ORDINANCE NO. 030066
Waiving
the requirement that a department cannot enter into a contract for professional
services with a law firm that represents a party in litigation against the City
for a contract with Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, LLP.
WHEREAS,
the services of a law firm with expertise in tax and pension matters are
immediately required to review the proposed accumulated leave plan; and
WHEREAS,
the City desires to enter into a contract for professional services with
Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, LLP to serve as employee benefits counsel; and
WHEREAS,
Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, LLP currently represents Robert S. Ehinger,
Trustee for the Robert S. Ehinger Trust, and Heilman Investment Properties,
LLC. in a condemnation suit initiated by the City in City of Kansas City Mo.
v. Montage Foods, Inc., Case No. 02-CV-201694; and
WHEREAS,
under Section 2-83, Code of Ordinances, a department cannot enter into a
contract for professional services with a law firm that represents a party in
litigation against the City absent a waiver from the City Council; and
WHEREAS,
the City Council waived this requirement the past two years with Spencer Fane
Britt & Browne, LLP when they represented other property owners in
condemnation proceedings; and
WHEREAS,
it is in the best interests of the City that this waiver be obtained so that
Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, who has represented the City for over ten
years in labor and employment benefits matters, can continue to represent and
advise the City; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE
IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That
the requirement that a department cannot enter into a contract for professional
services with a law firm that represents a party in litigation against the City
is waived as it applies to a contract with Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, LLP
to represent and advise the City on employee benefits.
__________________________________________________________________
Approved
as to form and legality:
_____________________________________
Assistant
City Attorney