10/19/2005 Agreement
eleltl IIlhe
eircul eoun
Danny L. Kolhage
Office (305) 295-3130 Fax (305) 295-3663
MemnrandJDn
To:
Richard Collins,
County Attorney
Attn.
Kathy Peters
Isabel C. DeSantis,' V
Deputy Clerk J.f'
From:
Date:
Friday, November 04, 2005
At the regular BOeC meeting of October 19, 2005, the Board approved the
following:
Substitution of the standard form "EXHIBIT A" for Letter of Engagement used as
"EXHIBIT A" for contract for legal services of William Brinton, Esq.
Attached hereto is a fully executed copy of the of the subject document for your
handling.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
cc: Finance
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MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
STANDARD LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT NUMBER:
CAY CON 2005-10-01
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 125.01, Florida Statutes (the "County") and WILLIAM D.
BRINTON (the "Attorney") hereby enter into this Agreement regarding the retention of
Attorney by County to provide legal advice and services:
1. Client: The Client is the County, and to the extent ethically permissible, its elected and
appointed officers and its employees, unless County advises Attorney otherwise. In the event
that Attorney cannot ethically represent individuals in addition to County, Attorney shall advise
County in writing of that fact immediately.
2. Attorney: The Attorney is the individual named above and whose signature appears at
the bottom of this Agreement. Attorney is licensed to practice law in all jurisdictions relevant to
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. Matter: Attorney has been retained by County in connection with the matter described
in Exhibit A. Attorney represents that he or she is competent and available to handle that matter.
In the event that additional matters are assigned by County to Attorney, this agreement shall
apply to those matters as well, unless a separate Agreement is required by the County.
3.1. Review of ethical obligations before initiating representation: Attorney has
conducted a thorough investigation and determined that neither Attorney nor his or her firm has
any ethical impediment, real or potential, to representing County. To the extent that any ethical
impediment, real or potential, is discovered or ever arises, Attorney shall immediately inform
County in writing of the 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 of the 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.
3.2. Limitations to scope of representation: Except where prohibited by the Rules of
Professional Conduct of The Florida Bar, the Monroe County Attorney's Office will serve as co-
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1 counsel in all matters covered by this Agreement. As co-counsel, the Office attorney's will assist
2 Attorney by performing tasks assigned by Attorney, including but not limited to serving as local
3 counsel; securing the cooperation of County employee's, officers, and others in discovery and
4 other matters; obtaining evidentiary materials from County files; assisting with discovery;
5 attending hearings and depositions; filing pleadings; arranging for closed attorney-client sessions
6 with the Board of County Commissioners; and performing other tasks as necessary and
7 convenient for Attorney. Decisions as to tactical approaches to be utilized shall be the ultimate
8 responsibility of the Attorney, and issues which rise to the level of a client decision shall be
9 resolved by the Board of County Commissioners. Any further limitations or special conditions
10 shall be as set forth in Exhibit A.
11
12 3.3. Term of Agreement and Representation: This Agreement and representation
13 by Attorney is effective upon acceptance and approval by County in accordance with County's
14 policies, ordinances, or governing statutes. The representation shall continue until terminated by
15 either the County, or by the Attorney in accordance with ethical requirements.
16
17 3.4. County expectations and goals: The County expects the Attorney to seek the
18 best resolution for the County at the lowest reasonable cost to the taxpayers. At the earliest
19 reasonable point during the representation, the Attorney shall report to the County, via the
20 County Attorney, any reasonable potential for settlement, including related settlement costs and
21 expenses, the estimated chances of the County prevailing on the merits, and the potential
22 financial exposure should the County not prevail on the merits. Any other expectations and
23 goals shall be as set forth in Exhibit A.
24
25 4. Attorney Fee (Hourly): Attorney will be paid for his or her services based on the
26 number of hours expended on behalf of County (rounded to the nearest tenth hour for each time
27 entry), not to include time billable to or compensated by other clients, multiplied by the
28 Attorney's hourly rate as set forth in Exhibit A. The following minimum billing documentation
29 and time-keeper requirements are a condition precedent to payment by the County.
30
31 4.1. Non-billable time: Attorney will bill County only for time reasonably and
32 necessarily incurred to render professional services on County's behalf in accordance with this
33 Agreement. Time attributable to billing questions is not billable. Time expended by time-
34 keepers who have not been approved by County as indicated on Exhibit A is also not billable.
35
36 4.2. Changes to hourly rates: Attorney will charge no more than the hourly rate
37 quoted in Exhibit A throughout the duration of the matter, unless otherwise agreed in writing
38 signed by County.
39
40 4.3. Discounts to other Clients: The rates Attorney will charge County represent the
41 lowest rates charged by the same time-keepers to other clients. In the event that lower rates or
42 discounts are provided to other clients, Attorney and approved time-keepers will also provide
43 them on the same basis to County.
44
45 4.4. Additional time-keepers: Additional time-keepers may not be added to the
46 matter without advance written approval from County. In the event that additional time-keepers
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1 providing services which are to be billed to the County are to be added to the staff, then their
2 hourly rates shall be provided to County in advance, and, upon written approval by the County,
3 their rates and billing practices shall comply with the requirements of this Agreement.
4 Additional time-keepers approved by the County are listed in Exhibit A to this Agreement, and
5 this Exhibit A may be amended from time to time, upon mutual agreement of the County and the
6 Attorney, to evidence the then-current circumstances.
7
8 4.5. Existing work product: To the extent the Attorney makes use of existing work
9 product, e.g., in the form of research previously performed for another County, then Attorney
10 may bill only that time expended in using that work product for County. In other words, no
11 premium, markup, or other adjustment may be made to bill County for time spent on work
12 already performed.
13
14 4.6. Travel: Travel restrictions, including restrictions on billing time during travel,
15 are set forth below.
16
17 5. Billing of Fees and Expenses: Attorney shall comply with the following requirements
18 as to billing fees and expenses as a condition precedent to County's obligation to pay each bill:
19
20 5.1. Monthly bills: Unless otherwise agreed in a writing signed by the County, bills
21 shall be issued monthly by Attorney within 15 days after the close of each month. Attorney
22 understands that County requires prompt bills in part to facilitate effective management of the
23 representation and fees.
24
25 5.2. Bill format: Attorney shall provide detailed, itemized bills which shall, at a
26 mmlmum:
27
28 5.2.1 Description. Provide a general description of the matter, to include the
29 name of the County department or constitutional officer, if not indicated in the title of the matter,
30 for which legal services are being performed (e.g. Richard Roe v. Monroe County-EEO Claim).
31
32
33 5.2.2 Personnel. Clearly identify each person performing services (i.e., time-
34 keepers) in conjunction with each entry.
35
36 5.2.3 Other Personnel. Clearly identify all persons who are not full-time
37 lawyers employed by the Attorney's firm (including subcontractors, independent contractors,
38 temporary employees, and outsourcing providers).
39
40 5.2.4 Time Records. Record the time expended by each time-keeper separately.
41 In those situations where the minimum billing increment exceeds the actual time spent on a task
42 and several of these "minor" tasks are performed, it is expected that the services will be
43 aggregated until the total actual time spent meets the minimum billing increment.
44
45 5.2.5 Totals and By Task. State the amount of time expended by each time-
46 keeper daily (and, within each day, broken down by task where more than one project or task was
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1 worked upon within the same day).
2
3 5.2.6 Task Description. Describe within each itemized daily task entry, in
4 sufficient detail to readily allow the County to determine the necessity for and reasonableness of
5 the time expended, the services performed, the project or task each service relates to, the subject
6 and purpose of each service, and the names of others who were present or communicated wit in
7 the course of performing the service. Included should be a reasonably specific delineation of
8 services sufficiently itemized to allocate time within a matter to such categories of effort as Legal
9 Research, Fact Gathering, Internal Conferences, Communications with Client, Particular
10 Document Drafting, Court Appearance, Deposition Attendance, and so forth.
11
12 5.2.7 Summary of Rates. In a summary at the beginning or end of the bill,
13 provide the current hourly rate for each time-keeper, the total time billed by each time-keeper in
14 that bill, the product of the total time and hourly rate for each time-keeper, the total fees charged,
15 and a reconciliation between the amount charged and any applicable estimated or budgeted
16 amount, by task. In addition, each monthly statement should show the aggregate billing for that
17 matter from the commencement of the matter through the currently-billed month.
18
19 5.2.8 Digital/Electronic Copy. County is currently using Time Matters and
20 Time Billing software in the County Attorney's office, and prefers that an electronic reporting
21 software which can be incorporated into the County's software data base for tracking and
22 reporting purposes be used by Attorney. Attorney should discuss the capabilities of Attorney's
23 billing system with County before rendering the first bill. County should receive a digital
24 electronic/computerized version of each bill, together with a paper copy, to facilitate bill review.
25
26 5.3. Expenses: County will pay the actual, reasonable cost of the following expense
27 items if incurred in accordance with the guidelines below and promptly itemized in Attorney's
28 monthly bill:
29
30 5.3.1 Reimbursable expenses: Actual cost for necessary long distance
31 telephone calls, telecopying at $.25 per outgoing page, overnight or expedited delivery, couriers,
32 photocopying at $.15 per page, postage, court fees, and other expenses approved in advance by
33 County or as listed below:
34
35 5.3.1.1. Expedited or emergency services: Attorney is expected
36 to avoid using expedited or emergency services, such as express delivery services, couriers,
37 telecopying, overtime, and so on, unless necessary because of unexpected developments or
38 extremely short deadlines. County may refuse to pay for any such expenses when incurred
39 routinely or because of Attorney's failure to manage the matter efficiently.
40
41 5.3.1.2. Computerized research: Attorney is expected to use
42 computerized research services cost-effectively to reduce time spent on research, for example,
43 while closely-monitoring computerized research to insure that the charges are reasonable and
44 necessary. Attorney is expected to pass through to County any discounts or other arrangements
45 that reduce the cost of computerized services.
46
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1 5.3.1.3. Photocopying: Attorney is encouraged to use outside
2 copying services to reduce the cost of large-volume copying, provided that these expenses are
3 efficient, cost-effective, and incurred and billed in accordance with this Agreement. Attorney is
4 responsible for insuring that all copying complies with copyright obligations.
5
6 5.3.1.4. Transcripts: Transcripts should not be ordered without
7 prior approval from County. Transcripts should not be ordered on an expedited basis unless
8 necessary and approved in advance by County. Attorney should obtain digital
9 electronic/computerized copies of transcripts when available at a reasonable cost to avoid
10 charging for time spent digesting or indexing transcripts, and to allow County to maintain a
11 digital electronic/computerized database of all transcripts.
12
13 5.3.1.5 Travel Expenses: Travel expenses within the Attorney's
14 local or metropolitan area will not be reimbursed if the time spent in transit is billed. Travel
15 expenses outside the metropolitan area may only be reimbursed if the travel was approved in
16 advance by County. Reimbursable travel expenses, if approved in advance, are the cost of
17 transportation by the least expensive practicable means (e.g., coach class air travel), the cost of
18 reasonable hotel accommodations, and the cost of transportation while out of town (e.g., by cab
19 or rental car, whichever seems reasonable, at the lowest available rate). Travel expenses will be
20 reimbursed in accordance with the applicable provisions for "approved travelers" of the Monroe
21 County Code, will be summarized on the Monroe County Travel Form with all applicable
22 receipts attached thereto.
23
24 5.3.1.6 Travel Time. Time spent in transit, locally or otherwise,
25 may be billed only if (a) Attorney or time-keeper is unable to avoid traveling by using other
26 forms of communication and (b) Attorney or time-keeper is unable to bill time in transit to other
27 clients. Travel by more than one time-keeper at the same time to the same destination is not
28 allowed without prior approval from County. Approved travel time during time-keeper's normal
29 business hours will be billed at the hourly rate listed for the time-keeper on Exhibit A.
30 Approved travel time outside of time-keeper's normal business hour's will be billed at one-half
31 the hourly rate listed for the time-keeper on Exhibit A.
32
33 5.3.2. Non-reimbursable expenses: The following expenses will in no event be
34 reimbursable, unless specifically agreed to in advance in a writing signed by County:
35
36 5.3.2.1. Personal and Office Costs. Meals for time-keepers,
37 overtime, word processing or computer charges, personal expenses, expenses that benefitted
38 other clients, expenses for books, costs of temporary employees, periodicals or other library
39 materials, internal filing or other document handling charges, clerical expenses, stationery and
40 other supply expenses, utilities, and any other expense that is either unreasonable or unnecessary.
41 (The fact that the firm charges other clients or that other firms charge their clients for an expense
42 does not make it reasonable or necessary.)
43
44 5.3.2.2. Experts, consultants, support services, outsourced
45 services, etc. Attorney is not authorized to retain experts, additional counsel, consultants,
46 support services, or the like, or to out source or delegate work outside Attorney's law firm,
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1 without prior written approval by County. Attorney will be responsible for selecting and
2 managing the services of others so that their services and expenses will be rendered in
3 accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including terms applicable to Attorney. Attorney
4 will manage others to obtain cost-effective services for County. Unless otherwise agreed in
5 writing, Attorney shall obtain a written retainer agreement, in a form which may be specified by
6 County, from each service provider, with bills from each provider being sent to both Attorney
7 (for management purposes) and County (for review and payment).
8
9 5.3.2.3. Expenses not passed through at actual cost. County
10 will not pay any markup for expenses. County will only reimburse the Attorney for their actual
11 approved out-of-pocket costs and expenses, whether incurred personally by an approved time-
12 keeper or incurred by other approved personnel (such as experts, consultants, support services
13 personnel, or outsourced services personnel).
14
15 5.3.2.4. Overhead not charged to County. County will not pay
16 for any "expense" items that are in fact part of Attorney's overhead which should be included
17 within Attorney's fee.
18
19 5.3.3. Advance approval of expenses. In addition to the items noted above,
20 Attorney shall obtain advance approval from County before incurring any expense in excess of $
21 1,000.00 if Attorney expects to be reimbursed for that expense. County may refuse to pay any
22 expense for which advance approval was not obtained by Attorney.
23
24 5.3.4. Copies of receipts for expenses. Attorney shall include copies of receipts
25 for all expenses with the itemized monthly bill. County may refuse to pay any expense item for
26 which documentation is not provided by Attorney.
27
28 5.3.5. Expenses (and fees) after termination. Upon termination of the
29 representation, Attorney shall promptly bill County for any remaining reimbursable expenses and
30 fees. County may refuse to pay any fees or expenses not billed within 45 days of termination of
31 the representation. Attorney is also expected to cooperate promptly with all aspects of
32 termination and, if applicable, transition to other counsel. Payment for fees and expenses is
33 contingent upon prompt, full cooperation.
34
35 5.4. Bill and expense documentation. Attorney understands that Attorney must have
36 documentation to support all aspects of each bill, including fees and expenses, and must maintain
37 that documentation until at least one year after the termination of the representation. This
38 documentation shall be made available by Attorney to County (or County's designated
39 representative, including an accountant, the County Clerk or County Clerk's representative, or
40 legal bill auditor) upon County's written request. Attorney agrees to cooperate with any
41 examination of this documentation and Attorney's fees and expenses, e.g., by responding
42 promptly and completely to any questions County or its designated representative may have.
43 Attorney shall notify County in writing at least 60 days in advance of destroying any such
44 records and, in the event that County requests that they be preserved, shall preserve them at least
45 one additional year or, at the option of the County, delivered to the County for storage by the
46 County, with County responsible for paying the actual cost of storage. This documentation shall
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1 include, for example, original time records, expense receipts, and documentation supporting the
2 amount charged by Attorney for expense items generated by the Attorney or his or her firm.
3 County reserves the right not to pay any fee or expense item for which sufficient documentation
4 is not available to determine whether the item was necessary and reasonable. Upon prior written
5 Agreement by the County, Attorney may provide the documentation in digital electronic form in
6 Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) or in Alchemy format in lieu of the manual
7 preservation requirements detailed above.
8
9 6. Payment terms: Attorney's request for payments and reimbursements may be made in
10 either the Attorney's name or the name ofthe Attorney's law firm, as appropriate. Attorney bills
11 complying with this Agreement are due and payable upon receipt. If the bill materially fails to
12 comply with the requirements of this Agreement, then it is not due and payable until its
13 deficiencies are remedied by Attorney. County is entitled to a 1 % prompt payment discount if a
14 bill is paid within 15 days of receipt by County or correction of deficiencies by Attorney,
15 whichever is later, (or if the bill is satisfied by funds held by Attorney, e.g., in a trust account).
16 County shall not be liable for interest or other late charges unless specifically agreed to in
17 advance in a writing signed by County.
18
19 7. Budgets. Attorney will, within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this Agreement,
20 prepare an estimate or budget of the likely costs, by task, of this matter, including fees and
21 expenses, and a plan for handling the matter. Attorney will update the budget and plan at least
22 once every three months. In the event that Attorney obtains information indicating that the
23 budget (or any line item) may be exceeded by more than five percent, he or she will notify
24 County of that immediately. In a written statement accompanying each bill, preferably in tabular
25 form. Attorney will reconcile the budget with each month's bill, e.g., by explaining whether the
26 billed amounts, by task, are more or less than the amounts budgeted therefore. County shall have
27 the right not to pay any amounts that are over budget or not included within the budget.
28
29 8. Stafimg and matter management. Attorney has been retained specifically because
30 Attorney, personally, is understood by County to be able to handle this matter. Employment of
31 additional individuals, whether attorneys, paralegals, or others, who will bill time to County is
32 not permitted without the advance written approval of County.
33
34 8.1. Time-keeper changes. Changes in time-keepers, e.g., replacement of an attorney
35 as well as increases or decreases in the number ofthe time-keepers working on the subject-matter
36 ofthis Agreement, must have the advance written approval of County. County expects to receive
37 discounts or other concessions so that any increases or changes in time-keepers will not result in
38 unnecessary or unreasonable charges to County, e.g., for training, internal conferences, and
39 management.
40
41 8.2. Duplication of effort. Unless advance County approval is obtained, Attorney
42 will not have more than one time-keeper bill for court appearances, attendance at depositions and
43 meeting, including meetings with County representatives, and internal conferences. In the event
44 that more than one person attends, only the time of the person with the lowest rate will be
45 billable. Attorney is not permitted to use this matter to provide on the job training for a time-
46 keeper, and bill for that time-keeper's services, without County's advance approval.
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1
2 8.3. Matter management. Attorney is responsible for managing the matter cost-
3 effectively and competently, e.g., by insuring that additional time-keepers are competent,
4 properly supervised, efficient, and in compliance with the terms of this Agreement as well as
5 with ethical obligations.
6
7 8.4. Communications. County will expect that all communications between Attorney
8 and County will be reviewed by Attorney and that Attorney will serve as the point of contact for
9 this matter, induding billing questions. The point of contact for this matter at County is the
10 County Attorney or the individual specifically identified in Exhibit A.
11
12 8.5. Case monitoring. County will be advised promptly by Attorney of all significant
13 facts and developments in the matter so that County may mange the matter effectively and made
14 informed decisions about strategy, tactics, settlement, scheduling, costs, and other related
15 matters. County will promptly receive from Attorney copies of all orders, opinions, pleadings,
16 briefs, memoranda (internal and external), correspondence, and any other document material to
17 the subject matter of this Agreement, such that the County will have a current, up-to-date,
18 "mirror" copy of the County's file maintained by Attorney. For discovery materials or exhibits
19 that are lengthy, Attorney should discuss them with County before providing a copy. Documents
20 available in digital electronic/computerized form should be provided in that form in lieu of paper
21 copies. Additionally, Attorney may be required to submit, on a monthly basis, a case status and
22 progress report to be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners. The format of the report
23 shall be in the form required by the County Attorney.
24
25 8.6. Case control. Attorney shall discuss all significant issues of strategy and tactics,
26 induding motions, discovery, pleadings, briefs, trial preparation, experts, and settlement, with
27 County before implementation. Attorney is expected to exercise independent professional
28 judgment, but to implement the decisions of County as expressed to the County by the County
29 Attorney.
30
31 8.7. Attorney cooperation. Attorney will cooperate with County or County's
32 representatives to promptly provide all information County requests or needs about the subject
33 matter of this Agreement and Attorney's bills.
34
35 8.8. County cooperation. Attorney should consult with County about all
36 opportunities for County to save money or make use of County's expertise to assist in, e.g.,
37 responding to discovery, preparing for trial, locating experts, and the like. County may also have
38 personnel and facilities available to reduce the expenses related to the subject matter of this
39 Agreement.
40
41 8.9. Temporary staff, delegation, outsourcing. Attorney will not bill County for the
42 time and expenses of temporary employees, induding so-called "Temps" or contract attorneys
43 or other staff from outside companies, nor "outsource" or delegate work, nor charge for summer
44 associates, law derks, or student derks, (collectively "temporary staff' even if not temporarily
45 employed) without full advance disclosure of the employee's temporary or short-term status to
46 County, including disclosure of the actual amount paid or to be paid to the individual. Unless
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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.
9. 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 of the
relationship and this Agreement. 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. Attorney is not authorized to identify County as a County, e.g., for purposes of
marketing or advertising, without County's prior approval. Upon termination of the
representation, Attorney agrees to return promptly all information obtained from or on behalf of
County to County. Attorney is not authorized to communicate with the public, including the
press, about County or this matter without the advance approval of County.
10. 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.
11. Dispute resolution: 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. Governing law, modification of this Agreement, entire agreement: This Agreement is
to be interpreted in accordance with the laws of Florida and with the ethical requirements of that
jurisdiction. The Agreement may not be modified in any way without the express, written
agreement of both parties. This represents the entire agreement of the parties.
13. Monroe County Code Ethics Provisions: This provision is found in Section 18.8 below.
14. Time Keeper Dermed: As used in this Agreement, the term "time keeper" shall include
Attorney and other attorneys and individuals identified in Exhibit A who will be providing
services under this Agreement and who will bill the County for their services in accordance with
this Agreement.
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15. Methods of Approval and Consent By County: Any consents or approvals required by
this Agreement to be made by the County shall, unless the context expressly states otherwise, be
made by the County Attorney or an authorized Assistant County Attorney in written form, to
include but not limited to hand-written, typed, or printed notes, electronic mail, letters, or
facsimile transmissions.
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. County's Standard Contract Terms:
18.1 No Assignments. Without the prior written consent from the County, Attorney
shall not assign or transfer this Agreement.
18.2 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 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 permitted successors and
aSSIgns.
18.3 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 permitted 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.
18.4 Captions. The captions set forth herein are for convenience of reference only and
shall not define, modifY, or limit any of the terms hereof.
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1 18.5 Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
2 in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida applicable to contracts made and to be
3 performed entirely in the State. Venue for any legal action which may arise out of or under this
4 agreement shall be in Monroe County, Florida.
5
6 18.5.1 Conflicts in interpretation. The County and Attorney agree that, in the
7 event of conflicting interpretations of the terms or a term of this Agreement by or between them,
8 the final interpretation by the County shall apply.
9
10 18.5.2 Adjudication of Disputes and Disagreements. The County and Attorney
11 agree that all disputes and disagreements between them shall be attempted to be resolved by a
12 meet and confer session between representatives of the County and Attorney. If the issue or
13 issues are still not resolved to the satisfaction of both within 30 days after the meet and confer
14 session, then either shall have the right to seek such relief as may be provided by this Agreement
15 or by Florida law.
16
17 18.5.3 Cooperation. In the event any administrative or legal proceeding is
18 instituted against either the County or Attorney relating to the formation, execution,
19 performance, or breach ofthis Agreement, the County and Attorney each agree to participate, to
20 the extent required by the other, in all proceedings, hearings, processes, meetings, and other
21 activities related to the substance of this Agreement. The County and Attorney each agree that
22 neither shall be required to enter into any arbitration proceedings related to this Agreement or
23 any Attachment or Addendum to this Agreement.
24
25 18.5.4 Legal Obligations and Responsibilities; Non-delegation of
26 Constitutional or Statutory Duties. This Agreement is not intended to relieve, nor shall it be
27 construed as relieving, either the County or Attorney from any obligation or responsibility
28 imposed upon each by law except to the extent of actual and timely performance thereof by the
29 other, in which case the performance may be offered in satisfaction of the obligation or
30 responsibility. Further this Agreement is not intended to authorize, nor shall it be construed as
31 authorizing, the delegation of the constitutional or statutory duties of the County, except to the
32 extent permitted by the Florida Constitution, state statutes, case law, and, specifically, the
33 provisions of Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
34
35 18.6 Attorney's Fees and Costs. In the event any administrative proceeding or cause of
36 action is initiated or defended by the County or Attorney relative to the enforcement or
37 interpretation of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of reasonable
38 attorney's fees, court costs, investigative, and out-of-pocket expenses, as an award against the
39 non-prevailing party, and shall include reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, investigative, and
40 out-of-pocket expenses in appellate proceedings. Mediation proceedings initiated and conducted
41 pursuant to this Agreement or as may be required by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be
42 conducted in accordance with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and usual and customary
43 procedures required by the circuit court of Monroe County.
44
45 18.7 Records. Attorney shall maintain all books, records, and documents directly
46 pertinent to performance under this Agreement, including the documents referred to in Sections
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1 5.4 and 10 of this Agreement, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
2 consistently applied. Upon ten (10) business days written notice to the other, representatives of
3 either the County or Attorney shall have access, at all reasonable times, to all the other party's
4 books, records, correspondence, instructions, receipts, vouchers and memoranda (excluding
5 computer software) pertaining to work under this Agreement for the purpose of conducting a
6 complete independent fiscal audit. Attorney shall retain all records required to be kept under this
7 Agreement for a minimum of five years, and for at least four years after the termination of this
8 agreement. Attorney shall keep such records as are necessary to document the performance of the
9 agreement and expenses as incurred, and give access to these records at the request of the
10 County, the State of Florida or authorized agents and representatives of said government bodies.
11 It is the responsibility of Attorney to maintain appropriate records to insure a proper accounting
12 of all collections and remittances. Attorney shall be responsible for repayment of any and all
13 audit exceptions which are identified by the Auditor General for the State of Florida, the Clerk of
14 Court for Monroe County, the Board of County Commissioners for Monroe County, or their
15 agents and representatives.
16
17 18.7.1 Public Access. The County and Attorney shall allow and permit
18 reasonable access to and inspection of, all documents, papers, letters, or other materials subject to
19 the Florida Public Records Law, as provided in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and made or
20 received by the them, unless specifically exempted by State Statute, Rules and Regulations of
21 The Florida Bar, or case law. County shall have the right to cancel this agreement upon violation
22 of this provision by Attorney.
23
24 18.8 Monroe County Code Ethics Provision. Attorney warrants that he has not
25 employed, retained or otherwise had act on his behalf any former County officer or employee in
26 violation of Section 2 of Ordinance No. 10-1990 or any County officer or employee in violation
27 of Section 3 of Ordinance No. 10-1990. For breach or violation of this provision the County
28 may, at its discretion, terminate this Agreement without liability and may also, at its discretion,
29 deduct from the sums owed under the Agreement, or otherwise recover, the full amount of any
30 fee, commission, percentage, gift, or consideration paid to the former or present County officer
31 or employee. County employees and officers are required to comply with the standards of
32 conduct delineated in Section 112.313, Florida Statutes, regarding, but not limited to, solicitation
33 or acceptance of gifts, doing business with one's agency, unauthorized compensation, misuse of
34 public position, conflicting employment or contractual relationship, and disclosure of certain
35 information.
36
37 18.9 Authority. Attorney warrants that he and the authorized time keepers are authorized by
38 law and the Rules and Regulations of The Florida Bar to engage in the performance of the
39 activities encompassed by this Agreement. If Attorney is a member of a law firm, either as
40 partner, shareholder, associate, or other relationship, Attorney warrants that he is authorized to
41 enter into this Agreement by Attorney's law firm.
42
43 18.10 Public Entity Crime Statement. Florida law provides that person or affiliate
44 who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for public entity crime
45 may not submit a bid on an agreement to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may
46 not submit a bid on a agreement with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public
12 of 15
..
1 building or public work, may not submit bids on leases of real property to public entity, may not
2 be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, sub-contractor, or consultant under a
3 agreement with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess
4 of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36
5 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. Attorney warrants the neither
6 Attorney nor any authorized time keeper has been named to the convicted vendor list.
7
8 18.11 Anti-kickback. Attorney warrants that no person has been employed or retained
9 to solicit or secure this Agreement upon any contract or understanding for a commission,
10 percentage, brokerage or contingent fee, and that no employee or officer of the County has any
11 interest, financially or otherwise, in this Agreement, except as expressly stated herein. For
12 breach or violation of this warranty, the County shall have the right to annul this agreement
13 without liability or, in its discretion, to deduct any sums to be paid by County under this
14 Agreement, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage or
15 contingent fee.
16
17 18.12 Modifications and Amendments. Any and all modifications of the terms of this
18 agreement shall only be amended in writing and executed by the Board of County
19 Commissioners for Monroe County and by Attorney.
20
21 18.13 Independent Contractor. At all times and for all purposes hereunder, Attorney is
22 an independent contractor and not an employee of the Board of County Commissioners of
23 Monroe County. No statement contained in this Agreement shall be construed so as to find
24 Attorney or any of the authorized time keepers, to be the employees of the Board of County
25 Commissioners of Monroe County, and they shall be entitled to none of the rights, privileges or
26 benefits of employees of Monroe County.
27
28 18.14 Compliance with Law. In carrying out Attorney's obligations under this
29 agreement, Attorney shall abide by all statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to or
30 regulating the provisions of this Agreement, including those now in effect and hereafter adopted.
31 Any violation of said statutes, ordinances, rules or regulations shall constitute a material breach
32 of this Agreement and shall entitle the County to terminate this Agreement immediately upon
33 delivery of written notice of termination to Attorney.
34
35 18.15 Licensing and Permits. Attorney warrants that Attorney shall have, prior to
36 commencement of work under this agreement and at all times during said work, all required
37 licenses and permits whether federal, state, County or City.
38
39 18.16 Non-Discrimination. Attorney shall not discriminate, in its employment practices
40 and in providing services hereunder, on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, national
41 origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, or age, and
42 shall abide by all federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Upon a determination by
43 a court of competent jurisdiction that such discrimination has occurred, this Agreement
44 automatically terminates without any further action by the County, effective the date of the court
45 order. Attorney is aware of the provisions of Section 13-101 through 13-106, Monroe County
46 Code, relating to non-discrimination, and agrees to abide by the Code's non-discrimination
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1 requirements.
2
3 18.17 Claims for State or Federal Aid. The County and Attorney agree that each shall
4 be, and is, empowered to apply for, seek, and obtain federal and state funds to further the purpose
5 of this Agreement, provided that all applications, requests, grant proposals, and funding
6 solicitations by Attorney shall be approved by the County prior to submission.
7
8 18.18 Non-Reliance by Non-Parties. No person or entity shall be entitled to rely upon
9 the terms, or any of them, of this Agreement to enforce or attempt to enforce any third-party
10 claim or entitlement to or benefit of any service or program contemplated hereunder, and the
11 County and Attorney agree that neither the County nor Attorney or any officer, agent, or
12 employee of each shall have the authority to inform, counsel, or otherwise indicate that any
13 particular individual or group of individuals, entity or entities, have entitlements or benefits
14 under this Agreement separate and apart, inferior to, or superior to the community in general or
15 for the purposes contemplated under this Agreement.
16
17 18.19 Attestations. Attorney agrees to execute such documents as the County may
18 reasonable require, including a Drug-Free Workplace Statement, and a Public Entity Crime
19 Statement.
20
21 18.20 Signatures of Parties Required. This Agreement shall not be effective until
22 executed by both County and Attorney and received in final executed form by an authorized
23 representative of County.
24
25 18.21 County Authority. This Agreement has been approved at a duly noticed and
26 legally held public meeting conducted in Monroe County, Florida.
27
28 18.22 No Personal Liability. No covenant or obligation contained in this Agreement
29 shall be deemed to be a covenant or obligation of any member, officer, agent or employee of the
30 Board Of County Commissioners of Monroe County in his or her individual capacity and no
31 member, officer, agent or employee of the Board Of County Commissioners of Monroe County
32 shall be liable personally on this Agreement or be subject to any personal liability or
33 accountability by reason of the execution of this Agreement.
34
35 18.23 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
36 counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original, all of which taken together shall
37 constitute one and the same instrument and the County and Attorney may execute this
38 Agreement by signing any such counterpart.
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43
44
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46
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THIS AGREEMENT has been signed and executed by the Board of County
Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, and has been signed and executed by Attorney, on
the dates indicated below.
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ATTEST:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
DANNY L. LOLHAGE, CLERK
ByJJ:,alu1a .~
Deputy Clerk
Date:
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Mayor/Mayor Pro Tern
By:
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Date:
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ILLIAM D. B N, Esquire
Rogers Towers, P.A.
1301 Riverplace Blvd., Suite 1500
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904.346.5537 (Direct Line)
904.396.0663 (Facsimile)
Witnesses for Attorney:
Signature
Printed Name
Signature
Date:
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MONROE COUNTY ATTORNEY
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\ JOHN R. COLLINS
pOUNTY ~TTORNEY
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MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
STANDARD LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT NUMBER:
CAY CON 2005-10-0 I
EXHIBIT A
References:
3.: Provide consultation services to Monroe County in connection with a review of the current
land development regulations pertaining to signage, and possible amendments and/or
modifications thereto, in connection with First Amendment and other issues. Representation shall
include review of the comprehensive plan, future land use element, FLUM, zoning map, existing
sign code, zoning regulations, preparation of a draft of a new ordinance, meeting with
appropriate staff for review, preparation of a final draft to be presented at public hearings,
attendance at a Planning Commission Meeting, attendance at County Commission Meeting( one
or two). This is not a litigation matter.
4. : Attorney's Hourly Fee Rate: $225.00 per hour (discounted from $290.00) The total billing
for all timekeepers for the matter described above shall not exceed Twelve Thousand Five
Hundred Dollars ($12,500.00).
4.4: Approved Additional Time Keepers:
Name: Elizabeth M. Rudd, Paralegal
Ruth A. Holmes, Sr. Assoc.
Hourly Rate: $95.00 (discounted from $110.00)
$170.00 (discounted from $175.00
8.4: County Point of Contact:
Susan M. Grimsley
Assistant County Attorney
P.O. Box 1026
Key West, FL 33041-1026
(305) 292-3470
(305) 292-3516 (fax)
Grims] ev-susan@monroecounty-fl.gov
County Representative
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