File #: ID#25-1282    Version: 1 Name: Approve a retainer agreement with Banker Lopez Gassler Law Firm P.A. for Vanessa Thorrington vs. Carolyn A. Morobitto, Michael J. Sanders and City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Type: Action Item Status: Passed
File created: 12/4/2025 In control: City Attorney
On agenda: 1/15/2026 Final action: 1/15/2026
Title: Approve a retainer agreement with Banker Lopez Gassler Law Firm P.A. for Vanessa Thorrington vs. Carolyn A. Morobitto, Michael J. Sanders and City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Attachments: 1. Vanessa Thorrington - BLG Law Firm Agreement2025.pdf

SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:

Title

Approve a retainer agreement with Banker Lopez Gassler Law Firm P.A. for Vanessa Thorrington vs. Carolyn A. Morobitto, Michael J. Sanders and City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)

Body

SUMMARY: 

Senior Assistant City Attorney Michael Fuino has departed the City as of 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.

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.