HomeMy WebLinkAboutLB Cruce ASC 2022 Agenda AG Receipt Date:_
Request for Attorney General
Approval of Private Attorney Services
1. Agency Name CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY
Contact Person:JEREMY D.JOHNSTON.P,E..M.B.A..EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Phone#:904/272.5999
2. Proposed Agency SAMAS Contract Number:
or Purchase Order#(if under$5000): E or S
(This information is available from your agency fiscaVpurchasing staff.)
3. Class/Group Number: 972-1_ 0 0 (This number identifies the area of legal specialization being provided
for through contract. Please choose the most appropriate area from the list below.)
010 Administrative Law 240 Commercial Litigation 400 Eminent Domain Law 600 Labor Law
020 Admiralty Law 250 Communication Law 410 Employment Practices Law 605 Land Use Law
030 Agricultural Law 260 Constitutional Law 420 Entertainment Am and Sports 610 Marital and Family Law
040 Antitrust Law 265 Construction Law Law 630 Patent and Trademark Law
060 Aviation Law 270 Consumer Law 430 Environmental Law 700 Real Estate Law
100 Bankruptcy Law 280 Contract Law 440 Estate Planning and Probate 710 Securities Law
110 Bond Law 285 Copyright Law 500 General Counsel 720 Sunshine/Public Records Law
200 Civil Appellate Practice 290 Corporate Law 510 Health Law 800 Tax Law
210 Civil Riglus Law 300 Corrections/Parole Law 530 Immigration Law 850 Utilities Law
220 Civil Trial Practice 320 Criminal Appellate Practice 535 International Law 900 Workers'Compensation Law
its 230 Collections Law 330 Criminal Trial Practice 540 Juvenile/Dependency Law
a'
O
E 4. Type of Request(If this is an original request,please answer only through question#21; if this is a contract
amendment,please answer all questions as appropriate):
Original Contract Contract Amendment X _
5. If this is an original request, please provide the estimated total contract amount:
Fees$ _ Costs$ _ Total$
6. If this is an original request,please provide the proposed contract period:
From to
7. Please provide a brief description of the legal services to be provided.
Contractor will serve as Transactional Real Estate Closing Attorney.Real Estate Law.Real Estate Title.and
Eminent Domain Counsel for the Agency,and as needed locally for the Agency,which has no in-house legal
staff. Services will be provided on an as needed basis. at an hourly rate of$250 per hour for name partner.
Contractor will also provide title search orders,title commitments,title examinations,title policies and
endorsements,and title closing services,as
ordered.,
8. For trial and appellate litigation,please identify:
Form OAG-001(12/93[rev.9/2001 jJ
Style of Case:N/A Case Number:N/A
Court: As directed by the Agency,
9. Identify the reason outside counsel is needed as opposed to utilizing in-house attorney services:
x Necessary legal expertise not available on staff
x Time commitments exceed in-house staff resources
Conflict of interest
x Local representation necessary
x Travel,lodging and other costs associated with in-house representation not cost effective
x Other,Identify:
10. Identify the proposed law firm/counsel:
Law Firm/Counsel Name: ROGER W. CRUCE,P.A.
Address: 1409 Kingsley Ave.Ste. 1 B
City,State, ZIP: Orange Park,Florida 32073
11. Identify by name which partners, associates,research associates or other personnel will be used to perform
the contracted legal services;and a schedule of their current billing rates.
Name Position Title Billing Rate
Roger W.Cruce Name Partner $250.00
to
12. Proposed Hourly Rate: Partner $250.00 Estimated Hours: Unknown
13. If the method of payment is to be hourly fee, identify what services will be covered by this fee(e.g.,attorney
services,paralegal services,research expenditures,overhead including reproductions of materials,
administrative support services,telephone charges including faxing of materials,etc.). See Rule 2-37.030,
FAC.
See attached Statement of Waiver for fees and charges re certain title, title insurance,and closing related
matters.
14.What items,if any,will be subject to additional charges not considered in the hourly fee. See Rule 2.37.030,
FAC.
Separate title related costs.expenses.and charges,as reflected in attached Statement of Waiver,and costs as
permitted under Rule 2-3?.030
FAC.
15. If a cap is to be placed on the amount of non-attorney fee expenditures the agency can reimburse over and
above the hourly fee, please identify the amount. $ N/A
16. Is a waiver to the established fee schedule required? X Yes No
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Form OAG-001(12193 Inv.9/20011)
If yes, please complete Attachment I, Statement of Waiver.
17. If an alternate to the hourly billing method is proposed,please describe.
Fixed fee per case
Flat fee per service(s)
Contingency fee
Retainer
Other Please see attached Statement of Waiver
18.Services to be Performed in:State of Florida,Cla_y, Duval, Bradford Counties
19. Please identify the criteria used by your agency to select the proposed legal counsel and explain.
Magnitude/complexity of case requires firm's resources:
Ratings and certifications(e.g.,Martindale):
Firm experience:Attorney is recognized real estate dosing and title expert,based oznextensive title insurance
industry service and experience prior to admission to bar.Attorney has extensive first-hand real estate title
knowledge relevant to Agency's service territory,which is very helpful for consultations and transactions necessary
to accomplish Agency's core serv'ces of water.wastewater and reclaimed water utility service to the public.
Minority counsel:N/A.
Firm's physical proximity to case,agency: Clay County based.
Firm's prior experience with agency:
Firm's prior experience with similar case or issue:
Billing methodology proposed/rate: Hourly,see 12, above,and some closing and title insurance related
to charges.
Other: Increased need for local real estate legal representation makes it advantageous for Agency to contract
with local real estate closing attorney,to supplement work of Agency's own non-attorney service availability
administrative staff,and Agency's outside general legal counsel.
20.Indicate the names of those attorney(s)/firm(s)contacted in addition to the one proposed and their quoted
fees.
Firm Name Quoted Fee
Sundstrom&Mindlin, LLP of Tallahassee_FL, in respect to eminent domain and real estate title litigation
matters. Their fees run from$250 an hour for partners and$300 an hour for name/senior partner.
21.Will agency staff be serving as co-counsel or participating with the outside counsel beyond oversight or
coordination? YES If yes, identify the participation?
Fact finding,including document review,witness interview--
Legal research Formal Discovery_ Drafting documents_ Pleading/motion practice
Negotiations Appeals Trial preparation Trial_ _
Co.Counsel _ Lead counsel
Other x ,describe:Outside General Counsel.Grady H.Williams.Jr.,LL.M..will coordinate work of firm
as Agency's Real Estate Transactional.Title.and Closing Attorney,and oil any desired local eminent domain
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Form 0AG-OO1(12/93 fix 9/20011)
or real estate title litigation matters.
22. If this request is a contract amendment, please identify the reason for the amendment,describe the change(s)
from the last approval and provide justification for change(s)below.
Increase in total contract amount(including fees&costs): From$ to$_—
Increase in hourly rate: From$___ __ hourly to$_ hourly
Increase in allowance for expenditures over and above hourly rate: From$— to$
X Extension of contract period: From 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022,to 10/1/2022 through
9/30/2023.
Revision/change in services to be provided
Other-Please explain
Justification for amendment:Coverage for Agency's FY 2022-2023.
23. If this request is an amendment to extend the contract_period,please provide for the immediate prior fiscal
year only:
$expended for fees: $5.781.25* $expended for costs: $0.00*
Total$expended: $5.781.25*
*As invoiced through September 9, 2022.
to
Si y . f ' equ fficer Date
er.,i tea. ohnston . . M.B.A.
Executive Director
Title of Requesting Officer
4
Form OAG-001(12/93[rep.9/20019
1\4.1664 TV. ■u...., 4 ./S. --���- ---to me aetriment or me scare.
Please provide below the rationale for the justification selected.
Contractor.who is recognized as an expert real estate title tide curative,and closing attorney.will serve as
Transactional Real Estate Closing Attorney,Real Estate Law,Real Estate Title,and Eminent Domain Counsel for
the Agency.and as needed locally for the Agency.which has no in-house legal staff. Services will be provided on
to an as needed basis.at an hourly rate of$250 per hour for name partner.contractor will also provide titlg search
orders, title commitments, title examinations, title policies and endorsements,and title closing services, as
ordered.at its standard pricing. For example.MO reports: $150.00 per report for a single parcel with
adjustments based on cost of copies when reauired to order from Bradford County. A report containing more
than one parcel for the same owners)in the same county would be billed at an additional$75 per parcel. Title
commitments/policies: Searches for policies ae provided by the underwriter.Attorneys'Title Fund Services,
billed to Agency at ATF's standard fees plus the title insurance based on the state mandated(i.e.,promulgated)
rates. Closings: Closings would be conducted at$500 plus standard fees for search and title
insurance.
Za 2 7 efi - 1.S
Agency ead i Date
Jeremy D.Johnston,P.E,M.B.A.
Executive Director
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Form OAG-001(12/93[rev.9/20011)
Attachment 1
1
AGREEMENT BETWEEN CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY
AND ROGER W. CRUCE, P.A.
This AGREEMENT is entered into in Middleburg, Clay County,Florida,by and
between the CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY, an independent special district of
THE STATE OF FLORIDA, existing and created under Chapter 94-419, Laws of Florida,
Special Acts of 1994 (the AGENCY),with headquarters located at 3176 Old Jennings
Road, Middleburg,Florida 32068,and ROGER W. CRUCE,P.A. (the CONTRACTOR),
located at 1409 Kingsley Ave. Ste. 1B, Orange Park,FL 32073. This AGREEMENT shall
bind the parties upon its execution by their representatives.
WHEREAS, CONTRACTOR will serve as Real Estate Title, Closing,
Transactional Real Estate, and Local Eminent Domain Counsel for the AGENCY.
WHEREAS, the CONTRACTOR has the expertise necessary to perform the
duties and responsibilities outlined in this AGREEMENT.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1. ENGAGEMENT OF THE CONTRACTOR
The AGENCY agrees to engage the CONTRACTOR and the CONTRACTOR
agrees to perform the services set forth below. The CONTRACTOR understands and
agrees that all services contracted for are to be performed solely by the CONTRACTOR
and may not be subcontracted for or assigned without the prior written consent of the
AGENCY.
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ARTICLE 2. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The CONTRACTOR will serve as Real Estate Title,Closing,Transactional Real
Estate, and Local Eminent Domain Counsel for the AGENCY. The CONTRACTOR
agrees to provide services, on an as needed basis, at an hourly rate of$250.00 per hour
for senior/name partner.
ARTICLE 3. TIME OF PERFORMANCE
This AGREEMENT shall begin on October 1,2022, and end on September 30,
2023. The CONTRACTOR shall provide requested services within the
CONTRACTOR's practice areas within a reasonable time of each such request, as the
context and circumstances may require.
ARTICLE 4. CONSIDERATION
(1) Fees and costs shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of
ATTACHMENT A FOR PRIVATE ATTORNEY SERVICES,including Exhibit 1.
(2) Justified and reasonable travel expenses which are directly and exclusively
related to the professional services rendered under this contract will be reimbursed in
accordance with§112.061, Florida Statutes. For the purpose of computing travel
expenses,the CONTRACTOR's place of business shall be that listed in the Preamble to
this AGREEMENT and all travel expenses shall be computed on that basis.
(3) The AGENCY is exempted from payment of Florida state sales and use taxes
and Federal Excise tax. The CONTRACTOR,however, shall not use the AGENCY's Tax
exemption number to secure any materials or services. The CONTRACTOR shall be
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responsible and liable for the payment of all its FICA/Social Security and other taxes
resulting from this AGREEMENT.
(4) The CONTRACTOR shall not pledge the AGENCY'S credit or make the
AGENCY a guarantor of payment or surety for any contract, debt, obligation,judgment,
lien, or any form of indebtedness.
(5) Payment for services shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of
§215.422, Florida Statutes.
(6) Pursuant to Section 215.422(5),Florida Statutes, the Department of Financial
Services has established a Vendor Ombudsman to act as an advocate for vendors. The
Vendor Ombudsman may be reached at(850) 413-7269 or 410-9724.
(7) In accordance with the provision of Section 287.0582, Florida Statutes, the
State of Florida's (AGENCY's) performance and obligation to pay under this contract is
contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Legislature, if the terms of this
AGREEMENT extend beyond the current fiscal year.
(8)A contingency fee contract must be commercially reasonable. "Commercially
reasonable" means the fees shall be no more than the amount permissible pursuant to
rule 4-1.5 of the rules regulating The Florida Bar and case law interpreting that rule. If
the amount of the fee is in dispute, the counsel retained by the state shall participate in
mandatory binding arbitration. Payment of all attorney's fees is subject to
appropriation. Attorney's fees shall be forfeited if, during the pendency of the case, the
counsel retained by the state takes a public position that is adverse to the state's
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litigation or settlement posture.
(9) If multiple law firms are parties to the contract, then the contract must
address the internal system of governance amongst the firms and each law firm must
identify one member of its firm who is authorized to legally bind the firm.
ARTICLE 5. DOCUMENTATION
(1) The CONTRACTOR shall submit monthly written invoices,in accordance
with the requirements of ATTACHMENT A FOR PRIVATE ATTORNEY SERVICES,
paragraph D,Format for Invoices,for all fees or other compensation for services or
expenses in detail sufficient for a proper pre-audit and post-audit. All invoices shall be
submitted to the AGENCY to the attention of Accounts Payable,at the AGENCY's
principal headquarters at 3176 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg,Florida 32068.
(2)Each private attorney who is under contract to provide attorney services for
the state or a state agency shall,from the inception of the contractual relationship until
at least 4 years after the contract expires or terminates,maintain detailed current
records, including documentation of all expenses, disbursements,charges,credits,
underlying receipts and invoices,and other financial transactions that concern the
provision of such attorney services. The private attorney shall make all such records
available for inspection and copying upon request in accordance with Chapter 119,
Florida Statutes.
ARTICLE 6. PUBLIC RECORDS
All documents prepared pursuant to this agreement are subject to Florida's
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Public Records Law. Refusal of the CONTRACTOR to allow public access to such
records as required by such law shall constitute grounds for unilateral cancellation of
this AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 7. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
(1) The term of this AGREEMENT shall commence on October 1, 2022 and shall
end on September 30,2023,unless earlier terminated hereunder by the AGENCY or the
CONTRACTOR. The AGENCY may terminate the AGREEMENT for its convenience or
cause by giving five (5) days written notice by registered mail to the CONTRACTOR,
specifying the effective date of termination. The CONTRACTOR may terminate this
AGTEEMENT for its convenience or cause by giving thirty (30) days written notice by
registered mail to the AGENCY, specifying the effective date of termination. If this
AGREEMENT is terminated, the CONTRACTOR shall be reimbursed for services
satisfactorily performed subject to any damages sustained by the AGENCY.
(2) If this AGREEMENT is terminated, all finished or unfinished documents,
data, studies,correspondence,reports and other products prepared by or for the
CONTRACTOR under this AGREEMENT shall be made available to and for the
exclusive use of the AGENCY.
(3) Notwithstanding the above, the CONTRACTOR shall not be relieved of
liability to the AGENCY for damages sustained by the AGENCY by virtue of any
termination or breach of this AGREEMENT by the CONTRACTOR.
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6
ARTICLE 8. AMENDMENTS
Any changes must be mutually agreed upon and incorporated in written
amendments to this AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
The CONTRACTOR, and any of its employees, agents, or assigns, are
independent contractors and not employees or agents of the AGENCY.
ARTICLE 10. LIABILITY
The AGENCY shall not assume any liability for the acts, omissions to act or
negligence of the CONTRACTOR, its agents, servants, and employees,nor shall the
CONTRACTOR disclaim its own negligence to the AGENCY or any third party.
The CONTRACTOR shall maintain, during the period of this AGREEMENT, a
0
professional liability insurance policy for the professional services to be rendered.
ARTICLE 11. NONDISCRIMINATION AND COMPLIANCE
The CONTRACTOR shall comply with all federal,state and local laws and
ordinances applicable to the work and shall not discriminate on the grounds of race,
color, religion, sex, or national origin in the performance of work.
ARTICLE 12. ADMINISTRATION OF AGREEMENT
1. The AGENCY contract administrator is Jeremy D.Johnston,P.E., M.B.A.,
Executive Director of the AGENCY, or his designee.
2. The CONTRACTOR contract administrator is Roger W. Cruce,Esquire.
3. All written and verbal approvals referenced in this AGREEMENT must be
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obtained from the parties' contract administrators or their designees.
4. All notices must be given to the parties' contract administrator.
5. This contract shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State
of Florida.
ARTICLE 13. PUBLIC ENTITY CRIME
A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following
a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid on a contract to provide any
goods or services to a public entity,may not submit a bid on a contract with a public
entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit
bids on leases or real property to a public entity,may not be awarded or perform work
as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public
entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold
amount provided in 287.017, Florida Statutes for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36
months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. Any contract in
violation of this provision is null and void.
ARTICLE 14. AGREEMENT AS INCLUDING ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This instrument, including any attachments, embodies the entire AGREEMENT
of the parties. There are no other provisions,terms, conditions, or obligations. This
AGREEMENT supersedes all previous oral or written communications, representations
or agreements on this subject.
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ARTICLE 15. SPECIAL CONDITIONS
(1) The CONTRACTOR agrees to permanently refrain from using or mentioning
its association with the AGENCY in advertisements,letterhead,business cards, etc. The
CONTRACTOR'S services to the AGENCY may be generally described in the
CONTRACTOR's professional resume. The CONTRACTOR may not give the
impression in any manner, that the AGENCY recommends or endorses the
CONTRACTOR.
(2) All contacts with the news media pertaining to the subject of this
AGREEMENT shall be referred to the AGENCY contract administrator.
(3) Anything that is produced by or developed in connection with this contract
shall remain the exclusive property of the AGENCY and may not be copyrighted,
0
patented,or otherwise restricted as provided by law. Neither the CONTRACTOR nor
any other individual employed under this AGREEMENT shall have any proprietary interest in
any product(s)developed or produced under this AGREEMENT.
(4) This agreement shall be subject to the approval and ratification of the BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS of the AGENCY and shall be submitted for review and approval or other action
to the OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL for the STATE OF FLORIDA.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY, as the
AGENCY, and ROGER W. CRUCE, P.A., as the CONTRACTOR, have executed this
AGREEMENT to be effective as of the Pt day of October, 2022.
The "CONTRACTOR" The "AGENCY"
ROG RUCE, P.A. CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY
By:
By:
Name: Ro r W. Cruce Name: Jeremy D. Johnston, P.E., M.B.A.
Title: President Title: Executive Director
FEI Number: 59-3450489 APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LEGALITY
By:
Name: Grady H. Williams, Jr., LL.M.,
Attorney
Title: General Counsel for the AGENCY
—,,.._ i . /(Gc4.-- •-•"'-
W itn Witness
P 17/ ,c ,_ i--
Date Date
Revised 03/23/06
1
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
ATTACHMENT A FOR
PRIVATE ATTORNEY SERVICES
A. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The CONTRACTOR shall:
1. Serve as Real Estate Title, Closing,Transactional Real Estate,and Local Eminent Domain
Counsel,on such matters as may be identified and directed for legal services by AGENCY.
2. Review and analyze AGENCY legal files, data,documents and other materials concerning
the above matter and advise on recommended legal course. Attend and participate in meetings,
conference calls,inspections or the like and report on the status of the legal matters.
3. Prepare and file pleadings,motions,or briefs,initiate and conduct discovery,as required and
represent the AGENCY in any related litigation and otherwise represent the AGENCY at trial or on
appeal,as needed.
4. Prepare,negotiate,review,and revise real estate,title,and dosing documentation as needed
and directed by the AGENCY,and otherwise represent the AGENCY on real estate transaction and
real estate tide and tide curative matters,as needed.
to
B. COMPENSATION-FEES
1. The AGENCY shall be billed in accordance with Exhibit 1. Fees shall not exceed
$22,000.00 and fees in excess of such amount shall not be compensable. The CONTRACTOR shall
notify the AGENCY,in writing,when fees for billable services reach$22,000.00. Said notification
shall be made as soon as is practicable and prior to the next monthly invoice. Failure to comply with
these provisions will result in non-payment.
2. Billable hours shall be measured in six (6) minute increments,whichever is preferable.
Compensation of attorney hours will be for actual time spent providing attorney services to the
AGENCY.
3. Premium rates will not be paid for overtime work.
4. Attorney time while traveling will be compensated at one hundred (100) percent of the
hourly rates reflected in Exhibit 1.
C. COMPENSATION-COSTS
1. Reimbursement of costs for such items as exhibits,transcripts and witness fees requires
prior oral authorization by the AGENCY and shall be reimbursed based upon documented third
Form OAG-002(07/97[rev. 04/2006,effective])
2
party vendor charges. The AGENCY shall not pay for firm surcharges added to third party vendor
charges.
2. Routine expenses such as local phone calls,local facsimile transmissions,routine postage,
copy work,local travel expenses,printed library materials and local courier,word processing,clerical
or secretarial services are overhead and will not be separately compensated.
3. Non-routine office overhead expenses such as long-distance phone calls,long distance
facsimile transmissions,long distance courier services,bulk mailings,bulk third party copying,
blueprints,x-rays,photographs and computer-assisted legal research services must be justified to the
AGENCY and shall be reimbursed based on documented third party vendor charges. If these
charges exceed$500.00,prior written approval from the AGENCY must be obtained. In-house
bulk mailings and bulk copying expenses must be supported by usage logs or similar documentation.
Firm surcharges are not reimbursable.
4. The CONTRACTOR shall only bill the AGENCY for a proportionate share of the cost of
legal research,attending hearings or engaging in client representation of any type,which is applicable
to other clients.
5. Reimbursable costs shall not exceed$5,000.00. The CONTRACTOR shall notify the
AGENCY in writing when costs reach$5,000.00. Said notification shall be made as soon as is
practicable and prior to the next monthly invoice.
D. FORMAT FOR INVOICES
1. Within 30 days of service provision, each statement for fees and costs shall be submitted in
one (1) counterpart in a format that includes,at a minimum,the following information:
a. Case name and number,if applicable,or other legal matter reference
b. Invoice number for the particular bill
c. CONTRACTOR taxpayer identification number
d. CONTRACTOR and AGENCY contract administrators' names
e. Inclusive dates of the month covered by the invoice
f. Itemization of the date;hours billed (if hourly);a concise,meaningful description of the
services rendered,with sufficient detail to enable the AGENCY to evaluate the services rendered
and costs;the person(s) who performed the services for each day during which the CONTRACTOR
performed work; their hourly rate (if hourly) as specified in Exhibit 1,and any billing rate that is for
some reason different from the one furnished in Exhibit 1,e.g.,travel at a reduced hourly rate.
Form OAG-002(07/97[rev. 09/2006,effective])
3
g. A listing of all invoiced costs to be accompanied by copies of actual receipts.
h. The total of only the current bill. Prior balances or payment history should be shown
separately,if at all.
i. A certification statement,signed by the CONTRACTOR's contract administrator that
reads, "I certify that all costs and fees daimed for payment are accurate and were performed in
furtherance of the AGREEMENT between ROGER W. CRUCE,P.A. and CLAY COUNTY
UTILITY AUTHORITY."
j. Any other information as may be requested by the AGENCY's contract administrator.
E. ADMINISTRATION OF AGREEMENT
1. The AGENCY contract administrator is Jeremy D.Johnston,PE,MBA,Executive Director
of the Agency,or his designee.
2. The CONTRACTOR contract administrator is Roger W. Cruce. However,if multiple law
firms are parties to the Contract, then the contract must address the internal system of governance
amongst the firms and each law firm must identify one member of its firm who is authorized to
legally bind the firm.
3. All oral approvals must be obtained from the parties' contract administrators or their
designees. All notices must be given to the parties'contract administrators.
4. This contract shall be governed by and construed under the laws of Florida.
F. OTHER AVAILABLE SERVICES
Upon receiving approval from the AGENCY,the CONTRACTOR shall use existing AGENCY
agreements,when available and cost effective, to acquire services (e.g.,computer-assisted legal
research) and the assistance of professionals (e.g.,court reporters, expert witnesses) at reduced rates.
G. PUBLIC RECORDS
All documents prepared pursuant to the AGREEMENT are subject to Florida's Public Records
Law. Refusal of the CONTRACTOR to allow public access to such records,as required by such
law,shall constitute grounds for unilateral cancellation of this AGREEMENT.
H. SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1. The CONTRACTOR will make affirmative efforts to achieve cost effectiveness by
consolidating court hearings,limiting travel,streamlining case processing,using printed forms,using
the appropriate level of attorney or staff experience required by task,and taking other actions to
improve efficiency.
Form OAG-002(07/97[rev. 04/2006,effective])
4
2. Multiple staffing at meetings,hearings,depositions,trials,etc., by the CONTRACTOR will
not be compensated without prior written approval from the AGENCY.
3. CONTRACTOR agrees that all documents shall be promptly returned at the termination of
the CONTRACTOR's involvement in the case or matter at hand.
4. AGENCY in-house staff shall be used in the legal matter to the maximum extent possible.
5. The CONTRACTOR will provide immediate notice by facsimile transmission or telephone
regarding significant case developments which will likely result in media inquiries.
6. The CONTRACTOR shall provide the AGENCY immediate notice of any representation
undertaken by the CONTRACTOR in matters where the client is suing or being sued by the state or
state entities in any civil or adversarial administrative action.
7. A contingency fee contract must be commercially reasonable. "Commercially reasonable"
means the fees shall be no more than the amount permissible pursuant to Rule 4-1.5 of the rules
regulating The Florida Bar and case law interpreting that rule. If the amount of the fee is in dispute,
the counsel retained by the state shall participate in mandatory binding arbitration. Payment of all
attorney's fees is subject to appropriation. Attorney's fees shall be forfeited if,during the pendency
of the case, the counsel retained by the state takes a public position that is adverse to the state's
litigation or settlement posture.
8. Each private attorney who is under contract to provide attorney services for the state or a
state agency shall,from the inception of the contractual relationship until at least 4 years after the
contract expires or terminates,maintain detailed current records,including documentation of all
expenses,disbursements, charges, credits,underlying receipts and invoices,and other financial
transactions that concern the provision of such attorney services. The private attorney shall make all
such records available for inspection and copying upon request in accordance with Chapter 119,
Florida Statutes.
9. The AGENCY's general counsel must approve and sign the contract as to form and legality.
The Contract must be signed by the AGENCY head,who shall also maintain custody of the
contract.
Form OAG-002(07/97[rev. 04/2006,effective])
5
EXHIBIT 1 -Fee Schedule
I. HOURLY BILLING SCHEDULE:
A. CONTRACTOR's attorney and paralegal staff to be used under this contract include the
following individuals at the hourly rates indicated:
NAME Hourly Rate
Name Position Title Hourl, Rate
Roger W. Cruce Partner $250.00
The above rates may be adjusted if both parties agree,and shall be documented in writing by
amendment to this AGREEMENT.
II. ALTERNATIVE BILLING SCHEDULE:
A. CONTRACTOR will also provide title search orders,title commitments, title examinations,
title policies and endorsements,and title closing services,as ordered, at its standard pricing. For
example,E&O reports: $150.00 per report for a single parcel with adjustments based on cost of
copies when required to order from Bradford County. A report containing more than one parcel
with the same owner(s) in the same county would be billed at an additional$75 per parcel. Title
commitments/policies: Searches for policies ae provided by the underwriter,Attorneys'Title Fund
Services,billed to Agency at ATF's standard fees plu t e title insurance based on the state
mandated (i.e.,promulgated) rates. Closings: Closings would be conducted at$500 plus standard
fees for search and tide insurance.The AGENCY finds that this alternative billing methodology is
the most appropriate billing methodology and does not exceed the rate in the market (i.e.,
"geographic location and in the legal specialization")in which the attorney service is being provided.
Form OAG-002(07/97[rev. 04/2006,effective])