title
RETENTION OF WINSTON & STRAWN LLP, TO ADVISE THE CITY IN THE REVIEW OF LEGAL ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PURCHASE OF THE GAINESVILLE RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER FACILITY (NB)
explanation
On February 2, 2017, the City Commission authorized the retention of Norton Rose Fulbright to advise the City in the review of specialized legal issues associated with the purchase of the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center Facility. However, upon further discussion between the City Attorney and General Manager for Utilities, both believe that the legal counsel required for this transaction can be most effectively and efficiently served by Winston & Strawn and the City's Bond and Disclosure counsel firms, all of whom are currently retained by the City and have considerable knowledge of the City's utility operations. For example, Winston & Strawn assisted the General Manager for Utilities by preparing the initial drafts of the Memorandum of Understanding that is currently being considered by the City Commission.
The Office of the City Attorney will continue to be actively involved in the review of legal issues associated with the purchase and will utilize the retained outside counsel for specialized issues as well as providing a second opinion on key issues.
fiscal note
The rates quoted by Winston & Strawn LLP are hourly attorney rates of $450 - 1000. It is unknown at this time how many hours of work will be requested of outside counsel. Funding for outside counsel will be paid either from the City's utility budgeted funds for legal expenses or from unanticipated cost savings that the utility realizes.
recommendation
Authorize the Office of the City Attorney, on behalf of the City’s utility, to retain Winston & Strawn LLP to advise the City in the review of legal issues associated with the purchase of the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center Facility.