SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a retainer agreement with Banker Lopez Gassler Law Firm P.A. for Eve Julian vs. City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Senior Assistant City Attorney Michael Fuino resigned from the City on November 20, 2025, and has been appointed as City Attorney for the City of North Port. To ensure the successful defense of the City, the City Attorney recommends retaining Banker Lopez to represent the City in this matter. The City has collaborated with Banker Lopez for nearly 17 years, and they have agreed to undertake this representation pursuant to the attached agreement. The City Council authorizes the City Attorney to approve legal fee invoices in this matter up to the not-to-exceed amount of $100,000.
This agreement is exempt from bidding pursuant to Section 2.563(1)(g), Clearwater Code of Ordinances.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A budget amendment may be needed in cost code 0109600-530100, Professional Services, to fund this contract. The operating budget of the City Attorney’s Office is funded by General Fund revenue.