Fiscal Note
This resolution authorizes an additional $50,000 (to a total of $100,000) for a special outside legal counsel to represent the City's interest in a lawsuit related to the Judge Doyle development project. The additional $50,000 will be authorized from existing funds appropriated for the Judge Doyle Public Parking Structure Project. A total of $50.4 million has been appropriated from Parking Utility Reserves ($23.4 million), TID 25 incremental revenues ($24 million), City general obligation borrowing ($2.3 million), and remaining Federal TIGER grant funds ($0.7 million). Under Section 4.27, Madison General Ordinances, contracts for outside legal services do not require a competitive selection.
Title
Authorizing additional funds for the Stroud, Willink & Howard law firm for legal assistance related to the Judge Doyle Square Project.
Body
WHEREAS, by Resolution RES-18-00438, Legistar No. 52046, the Common Council approved retaining the law firm of Stroud, Willink & Howard (the Stroud Firm) for legal services regarding the Judge Doyle Square project; and
WHEREAS, the Stroud Firm was critical in obtaining the voluntary dismissal of a lawsuit against the City of Madison regarding the Judge Doyle Square project; and
WHEREAS, the original resolution authorized payment to the Stroud Firm of up to $50,000 for legal services; and
WHEREAS, the cost of legal services to date exceeds $40,000; and
WHEREAS, the City’s negotiating team on the Judge Doyle Square project may require advice from the Stroud Firm as negotiations over the project continue; and
WHEREAS, the City may need to seek legal services from the Stroud Firm in the event of any further litigation regarding the Judge Doyle Square project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes additional funds in the amount of $50,000 for legal services from the Stroud Firm related to the Judge Doyle Square project; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these funds will be paid out of amounts appropriated for the Judge Doyle Square project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City will continue to negotiate with Beitler Real Estate to advance the Judge Doyle Square project, in accordance with the Council’s directives in RES-18-00403, Legistar No. 51484; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Attorney and the Stroud Firm are authorized to take any legal steps necessary, in their judgment and upon consultation with the Mayor, to protect the City’s interests in the Judge Doyle Square project; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Attorney, Finance Director, Director of DPCED, and other staff will update the Finance Committee as needed on the status of the Judge Doyle Square project.