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HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 028-2022 - Village Attorney Annual Report– JMG/MH To:Village Council, Bal Harbour Village Cc:Village Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez From:Susan L. Trevarthen, Village Attorney Date:January 31, 2022 RE: Annual Report of Village Attorney In 2021, the Council established a process that I provide an annual report to them by the end of January, on a calendar year basis beginning in 2022. The purpose of this Report is to provide a framework for an evaluation of the Village Attorney in accordance with the Amended Engagement Letter dated 7.20.21, attached as Exhibit 1. This is the first annual report, covering the calendar year 2021. Distribution of this Report will be followed by individual meetings with each Councilmember, and then the scheduling of a workshop.1 for 2021 (January 1, 2021 December 31, 2021) Our role as the Village Attorney is to advise and to assist the Village Council in achieving what is in the best interest of the Village. As such, the majority of what we do is in partnership with Village Administration to carry out the Council s vision and strategic plan. We have a productive relationship with the Administration and, in a real sense, our accomplishments are shared. I am pleased to report that, as of this writing, the Village continues to have no significant litigation against it.have worked with your Administration to avoid litigation where possible, and to resolve it efficiently where it was unavoidable. While we remain ready and able to fight for the Village where the Council deems it necessary to do so, our first effort is always to find a way to accomplish Village goals in a less costly and antagonistic manner. the Village, with a strong team of attorneys who are expert in the practices most important to the Village. We strive to work efficiently and effectively, while remaining attuned to the or its Village Attorney function has stabilized 1 Exhibit 2 is an updated list of the Village Attorney Team. Exhibit 3 is an evaluation form is provided that can be used if desired to provide written performance feedback.Exhibit 4 to this Report includes background information Page 2 of 5 MIAMI I FT. LAUDERDALE I BOCA RATON I TAMPA I WSH-LAW.COM while supporting an ambitious and widespread agenda of improvement established by the Village Council and led by the Village Administration. While the following does not capture everything we do for the Village and the vast majority of what we do is in partnership with the Village Administration as outlined in the Village Manager s Annual Report, our significant accomplishments have included the following, organized by department or topic: Legislation and Advice to Administration Worked with the Manager and Clerk to draft an ordinance2 for Charter Amendments to avoid further litigation and uncertainty regarding the relevant procedures. Revised the Code to clarify run-off election procedures. Worked with the Manager and Building Official to draft an ordinance to implement the Village Council-sponsored Charter Amendment for height on single-family properties. Worked with Finance Director to create the Auditor Selection Committee and procure the auditor for the next fiscal year. Worked with the Administration to revise the Solid Waste Code provisions. Worked with the Administration to develop and adopt the Beach Management Ordinance in a manner that avoids the need for future Code changes while allowing the staged implementation of the program, and applied the process enumerated in the Code to implement the second phase of regulation for all beach equipment. Revised the Code related to use of beach path and regulations related to dogs and dog leashes. Drafted an Ordinance (heard on First Reading) to regulate fractional shared ownership of single family residences. Drafted an Ordinance to streamline the notice processes for the special assessments. Worked with the Administration to draft the perimeter wall Code provision. Drafted and revised a possible ordinance to regulate understories west of Collins Avenue (not yet heard by Council). Reviewed the Village Code and history concerning Pension Ordinance changes drafted by pension counsel. Participated COVID-19 emergency, which included drafting emergency orders, tracking and interpreting of orders from County/state/federal governments, monitoring developments, addressing personnel-related issues. Provided advice regarding termination of COVID-19 state of emergency. Provided advice regarding CARES and American Rescue Plan Act funding to support Village activities impacted by COVID- 19. Reviewed various correspondence and cases, and drafted correspondence regarding the valuation of the Village Hall site. Gave advice regarding the declaration of a state of emergency due to the Champlain Towers South building collapse. Advised staff on the development of a comprehensive 2 All references to drafting ordinances to revise the Code may be understood to refer to adopted ordinances. Where we drafted something that was not adopted during the timeframe of this Report, it will be so noted. Page 3 of 5 MIAMI I FT. LAUDERDALE I BOCA RATON I TAMPA I WSH-LAW.COM -rise buildings, reviewing and revising recertification letters to buildings covered by the 40-year recertification program in response to collapse. Drafted an Ordinance mandating the disclosure of Condominium Engineer Reports by condominium associations to unit owners and occupants reflect building conditions. R finalized memorandum related ARPA Public Health and Economic Impact and Premium pay category. We drafted addenda to Village agreements for contractors receiving future ARPA-funded payments. Advised the Police Department on developments with open carry issues and mutual aid agreements and continued to work with the Police Department and Village Clerk concerning ongoing public records, including request for Internal Affairs files of Police Officers. Significant Agreements Extensive negotiation of key Village benefits in the Bal Harbour Shops Development Agreement, and failure to timely comply with monetary conditions of the Development Agreement. Assisted the Village Manager with negotiations over an addendum to the Development Agreement with the following conditions: o Accelerated payment of the value of the new Village Hall o Payment of overdue amounts of voluntary contributions o Accelerated transfer of and closing on the Fairfield property Worked with the Administration on the very active capital improvements program underway, resulting in agenda items and agreements at nearly every Council meeting. Drafted the construction agreement with NV2A for the construction of the new Village Park and Community Center Project. Drafted the administration service agreement with Zyscovich for the construction of the new Bal Harbour Village Hall. Drafted amendments for additional services with MikYoung Kim Design for services related to the Jetty Project. Participated in the negotiations of a three-year collective bargaining agreement between the Dade County Police Benevolent Association and the Village, ratified by the Council at its November 2021 meeting. Handled grievances re police pension and reprimand under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Worked with the Administration on the implementation of the changes. Drafted an agreement with Central Square Technologies to provide, install and support community land management software to automate applications and permits in the Building Department and drafted an agreement with Blue Digital Corporation for Building Department Scanning Services Negotiated contracts with several artists for Village branding activities, an outdoor concert series performed by the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, and a contract with L Diaz Design to provide a photo services. Renegotiated and/or terminated professional services agreements with domestic and foreign travel sales representatives due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Page 4 of 5 MIAMI I FT. LAUDERDALE I BOCA RATON I TAMPA I WSH-LAW.COM Worked with the Finance Director on extensive negotiations with two separate vendors, and finally obtaining a Merchant Agreement with terms more favorable to the Village. Gated Community Activities Reviewed the contracting authority of the BHCA regarding the Security Systems Project, and worked with staff on all of the related agreements and agenda items. Worked with staff on inquiries regarding the FPL easement, and completed our review of the latest Graham litigation and related expense reimbursements. Drafted the agreement with Vetted Security Systems for security system enhancements for the Gated Residential Community, along with a construction agreement with Naim Development for the provision of construction renovation services at the Gated Residential Community Security Guardhouse. State and County Legislation Prepared an analysis of the impact of state amendments to local emergency declarations/orders and discussed with the Village Manager. Analyzed and drafted a summary of the constitutional amendments restricting lobbying by local elected officials and prepared a memorandum as to the effect of the re the Village on procurement matters. Reviewed and analyzed new state law concerning the inspection of sanitary sewer connections and discussed with staff. Finalized the Memorandum of Law regarding internet-only publication of legal notices Conducted a review of a proposed County Ordinance regarding an amendment to Article VI, Chapter 33 of the Miami-Dade County Code that could affect cities. Drafted resolutions taking positions on state legislation and activities. Coordinated with the Florida League of Cities on ideas to respond to potentially harmful legislation in the 2022 Legislative Session. Litigation: The only pending litigation matters against the Village in 2021 were liability claims being defended by insurance counsel. We continued to work with the Village Manager to work proactively to resolve various controversies that could lead to litigation. This sometimes involves engaging Firm litigators to assist in resolving matters before the filing of any claim. Analyzed the dismissal of the litigation over the park properties in the gated Where required, we will continue to provide regular email updates to Council on significant developments in any significant pending litigation, and schedule Council executive sessions if needed to manage litigation. Defended red light camera program from procedural challenges. Supported police regarding employment actions. Page 5 of 5 MIAMI I FT. LAUDERDALE I BOCA RATON I TAMPA I WSH-LAW.COM Supported Village Clerk in records requests and maintenance activities related to litigation matters. The Review Process There are many examples of performance evaluations of municipal attorneys who are full- time employees of an individual local government, usually serving under a contract assuring them a defined term of service accompanied by benefits, pensions, and protections such as severance packages. Performance involves two main dimensions: what is accomplished, including the extent, efficiency and effectiveness of accomplishment of expectations, and how it is accomplished, including leadership skills, personal qualities, and other subjective factors that can be hard to define and measure. Evaluations of municipal attorneys are usually conducted on a one-on-one basis with each Councilmember. Like any review process, these meetings should be candid but constructive and based on the overall performance, backed up by specific comments or examples as appropriate. The Council has indicated that, following such individual meetings, it will convene in a workshop to discuss the evaluation. I have prepared an evaluation form that may be used, if desired, to structure each Exhibit 3. Please recall that written information related to the review is subject to Sunshine Law. Alternatively, it is understood that the Councilmember may choose to forego use of the form, and only provide oral feedback through the one-on-one meeting and/or at the workshop. Conclusion In conclusion, it is an honor and a privilege to continue to serve as the Village Attorney for Bal Harbour Village, and we look forward to receiving your feedback so that we can keep doing what is working well and learn where improvements or changes are needed. Exhibits 1. 7.20.21 Executed Amended Engagement Letter to Serve as Village Attorney 2. Updated Village Attorney Team 1.31.22 3. Optional Form for Evaluation of Village Attorney 4. Background Information on the Village Attorney Exhibit 1 Page 2 of 3 governmental rate of $273.00 per hour for attorneys and $125.00 per hour for paralegals. For Hourly Services, it is our practice to charge for actual time expended on your behalf, but not less than 2/10ths of an hour for each activity. C. Additional Flat Fees: If mutually agreed by the Firm and the Village, matters involving Hourly Services may alternatively be provided at flat rates, to be individually negotiated as those matters arise. D. Amendments: The parties may further amend this Agreement at any time as mutually agreed by the Firm and the Village. E. Evaluation: The Village Attorney will submit a written report to the Village Council of the prior year's activities by February 1. The Village Council will evaluate the Village Attorney's performance and this Agreement on a calendar year basis, no later than March 31 of the following year. The Flat Fee and Hourly rates herein may be increased for each performance review in the amount deemed appropriate by the Village Council. 4. Costs. In addition to the fees discussed in paragraph 3, we anticipate that certain expenses may be incurred and advanced on your behalf. These expenses may include filing fees, recording costs, out- of-town travel expenses, delivery charges, long distance telephone charges, photocopies (xerox), special postage (express mail, certified mail and the like), computer research charges, court reporter expenses (including cost of transcript and court reporter's fee for attendance), court costs (such as filing fees, service of process, newspaper publication costs, subpoena costs, witness fees, recording fees, etc.), accounting and appraisal fees, fees and expenses of experts necessary to assist in the preparation and hearing of your case, investigation costs, word processing fees, computer charges and applicable lobbyist registration fees. In addition to our fees for legal services, you agree to pay us for such out-of-pocket expenditures. In the event unusually large costs or advances are anticipated, we reserve the right to require an additional cost deposit from you prior to undertaking the expenditures of funds on your behalf. 5. Payment of Fees and Costs. Our invoices are submitted to you on a monthly basis and each invoice is due and payable when rendered. The flat fee component will be billed as a single charge, without detailed time entries; any charges for Hourly Services will be accompanied by detailed time entries. You must understand that if any invoice remains unpaid for more than 30 days after it is rendered, we reserve the right, in our discretion, to cease to provide further legal services to you. You will, however, be liable to us for the payment of any fees earned and any costs incurred by us to the date of termination. 6. Termination or Withdrawal of Representation. We serve at the pleasure of the Village Council, and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, with the Village only being liable for any fees and costs incurred through the date of termination. We, likewise, reserve the right to withdraw from representing the Village if you have misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts to us, or if we disagree about the course of action which should be pursued. 7. Representation of Other Clients. We are bound by rules of legal ethics not to represent any client if the representation of that client will be directly adverse to the interests of another client, unless each such client consents to such representation after consultation. Should such a situation arise, you will be immediately informed, and we will propose a method of addressing the conflict. If this agreement is acceptable, please acknowledge your understanding and agreement by signing this letter and delivering it to us. We appreciate your confidence in our Firm and we assure you that we will continue to make every effort to perform our services in a prompt and efficient manner. Sincerely, WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE & BIERMAN, P.L. By: Susan L. Trevarthen l/let/AAAw---- MIAMI I FT. LAUDERDALE I BOCA RATON I TAMPA I WSH-LAW.COM 56 Page 3 of 3 APPROVED BY VILLAGE COUNCIL AGREED AND ACCEPTED of ��t�l 20 2021 cc: Jorge Gonzalez, Village Manager Dwight S. Danie, Village Clerk ONIX/ 23 ,2021 ( s.4:( CJ ru MIAMI I FT. LAUDERDALE I BOCA RATON I TAMPA I WSH-LAW.COM 57 Exhibit 1 Updated Village Attorney Team Village Attorney: Susan L. Trevarthen Deputy Village Attorney: Robert Meyers Team: *Jose L. Arango: Code enforcement, municipal Candice Balmori: Municipal Mitchell Burnstein: Eminent domain and real property litigation Milton R. Collins: Collective bargaining and labor/employment advice Elizabeth Coppolecchia: Litigation, construction agreements *Maria Victoria Currais: Real estate, agreements Jeff DeCarlo: Public finance, bond Elen Gantner: Municipal Paul Gougelman: Municipal, land use *Edward G. Guedes: Appellate, litigation Eric Hockman: IT, Litigation Sarah L. Johnston: Municipal *Michael S. Kantor: Labor/employment claims *Michael J. Kurzman: Construction *Lori Smith-Lalla: Public finance, bond *Matthew Mandel: Litigation, Police defense *Aleida Martinez Molina: Bankruptcy, litigation *Ed Martos: Environmental, Value Adjustment Board, Land Use *Robert Meyers: Ethics, municipal *Joseph Natiello: Police, litigation, municipal Matthew J. Pearl: Municipal Roger C. Pou: Municipal John J. Quick: Litigation, ADA Joseph H. Serota: Litigation *Brett J. Schneider: Collective bargaining and labor/employment David N. Tolces: Municipal *Peter Waldman: Eminent domain, utilities, litigation Richard Jay Weiss: Municipal, County issues Laura Wendell: Appellate, litigation James E. White: Land use, municipal David M. Wolpin: Municipal, finance *Chanae Wood: Land use, telecommunications Samuel I. Zeskind: Litigation, public records *Key contact for practice area or pending matters Note: Litigation contact depends on the case. Ed Guedes and Matt Mandel lead the appellate and litigation practices 6.1.21 58 Exhibit 2 Village Attorney Services Included in Flat Fee • General Legal Counseling and advice as generally provided by a chief legal advisor. • All in -person meetings, telephone calls, emails, teleconferences and video conferences with individual Village Councilpersons, the Village Manager, Village residents, and Village staff. • Preparation or review and revision of ordinances and resolutions. • Preparation of agenda memos and item summaries for agenda items for any Village Board or the Village Council originated by the Village Attorney or as discussed with Village Manager. • Review, comment and revision of agenda materials originated by the Village Manager, Village staff, or Councilpersons for Village Council or other Village Board meetings. • Preparation for and attendance at Village Council meetings, workshops and retreats. • Preparation for and attendance at Architectural Review Board meetings. • Preparation for and attendance at Resort Tax Committee meetings. • Training of Village Council or Village Boards on request. • Orientation of newly elected Councilpersons or Mayors. • Legal research, analysis, and drafting of memos and correspondence responding to inquiries. • Drafting, review and revision of contracts/agreements. • Provide on site (Village Hall) office hours by an attorney listed on Exhibit 1 averaging one day a week or whatever alternative schedule is agreed between the Village Manager and Village Attorney. The intent is for the office hours to be productive time handling Village business, and they will be scheduled accordingly. As such, some weeks may involve multiple sessions while others may not have any scheduled office hour sessions, in response to the deadlines and demands of Village business. 1 Any services listed below that relate to a matter not included in the Flat Fee, such as research/meeting/ correspondence/drafting related to a lawsuit or a special project, will be billed as part of that separate matter. 59 Exhibit 2 Village Attorney Services Not Included in Flat Fee • All services provided on litigation matters, including all adversarial proceedings before any administrative tribunals, courts, mediators, arbitrators and appellate tribunals.2 • All services provided on behalf of the Residential Gated Community, funded in through the residential gated special assessment. • All services provided on special projects, such as but not limited to a rewrite of the Code of Ordinances or Land Development Regulations, collective bargaining with unions, development or substantial redevelopment application reviews and negotiations for ocean front properties and for projects greater than 1 acre (excluding a single family residential dwelling unit), an opinion of title, or a general obligation bond issue. 2 The Village carries liability insurance, and insurance counsel currently defends covered matters. It is expected that this will continue to be the Village's preferred approach. On occasion, there may be a need for the Village Attorney to participate in the defense of such matters to protect the Village's interests. If provided, such services will be handled and billed as Hourly Services. 60 1.31.22 Exhibit 2 Updated Village Attorney Team Village Attorney: Susan L. Trevarthen Deputy Village Attorney: Robert Meyers Team: *Jose L. Arango: Code enforcement, municipal Candice Balmori: Municipal Mitchell Burnstein: Eminent domain and real property litigation Milton R. Collins: Collective bargaining and labor/employment advice Elizabeth Coppolecchia: Litigation, construction agreements *Maria Victoria Currais: Real estate, agreements Jeff DeCarlo: Public finance, bond Elen Gantner: Municipal Paul Gougelman: Municipal, land use *Edward G. Guedes: Appellate, litigation Eric Hockman: IT, Litigation Sarah L. Johnston: Municipal *Michael S. Kantor: Labor/employment claims *Michael J. Kurzman: Construction *Lori Smith-Lalla: Public finance, bond *Matthew Mandel: Litigation, Police defense *Ed Martos: Environmental, Value Adjustment Board, Land Use *Robert Meyers: Ethics, municipal *Joseph Natiello: Police, litigation, municipal Matthew J. Pearl: Municipal Roger C. Pou: Municipal John J. Quick: Litigation, ADA Joseph H. Serota: Litigation *Brett J. Schneider: Collective bargaining and labor/employment David N. Tolces: Municipal *Peter Waldman: Eminent domain, utilities, litigation Richard Jay Weiss: Municipal, County issues Laura Wendell: Appellate, litigation James E. White: Land use, municipal David M. Wolpin: Municipal, finance *Chanae Wood: Land use, telecommunications Samuel I. Zeskind: Litigation, public records *Key contact for practice area or pending matters Note: Litigation contact depends on the case. Ed Guedes and Matt Mandel lead the appellate and litigation practices 1 1 Poor: Fails to meet most expectations Performance is well below expectations in most areas of responsibility. Serious performance deficiencies that inhibit adequate performance in the position. Should be evaluated for termination. 2 Fair: Meets most expectations Often fails to meet performance expectations of the position. Performance is generally adequate but is deficient in one or more key areas and will require improvement. 3 Good: Meets expectations Meets all expectations of the position and is competent in the performance of responsibilities. 4 Very Good: Meets expectations and exceeds some expectations Occasionally exceeds performance expectations of the position. Performs the most difficult parts of the job competently and thoroughly. Contributes significant results on their own initiative. Works with a high level of independence, initiative and concern for the quality of the service produced by and for the Village. 5 Excellent: Exceeds expectations Overall skills and abilities consistently exceed the expectations of the position. Demonstrates strong expertise within key areas of responsibilities. Occasionally receives outstanding results beyond those contemplated in key areas of responsibility. Anticipates needs and executes plans. Exhibit 3 Village Council Evaluation Form for Village Attorney The purpose of the review is to strengthen the working relationship between the Council and the Village Attorney, identify performance objectives, and provide feedback regarding those aspects of the representation that are going well and those where improvement may be needed. This process recognizes that the Village Attorney is a private law firm retained by the Village Council. form if desired, and meet one-on-one with the lead Village Attorney for the firm. Please rate performance based on the following categories. References to the Village appropriate, detailed comments should mention which individual attorney is referenced. 0 N/A:No Opinion The evaluator lacks sufficient information to evaluate the criteria, or does not have an opinion on the criteria. 2 5. Excellent 4. Very Good 3. Good 2. Fair 1. Poor 0. Not Applicable Comments: Professionalism: Deals effectively and appropriately with Village Administration, Village Council, and all stakeholders using common sense and judgment. Works to keep politics and personal perspectives out of the decision-making process. Follows Council direction impartially. Devotes sufficient time and energy to the job, and addresses questions and concerns in a timely manner in light of all of the priorities of the Village. Demonstrates high ethical standards in the organization. Stays active in professional organizations and stays abreast of current developments in the law applicable to the Village. Respected in the field of municipal law. Performs work in a positive and collegial manner. Understands the unique identity of the Village and tailors the representation appropriately. 5. Excellent 4. Very Good 3. Good 2. Fair 1. Poor 0. Not Applicable Comments: Quality and Competency:Possesses and applies a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the Village Charter, Code of Ordinances, County Code of Ethics and Florida Statutes. Possesses and provides an efficient and effective knowledge of and judgment concerning case law regarding municipal government and issues involving the Village. Has an extensive understanding of legal issues faced by local governments. Has the ability to effectively formulate and advance legal strategies that further the goals of the Village. Provides high caliber recommendations given all existing legal issues and their ramifications. Regularly provides the legal expertise necessary to meet the Village policy issues that arise, and proactively identifies potential issues of interest to the Village. Maintains the Council and the A informing them of risks that proposed actions may generate for the Village. Works proactively to avoid litigation, while applying effective litigation skills before trial and appellate level courts and administrative agencies where necessary. 3 5. Excellent 4. Very Good 3. Good 2. Fair 1. Poor 0. Not Applicable Comments: Effectiveness in Working with Village Administration : Demonstrates a positive legal consultative relationship with the Village Administration in the pursuit of meeting the goals and objectives of the Village. Responsive to the priorities of the Administration and Council. Respects the difference between legal and policy determinations, but provides relevant and helpful input in both areas where appropriate. Works collaboratively with the Administration and thinks creatively, with an orientation toward solving problems. 5. Excellent 4. Very Good 3. Good 2. Fair 1. Poor 0. Not Applicable Comments: Management:Effective in the management, supervisory and interpersonal skills in the context of both the legal function and the Village, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Village Manager, Village Council, Departments, boards and committees.rather than identifying obstacles. Seeks early engagement so that legal issues can be anticipated and avoided. Creates a collaborative, team-building environment. Recognizes the accomplishments of staff and other agencies working on behalf of the Village. Develops standard forms and approaches where appropriate to increase predictability, ensure uniform quality, and streamline work processes. Accepts full accountability for legal staff and the outcome of Village projects or decisions. Identifies organizational problems and takes remedial action. 4 5. Excellent 4. Very Good 3. Good 2. Fair 1. Poor 0. Not Applicable Comments: Achievements: Identify any particular achievements or strong points you have observed in Comments: Objectives: List two to three performance objectives that you feel are important for the Village Attorney to focus on in the coming year, whether as an improvement to performance or as additional tasks/goals. Comments: Signature:___________________________ Date:______________________ Communication: Positive, courteous and open in communications. Effectively communicates (orally and in writing) complex issues to Village officials and stakeholders where diverse viewpoints and goals exist. Ensures that Councilmembers receive important information in a timely and effective manner. Maintains confidentiality. Presents the Council with clear and accurate written work product. Responds to correspondence, requests, and complaints quickly and appropriately in light of all obligations to the Village. Facilitates open two-way communication and encourages mutual honesty and respect with the Council, Village Manager, and staff. Page 1 of 2 1 The Village carries liability insurance with the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust, which assigns litigators to handle 2 As far as I have been able to determine, I am the first woman to serve the Village in that capacity. Duties of the Village Attorney The Village Code defines the duties of the Village Attorney as follows: The Village Attorney shall be the chief legal adviser of all offices and departments and of all officers and employees in matters relating to their official powers and duties. He shall represent the Village in all legal proceedings. It shall be his duty to perform all services incident to his position as may be required by statute, by the Village Charter or by ordinance. The compensation of the Village Attorney shall be fixed by the Council. It also provides that the Village Attorney shall be appointed by and be responsible to the Village Council. The Firm as Village Attorney Similar to most other small municipalities, the Village has hired a law firm to serve as the Village Attorney for decades.1 Weiss Serota Helfman currently serves in this role pursuant to the 2021 Engagement Letter agreement, attached as Exhibit 1 to the Annual Report. That agreement specifies that I act as the lead attorney for the firm in this representation, and that my deputy is Robert Meyers.2 The Firm serves as the Village Attorney using a team approach to the representation, and each member of that team also represents other municipal clients. This allows the Village to use only as much of a wide range of experience and expertise as it needs, just when it is needed. Experience with similar work performed for other municipal clients enhances the quality of the services that the Village receives from the Firm, and allows the Village to benefit from the experience of other communities. The updated team of attorneys serving the Village is attached as Exhibit 2 to the Annual Report. While we refer the Village to other counsel for areas outside of our core competencies, the Firm was created as and continues to be a one-stop shop for the vast majority of legal specialties and practices that a local government like the Village requires. In the timeframe covered by this evaluation, we have referred matters to outside pensions counsel related to revisions of the police and general employee pension ordinances. We Our Firm was founded over 30 years ago and is organized around the conviction that local governments deserve the same high-level professional legal services as for-profit businesses. We understand that the Village is a multi-million dollar entity with employees, complex regulatory systems, and demanding stakeholders, namely, the residents and Exhibit 4 Background Information on Village Attorney Page 2 of 2 Appellate Election Litigation Real Estate Ethics Asset forfeiture Eminent Domain Land Use/Zoning Solid Waste Management Constitutional Code Enforcement Employment/ Labor LegalPolice Advisor Special Districts Foreclosure Community Redevelopment Environmental Procurement and Contracts Sustainable Development Construction We keep abreast of the latest legislative and judicial developments in municipal law through a program of in-house training and continuing education. We monitor issues of home rule authority, which are of such importance to local government effectiveness. We are frequently requested to publish articles and make presentations to our peers, local state and national bar associations, related professional organizations, and the Florida League of Cities. Most importantly, we understand our role is not to make policy, but to counsel and assist our clients by providing a legal framework for decision-making. Our services enable our local government clients to meet their responsibilities, and to earn and retain their constituents' confidence and trust. businesses within the community. There are few firms in Florida that can match our experience counseling local governments. We regularly advise local governments, elected officials, law enforcement personnel, and individual departments of local sector clients, whether administratively or in litigation, gives us a unique insight that we leverage to your benefit. As former and current city and county attorneys, our municipal lawyers understand how to provide top-level legal advice that is not clouded by political influences in an effective, cost-efficient, and clear manner. We efficiently draft and review a multitude of resolutions and ordinances each year. We strive to draft legislation that is both understandable to the general public and able to survive legal challenge. We also serve as expert outside counsel to dozens of in-house city attorneys for their most important and, often times, sensitive matters. The following represents a small selection of our areas of expertise as special counsel: