J.D. 1988 - 1991 - Recipient of prestigious Book A wards in Trial Practice and Labor law - Several Mock Trial Awards University of North Carolina,(Asheville), B.S. 1984 - 1988 - Student-body Vice President - Collegiate baseball player - Numerous awards and honors PROFESSIONAL TPC Governmental Consulting - President 2004 - current EXPERIENCE: Actively engaged in the strategic representation of many diverse clients before the Legislative and Executive branches including Sprint, Verizon, Equitas, Convergys, Tenet Health Care, Aegis Corp., Griffin Holdings, City of Delray Beach, City of North Lauderdale, International Speedway Corp., Val-Pak, and Crowder-Gulf Inc. Key policy and political strategist for various elected officials. Maintain trusted and seasoned relationships with Legislative and Executive branch leadership and staff with over 10 years experience negotiating, procuring and lobbying various issues in Florida and Washington, D. C. Administrative Law Judge and Chief of Operations 2000 - 2004 Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) Presided state-wide as an Administrative Law Judge over complex litigation between various governmental agencies, local governments and the private sector involving procurement, health care, environmental and general regulatory matters pursuant to Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Assisted with the management and operations of the Division and served as the key lobbyist and liaison to the legislative and executive branches regarding funding and legislation. Assistant Secretary of State to Katherine Harris 1998 - 2000 Served as the Secretary's appointed Assistant Secretary of State and directly managed the Department of State's $150 million budget, 1200 employees and 7 Divisions including International Affairs, Elections, Corporations, Cultural Affairs, Licensing, Libraries and Historic Preservation. Key lobbyist and, negotiator for the Department and served as the liaison to all federal, state and local governments. Executive Director, Florida Senate 1996 - 1998 Director and policy advisor to Florida Senate President Toni Jennings. Formulated, negotiated and shepherd hundreds of significant legislative issues through the process. Managed executive staff. Staff Director, Florida Senate Rules Committee 1994 - 1996 Policy advisor to Senate President Jim Scott and Senator Toni Jennings. Formulated legislative policy, drafted and analyzed legislation and managed staff. Special Master, The Florida Senate 1995 - 1998 Presided as the Senate's Special Master over legislative claim bills. Private-Practice Attorney 1991 - 1994 Law Offices of William R. Pfeiffer - Operated and managed a successful private-practice law firm specializing in federal and state litigation, administrative law, civil forfeiture and criminal law. Approximately 50 jury trials. OTHER Taylor, Selvey and Blow, P.A. 01/89 - 04/91 EXPERIENCE: Law Clerk - Assisted law firm partners with research and legal writing. Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office 04/90 - 09/90 Prosecutor - Prosecuted drug and violent crime cases as an intern. Public Employee Relations' Commission 08/89 - 04/90 Chief Law Clerk - Assisted Commission Chairman with drafting, researching case law and special projects relating to public labor law. Florida Attorney General's Office (Civil Division) 01/89 - 07/89 Law Clerk - Assisted with defending the State of Florida in civil suits. TEACHING Adjunct Professor and Guest Lecturer 1996 - 2001 EXPERIENCE: Florida State University (FSU) Taught upper-level, diverse courses including Legislative Policy, Introduction to Law, Political Speech and Florida Government Harvard University (Kennedy School) guest lecturer 07/99 Tallahassee Community College guest lecturer routinely ADMITTED: Florida Bar (1991) U.S. District Court (11th Circuit, Middle and Northern District 1991) U.S. District Court of Appeals (11th Circuit 1993) U.S. Supreme Court (1997) IMPORTANT: Please draft the language below on your letterhead, sign it and RETURN IT to Bill Pfeiffer at P.O. Box 10528, Tallahassee, FL 32302 along with the client information form. If you have any questions, please call me at (850) 212-5941. If Bill Pfeiffer has been retained to represent you before both the Legislative and Executive branches, please send two originals. Thank you. SAMPLE LETTER Today's Date Lobbyist Registration Room G-68, Claude Pepper Building 111 West Madison Tallahassee, FL 32399 Re. Designation and Authorization of Lobbyist William R. Pfeiffer Dear Sir or Madam: By this letter, I hereby authorize Mr. William R. Pfeiffer to be a designated lobbyist on behalf of (your entity) before the Executive Branch/Legislative Branch for the State of Florida. (note - circle either Executive or Legislative) Sincerely, Your Signature IMPORTANT - PLEASE, DO NOT MAIL THIS LETTER OR THE AUTHORIZATION FORMS DIRECTLY TO THE LOBBYIST REGISTRATION OFFICE ADDRESS SINCE ALL FORMS MUST ARRIVE SIMULTANEOUSLY. I WILL FORWARD THEM ALL OF THE FORMS. TPC GOVERNMENTAL CONSULTING William R. Pfeiffer, Esq. P.o. Box 10528 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 850-212-5941 Web: tpcgc.com Email: bill@tpcgc.com Client Information Form Client Name: Contact Information: Primary Contact: Address: Telephone Number (Office): Telephone Number (Cell): Facsimile N urn ber: E-mail Address: Assistant's Name: Telephone Number: E-mail Address: Billing Information: Contact Name for Invoices: Address: Telephone Number: E-mail Address: Additional Information: Please designate the name(s) and e-mail address(es) of individuals who will receive regular information, updates, and/ or newsclips. Notes: EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYIST REGISTRATION CALENDAR YEAR 2005/2006 FORM 20 Type or print clearly For Office Use: Check No. # DL ATL ATS Name of Lobbyist: William R. Pfeiffer Name of Principal Represented: Principal's Legal Business Address: Lobbyist's Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10528 Tallahassee, FL 32302 Lobbyist's Business Phone: 850-212-5941 Lobbyist's Area of Interest: Local Government Do you have any direct or indirect business association, partnership, or financial relationship with any employee of an agency before which you are registering to lobby? NO Agency Registration: ALL (Leave blank to lobby before ALL executive branch Agencies.) I do solemnly swear that all the foregoing facts are true and correct. (Original Signature of Lobbyist) NOTARY STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me this _ day of , 20------, by (Notary Signature) (seal or stamp) (Print, Type or Stamp Name of Notary) Personally known _ OR Produced Identification_ Type of Identification Produced LEGISLATIVE BRANCH LOBBYIST REGISTRATION CALENDAR YEAR 2005/2006 Type or print clearly For Office Use: Check No. # DL ATL ATS Name of Lobbyist: William R. Pfeiffer Lobbyist's Business Address: P.O. Box 10528 Tallahassee, FL 32302 Lobbyist's Business Phone: 850-212-5941 Lobbyist's Area of Interest: Government, Health Care, Business, Insurance Lobbyist's DL # and State: P160-936-66-3880 Name of Principal Represented: Principal's Legal Business Address: State the name and the extent of any direct business association or partnership you have with any member of the Legislature: NONE. I do solemnly swear that all the foregoing facts are true and correct. (Original Signature of Lobbyist) NOTARY STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed before me this _ day of , 20------, by (Notary Signature) (seal or stamp) (Print, Type or Stamp Name of Notary) Personally known _ OR Produced Identification_ Type of Identification Produced INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING FORMS · A separate form for each principal must be submitted. · A separate statement signed by the principal or the principal's representative authorizing the lobbyist to represent the principal must be submitted before registration is complete. · The annual registration of $25 per principal must be paid at the time of registration. Make checks payable to E.B.L.R.T.F. (Executive Branch Lobbyist Registration Trust Fund) · All of the information must be complete or forms will be returned. Do not use abbreviations. · Registration is required BEFORE lobbying an agency or agency personnel. · If a principal has one lobbyist registered, another lobbyist for that principal shall not be allowed to register until the principal appoints one of the lobbyists as the Designated Lobbyist for the purpose of reporting expenditures. The principal must appoint the designated lobbyist in writing. · Any changes to the information provided on the registration form must be reported in writing to Lobbyist Registration within 15 days. · Additional forms may be obtained from the Lobbyist Registration office. · Photocopies of CE Form 20 may be submitted for registration but only with original signatures and notarization. · The lobbyist or principal may cancel the lobbyist's registration for that principal by written notification to the Lobbyist Registration office. This cancellation must be provided promptly and, until received, the lobbyist will continue to be responsible for filing all required expenditure reports. · Please refer to Section 112.3215, F.S., and Chapter 3412, F.A.C., for the registration and reporting requirements for persons who register to lobby the Executive Branch. Return Completed Forms to: TPCGC LOBBYIST REGISTRATION and DESIGNATION FORMS P.O. BOX 10528 TALLAHASSEE, FL 32302 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 20th day of July, 2005. by and between The Monroe Country Board of County Commissioners, (hereafter referred to as the County) and The Pfeiffer Company. a Florida corporation doing business as TPC Governmental Consulting, Whose Federal Identification Number is (hereinafter called Itlobbyist"). WHEREAS, it has been determined in the best interest of the County to obtain lobbying services to enhance the County's representation in Tallahassee; now therefore IN CONSIDERATION OF the mutual promises and covenants of this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: 1. TERM OF AGREEMENT This Agreement shall begin on the date first above written, and shall end on July 19, 2006, subject to early termination as specified below. The County shall have an option to extend this agreement for two additional one-year terms upon the same terms and conditions, upon giving at least thirty days notice to the lobbyist of its intention to exercise the option. 2. SCOPE OF SERVICES The scope of services will include meeting with government officials and advocating the County's position in all aspects of County governance Which is affected by State action, in both the legislative and executive branches of State government, . and participation in and facilitation of meetings between County officials and State officials on the subject of the Florida Keys. The scope will also include occasional meetings in the Florida Keys with County officials and staff to educate and/or strategize. Services shall only be provided as directed by the County Commission and communicated by the County Administrator or his designee, which communication may be in writing or orally transmitted. Lobbyist shall keep abreast of legislative and executive activities at the State level and keep County informed via communications to the County Administrator. Lobbyist may, from time to time, transmit to appropriate County officials such articles, analyses, and governmental announcements as lobbyist deems relevant to the operations of County government. 3. THE CONTRACT SUM The County shall pay to the Lobbyist, pursuant to the Florida Prompt Payment Act, upon receiving a proper invoice from the lobbyist for the faithful performance of said service on an arrears basis. Invoicing shall be submitted in twelve monthly installments. Documentation in support of said invoice shall deScribe the services rendered during the month covered by the invoice. The total Contract price shall not exceed $60,000.00, and is subject to annual appropriation by the County Commission. The cost of any travel authorized by P'u( the County Administrator or his designee shall be reimbursed pursuant to rules and regulations governing travel reimbursement and shall be in addition to the Contract price. 4. ASSIGNMENT/SUBCONTRACT The Lobbyist shall not assign or subcontract it obligations under this agre&ment, except in writing and with the prior written approval of the Board of County Commissioners for Monroe County and Lobbyist, 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 obligation upon the board in addition to the total agreed-upon price of the services/goods of the Lobbyist. 5. HOLD HARMLE~S The Lobbyist covenants and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Monroe County Board of County Commissioners from any and all claims for bodily injury (including death), personal injUry, and property damage (including property owned by Monroe County) and any other losses, damages, and expenses (including attorney's fees) which arise out of, in connection with, or by reason of services provided by the lobbyist or any of its Subcontractor(s) in any tier, occasioned by the negligence, errors, or other wrongful act of omission of the lobbyist or its Subcontractors in any tier, their employees, or agents. In the event the completion of the project (to include the work of others) is delayed or suspended as a result of the Lobbyist's failure to purchase or maintain the required insurance, the Lobbyist shall indemnify the County from any and all increased expenses resulting from such delay. The first ten dollars ($10.00) of remuneration paid to the lobbyist is for the indemnification provided for above. The extent of liability is in no way limited to, reduced, or lessened by the insurance requirements contained elsewhere within this agreement. 6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR At all times and for all purposes under this agreement the Lobbyist is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Board of County Commissioners for Monroe County. No statement contained in this agreement shall be construed so as to find the lobbyist or any of hislher employees, contractors, servants, or agents to be employees of the Board of County Commissioners for Monroe County. 7. ASSURANCE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION County and Lobbyist agree that there will be no discrimination against any person, and it is expressly understood that upon a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that discrimination has occurred, this Agreement automatically terminates without any further action on the part of any party, effective the date of the court order. County or Lobbyist agree to comply with all Federal and Florida statutes, and all local ordinances, as applicable, relating to nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to: 1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PL 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin; 2) Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, as amended (20 USC ss. 1681-1683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; 3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (20 USC s. 794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; 4) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 USC ss. 6101- 6107) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; 5) The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (PL 92-255), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse; 6) The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (PL 91-616), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; 7) The Public Health Service Act of 1912, ss. 523 and 527 (42 USC ss. 690dd-3 and 290ee-3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patent records; 8) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 USC s. et seq.), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing; 9) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC s. 1201 Note), as maybe amended from time to time, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability; 10) Monroe County Code Ch. 13, Art. VI, prohibiting discrimination on the bases of race, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status or age; and 11) any other nondiscrimination provisions in any Federal or state statutes which may apply to the parties to, or the subject matter of, this Agreement. 8. COMPUANCE WITH LAW In providing all services/goods pursuant to this agreement, the Lobbyist shall abide by all statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to, or regulating the provisions of such services, including those now in effect and hereinafter adopted. Any violation of said statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations shall constitute a material breach of this agreement and shall entitle the Board to terminate this contract immediately upon delivery of written note of termination to the Lobbyist. The Lobbyist shall possess proper licenses to perform work in accordance with these specifications throughout the term of this contract. 9. INSURANCE Lobbyist shall provide documentation of insurance coverage required for those individuals or firms that perform work for or on behalf of the County, as specified in the Monroe County Risk Management Policy and Procedures Manual as follows: A) General Liability Insurance. Coverage shall be maintained throughout the life of the contract and include, as a minimum: . Premises Operations . Products and Completed Operations . Blanket Contractual Liability . Personal Injury Liability . Expanded Definition of Property Damage The minimum limits acceptable shall be: $300,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) If split limits are provided, the minimum limits acceptable shall be: $100,000 per Person $300,000 per Occurrence $ 50,000 Property Damage An Occurrence Form policy is preferred. If coverage is provided on a Claims Made policy, its provisions should include coverage for claims filed on or after the effective date of this contract. In addition, the period for which claims may be reported should extend for a minimum of twelve (12) months following the acceptance of work by the County. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners shall be named as Additional Insured on all policies issued to satisfy the above requirements. B) Recognizing that the work governed by this contract requires the use of vehicles, the Lobbyist, prior to the commencement of work, shall obtain Vehicle Liability Insurance. Coverage shall be maintained throughout the life of the contract and include, as a minimum, liability coverage for: . Owned, Non-Owned, and Hired Vehicles The minimum limits acceptable shall be: $100,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) If split limits are provided, the minimum limits acceptable shall be: $ 50,000 per Person $100,000 per Occurrence $ 25,000 Property Damage The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners shaU be named as additional Insured on all policies issued to satisfy the above requirements. C) Prior to the commencement of work governed by this contract, the Lobbyist shall obtain Workers' Compensation Insurance with limits sufficient to respond to Florida Statute 440. In addition, the Lobbyist shall obtain Employers' Liability Insurance with limits of not less than: $100,000 Bodily Injury by Accident $500,000 Bodily Injury by Disease, policy limits $100,000 Bodily Injury by Disease, each employee Coverage shall be maintained throughout the entire term of the contract. Coverage shall be provided by a company or companies authorized to transact business in the state of Florida. If the Lobbyist has been approved by the Florida's Department of Labor, as an authorized self-insurer, the County shall recognize and honor the Lobbyist's status. The Lobbyist may be required to submit a Letter of Authorization issued by the Department of Labor and a Certificate of Insurance, providing details on the Lobbyist's Excess Insurance Program. If the Lobbyist participates in a self-insurance fund, a Certificate of Insurance will be required. In addition, the Lobbyist may be required to submit updated financial statements from the fund upon request from the County. 10. FUNDING AVAILABILITY In the event that funds are partially reduced or cannot be obtained or cannot be continued at a level sufficient to aUow for the provision of the services/goods specified herein, this agreement may then be terminated immediately at the option of the Board of County Commissioners by written notice of termination delivered in person or by mail to the Lobbyist. The Board shaU not be obligated to pay for any services provided by the Lobbyist after the Lobbyist has received written notice of termination. 11. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY The Lobbyist warrants that it is authorized by law to engage in the performance of the activities encompassed by the project herein desaibed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in these contract documents. The Lobbyist shall at all times exercise independent, professional judgment and shall assume professional responsibility for the services to be provided. 12. NOTICE REQUIREMENT Any notice required or permitted under this agreement shall be in writing and hand delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party be certified mail, returned receipt requested, to the following: FOR COUNlY: FOR LOBBYIST Thomas Willi William R. Pfeiffer, Esq. 1100 Simonton Street PO Box 10528 Key West, Fl. 33040 Tallahassee, FI. 32302 13. EARLY TERMINATION A) In the event that the Lobbyist shall be found to be negligent in any aspect of completion of the Scope of Work, the County shall have the right to terminate this agreement after five days written notification to the Lobbyist. B) Either of the parties hereto may cancel this agreement without cause by giving the other party thirty days written notice of its intention to do so. 14. GOVERNING LAWSNENUE 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. In the event that any cause of action or administrative proceeding is instituted for the enforcement or interpretation of the Agreement, the County and Lobbyist agree that venue will lie in the appropriate court or before the appropriate administrative body in Monroe County, Florida. The County and Lobbyist agree that, in the event of conflicting interpretations of the terms or a term of this Agreement by or between any of them the issue shall be submitted to mediation prior to the institution of any other administrative or legal proceeding. 15. RECORDKEEPING Lobbyist shall maintain all books, records, and documents directly pertinent to performance under this Agreement in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Each party to this Agreement or their authorized representatives shall have reasonable and timely access to such records of each other party to this Agreement for public records purposes during the term of the Agreement and for four years following the termination of this Agreement. If an auditor employed by the County or Clerk determines that monies paid to Lobbyist pursuant to this Agreement were spent for purposes not authorized by this Agreement, the Lobbyist shall repay the monies together with interest calculated pursuant to Sec. 55.03, FS, running from the date the monies were paid to Lobbyist. 16. SEVERABIUTY If any term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement (or the application thereof to any circumstance or person) 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 permitted by law unless the enforcement of the remaining terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of this Agreement would prevent the accomplishment of the original intent of this Agreement. The County and Lobbyist 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. 17. ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS The County and Lobbyist agree that in the event any cause of action or administrative proceeding is initiated or defended by any party relative to the enforcement or interpretation of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, investigative, and out-of- pocket expenses, as an award against the non-prevailing party, and shall include attorney's fees, courts costs, investigative, and out-of-pocket expenses in appellate proceedings. Mediation proceedings initiated and conducted pursuant to this Agreement shall be in accordance with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and usual and customary procedures required by the circuit court of Monroe County. 18. BINDING EFFECT The terms, covenants, conditions, and provisions of this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the County and Lobbyist and their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns. 19. AUTHORITY Each party represents and warrants to the other that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary County and corporate action, as required by law. 20. CLAIMS FOR FEDERAL OR STATE AID Lobbyist and County agree that each shall be, and is empowered to apply for, seek, and obtain federal and state funds to further the purpose of this Agreement provided that all applications, requests, grant proposals, and funding solicitations shall be approved by each party prior to submission. 21. ADJUDICATION OF OISPUTES OR DISAGREEMENTS County and Lobbyist agree that all disputes and disagreements shall be attempted to be resolved by meet and confer sessions between representatives of each of the parties. If no resolution can be agreed upon within 30 days after . the first meet and confer session, the issue or issues shall be discussed at a public meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. If the issue or issues are still not resolved to the satisfaction of the parties, then any party shall have the right to seek such relief or remedy as may be provided by this Agreement or by Florida law. 22. COOPERATION In the event any administrative or legal proceeding is instituted against either party relating to the formation, execution, performance, or breach of this Agreement, County and Lobbyist agree to participate, to the extent required by the other party, in all proceedings, hearings, processes, meetings, and other activities related to the substance of this Agreement or provision of the services under this Agreement. County and Lobbyist specifically agree that no party to this Agreement shall be required to enter into any arbitration proceedings related to this Agreement. 23. COVENANT OF NO INTEREST County and Lobbyist covenant that neither presently has any interest, and shall not acquire any interest, which would conflict in any manner or degree with its performance under this Agreement, and that only interest of each is to perform and receive benefits as recited in this Agreement. 24. CODE OF ETHICS County agrees that officers and employees of the County recognize and will be required to comply with the standards of conduct for public officers and employees as delineated n Section 112.313, Florida StaMes, regarding, but not Umited to, solicitation or acceptance of gifts; doing business with one's agency; unauthorized compensation; misuse of public position, conflicting employment or contractual relationship; and disclosure or use of certain information. 25. NO SOLICIT A TIONlPA YMENT The County and Lobbyist warrant that, in respect to itself, it has neither employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for it, to solicit or secure this Agreement and that it has not paid or agreed to pay any person, company, corporation, individual, or firm, other than a bona fide employee working solely for it, any fee, commission, percentage, gift, or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. For the breach or violation of the provision, the Lobbyist agrees that the County shall have the right to terminate this Agreement without liability and, at its discretion, to offset from monies owed, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, gift, or consideration. 26. PUBLIC ACCESS The County and Lobbyist shall allow and permit reasonable access to, and inspection of, all documents, papers, letters or other materials in its possession or under its control subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and made or received by the County and Lobbyist in conjunction with this Agreement; and the County shall have the right to unilaterally cancel this Agreement upon violation of this provision by Lobbyist. 27. NON-WAIVER OF IMMUNITY Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 286.28, Florida Statutes, the participation of the County and the Lobbyist in this Agreement and the acquisition of any commercial liability insurance coverage, self-insurance coverage, or local government liability insurance pool coverage shall not be deemed a waiver of immunity to the extent of liability coverage, nor shall any contract entered into by the County be required to contain any provision for waiver. 28. PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES All of the privileges and immunities from liability, exemptions from laws, ordinances, and ruJes and pensions and relief, disability, workers' compensation, and other benefits which apply to the activity of officers, agents or employees of any public agents or employees of the County, when performing their respective functions under this Agreement within the territorial limits of the County shall apply to the same degree and extent to the performance of such functions and duties of such officers, agents, volunteers, or employees outside the territorial limits of the County. 29. LEGAL OBUGATIONS AND RESPONSIBIUTIES. This Agreement is not intended to, nor shall it be construed as, relieving any participating entity from any obligation or responsibility imposed upon the entity by law except to the extent of actual and timely performance thereof by and participating entity, in whim case the performance may be offered in satisfaction of the obligation or responsibility. Further, this Agreement is not intended to, nor shall it be construed as, authorizing the delegation of the constitutional or statutory duties of the County, except to the extent permitted by the Florida constitution, state statute, and case law. 30. NON-REUANCE 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 the Lobbyist agree that neither the County nor the Lobbyist or any agent, officer, or employee of either 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 in this Agreement. 31. A TTESTA TIONS lobbyist agrees to execute such documents as the County may reasonably require, to include a Public Entity Crime Statement, An Ethics Statement, and a Drug-Free Workplace Statement. 32. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY No covenant or agreement contained herein shall be deemed to be a covenant or agreement of any member, officer, agent or empJoyee of Monroe County in his or her individual capacity, and no member, officer, agent or employee 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. 33. EXECUTION ON 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 any of the parties hereto may execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart. 34. SECTION HEADINGS Section headings have been inserted in this Agreement as a matter of convenience of reference only, and it is agreed that such section headings are not a part of this Agreement and will not be used in the interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day and date first written above in four (4) counterparts, each of which shall, without proof or accounting for the other counterparts, be deemed an original contract. TPC Governmental Consulting By: William R. Pfeiffer, Esq. AttestDANNY L. KOLHAGE. CLERK BOARDOF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY. FLORIDA By: By: Deputy Clerk or Dixie Spehar