SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a legal services agreement with Dayes Law Firm for representation in Blair Houston vs. City of Clearwater et al. (Case No. 8:26-cv-00127) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The City of Clearwater was served with a federal complaint alleging that the Plaintiff’s civil rights were violated. Plaintiff has also filed suit against several employees in their individual and official capacities.
The Code of Ordinances requires the City to protect and defend both current and former employees in any civil action or proceeding in any state or federal court arising out of any alleged act or omission which occurred or is alleged in the complaint to have occurred while the employee was acting within the scope of their public employment or duties.
To ensure the successful defense of the City and our employees, the Interim City Attorney recommends retaining Dayes Law Firm to represent the City and our employees in this matter. Dayes Law Firm has agreed to undertake this representation pursuant to the attached agreement. The City Council authorizes the Interim City Attorney to approve legal fee invoices in this matter up to the not-to-exceed amount of $100,000.
This procurement 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.