TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Michael Golen, C.P.M., Interim City Attorney
TITLE: Approve the Acknowledgement and Agreement to Waive Any Conflict of Interest with Adams & Reese, LLP for Legal Services.
Recommended Action
Approve the Acknowledgement and Agreement to Waive Conflict of Interest with Adams & Reece, LLP, for legal services.
Background Information
As part of the ongoing roundabout project the City and Charlotte County are performing on Cranberry Boulevard and Hillsborough Boulevard, the City desires to obtain a temporary construction easement on parcels owned by an uncooperative property owner. The City Attorney’s Office desires to engage with Attorney Robert Gill, from the law firm of Adams & Reese, in order to negotiate with the property owner and obtain a temporary construction easement to further the roundabout project. Attorney Robert Gill also serves as eminent domain counsel for Charlotte County. Engaging with the firm of Adams & Reese at this time to obtain a temporary construction easement is intended to avoid the need for the City to pursue an eminent domain action in the future.
The law firm of Adams & Reese also represents the North Port Offices Condominium Association, Inc., North Port Professional, LLC, and RHM Florida, LLC (collectively the “Condominium Association”). Adams & Reese currently represents the Condominium Association regarding the ownership and maintenance of a service alley and the defense of code enforcement cases against the Condominium Association. The purpose of this agreement is to disclose to City and the Condominium Association this potential conflict of interest as required by the Florida Bar’s rules of professional conduct.
Attorney Robert Gill does not have any involvement with the representation of the Condominium Association, another attorney in the firm provides that representation. By executing this agreement, the City consents to Adams & Reese’s representation of the Condominium Association and of the City in conjunction with other transactions and litigation matters and specifically waives any conflict of interest which might otherwise exist by virtue of the simultaneous representation.
Strategic Plan
Infrastructure and Facilities Integrity
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Acknowledgement and Agreement Waiving Conflict of Interest
Prepared by: Michael Golen, Interim City Attorney
Department Director: Michael Golen, Interim City Attorney