HomeMy WebLinkAboutHandouts_Regular_06/14/2007 (5)Memorandum on Legal Services-May 2007
To: Village Council and Village Manager
From: Scott G. Hawkins
Date: June 12, 2007
The purpose of this memorandum is to briefly review legal services furnished by Jones
Foster in May 2007. It is understood that certain members of the Council have
requested a written report, hence this submittal.
The following matters were generally addressed in May:
1. Dallack litigation. An Executive Session concerning this litigation was
conducted earlier in the month. At such time, various issues related to litigation
strategies and expenditures were discussed and reviewed. Special litigation counsel
was also present for this proceeding.
2. Utility ordinance review. During May various questions arose regarding an
ordinance that was passed in 1999 relative to residential water service. Based on such
review it was determined that the ordinance is inconsistent with the current billing
program used for charging for residential service. In this regard, numerous documents
and regulations were examined, including submittals from 1999, and there have been
discussions with the Village's rate consultant, utility consultant and certain staff. In
addition, discussions have been conducted with a utility attorney in Tallahassee, John
Jenkins, relative to how the Village should proceed. Mr. Jenkins was recommended
by the Village's rate consultant. A brief memorandum regarding our review was
previously submitted.
3. Code enforcement. In May, Stirling Halversen from this office attended various
code enforcement proceedings on behalf of the Village. Communications on such
proceedings were previously submitted.
4. Jupiter / Teguesta Emergency Interconnect Agreement. During May
negotiations ensued regarding the terms and conditions of a proposed interconnection
agreement with Jupiter relative to potable water service. These discussions included
numerous calls and one meeting at Jupiter offices. Various drafts of a proposed
agreement resulted from these efforts, the latest version of which will be before the
Village Council for approval.
5. Ongoing matters. During May this Firm attended to various ongoing issues
including:
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a. Preparation for and attendance at May Village Council meeting;
b. Multiple research requests;
c. Multiple communications, including communications with counsel for the
Preserve regarding the Tequesta parade, etc.
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