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ITEM: OUTSIDE LEGAL FEES AND COSTS - KULA & ASSOCIATES, P.A.
REQUEST: Approval of continued use of outside professional legal services to assist in matters relating to the appeal of the fine reduction order entered by the Wellington Special Magistrate in Code Enforcement Case No. NOH-14-3630 (Palm Beach Polo 130 Violations).
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EXPLANATION: The Village uses outside legal counsel to assist in matters that require specialized knowledge and skill. On June 24, 2020, the Village entered into an agreement with Kula & Associates, P.A. to provide services relating to the appeal of the fine reduction order in the Code Enforcement Case No. NOH-14-3630 (130 Violations Case). To date, fees totaling $21,180.00 have been incurred and $9,720.00 are pending payment. These outside legal expenses were anticipated and are part of the overall 2021 fiscal year legal budget. Pursuant to Wellington’s purchasing policy, legal expenses are exempt from competitive bidding requirements. However, individual expenditures for which the cumulative totals exceed $25,000 for any single project require Council approval.
Staff recommends approval of continued use of outside legal services provided by Kula & Associates, P.A. in an amount up to $35,000 through September 30, 2021. Sufficient funds have been allocated in the legal budget for outside legal services to cover the cost of these expenditures.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: NO
PUBLIC HEARING: NO QUASI-JUDICIAL:
FIRST READING: SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: Sufficient funds have been allocated in the Legal Budget for outside counsel services.
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of continued use of outside professional legal services relating to the appeal of the fine reduction order entered by the Wellington Special Magistrate in Code Enforcement Case No. NOH-14-3630 (Palm Beach Polo 130 Violations).