HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 CON Mazzarella & Mazzarella - Legal ServicesAGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
BY AND BETWEEN
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AS THE NATIONAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE CITY OF NATIONAL
CITY, AND MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA, LLP FOR LEGAL SERVICES
RELATED TO CLAIMS AGAINST THE ROSENOW SPEVACEK GROUP
THIS AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES (the "Agreement") is made between
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AS
THE NATIONAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, a public body, corporate and politic,
(the "SA"), THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, a municipal corporation, (the "CITY"),
(collectively, "Clients"), .and MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA, LLP, (the "FIRM"),
effective upon approval by the Oversight Board and California Department of Finance, and upon
being effective supersedes and replaces the Agreement for Legal Services executed on
November 21, 2011, as amended by Resolution 2012-31 on January 31, 2012. This Agreement
sets forth the parties' mutual understanding concerning legal services to be provided by the
FIRM and the fee arrangement for said services.
Article 1. Retainer. The Clients hereby retain the FIRM to assist in representing the
Clients in connection with their dispute with Rosenow Spevacek Group ("RSG") arising from
RSG's failure to meet its obligations pursuant to its February 20, 2007 contract to provide
consulting services. The SA is currently facing a liability of approximately two -million dollars
due to the award of attorneys fees in the matter of CYAC v. CDC, et al. (SDSC Case No. 37-
2007-00076404-CU-EI-CTL), which was a matter based on the former Community
Development Commission's 2007 Redevelopment Plan Amendment. The underlying CYAC suit
was based on and all related to the adoption of a redevelopment plan amendment to allow the
former Community Development Commission to continue exercising its redevelopment
functions, including extension of the eminent domain authority conferred upon redevelopment
agencies.
Pursuant to ABx1 26 and AB1484 legislation, the SA has an obligation to minimize
liabilities of its redevelopment agency. On February 1, 2012, all California redevelopment
agencies were dissolved, successor agencies were established as successor agencies to the former
redevelopment agencies pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34173, and successor
agencies are tasked with paying, performing, and enforcing the enforceable obligations of the
former redevelopment agencies. The purpose of this engagement is to pursue indemnity claims
and other theories of recovery to minimize or eliminate the pending liability described herein as
well as other damages as a result of RSG's work. The attorneys with primary responsibility in
this matter are Mark C. Mazzarella and Daral Mazzarella.
Article 2. Scope of Services. Clients shall have the right in its sole discretion to
determine the particular services to be performed by the FIRM under this Agreement. It is
expected that the FIRM will work with the City Attorney, SA General Counsel, CITY and SA
staff.
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Article 3. Compensation. The FIRM will be compensated by a blend of discounted
hourly fees and contingency fees. The hourly component of the FIRM's Hourly Fees shall be
paid at the following rate:
Attorneys: $150.00 per hour
Paralegals $ 50.00 per hour
In addition to the Hourly Fees due the FIRM, the FIRM shall be entitled to a contingency
fee at percentages which reflect approximately 50% of the contingency fee normally charged by
the FIRM. The contingency fee is not set by law, but is negotiable.
If no recovery is obtained for the Clients in this case, Clients shall owe no contingency
fee to the FIRM, but the SA shall pay the costs and expenses as well as the hourly component of
the FIRM's fee. If any recovery is obtained for the Clients in this case, whether by way of
settlement, judgment or otherwise, SA agrees to pay the FIRM 12.5% of the "amount recovered"
if the case is resolved prior to the selection of the arbitrators, and 16.5% of the amount recovered
thereafter until 60 days before the first date the matter is set for arbitration, and 20% thereafter
through the end of arbitration. Compensation for any appeal shall be negotiated and agreed upon
separate from this Agreement.
The "amount recovered" shall equal the total gross amount actually paid by or recovered
from adverse parties for the benefit of SA, including amounts received as a result of settlement,
award, or judgment, before and reduction for costs, or expenses, liens and/or payments due to
third parties. If payment of all or any part of the amount to be received will be deferred (such as
in the case of any annuity, a structured settlement, or periodic payments), the "amount
recovered", for purposes of this Agreement, will be any initial lump sum payment plus the
present value at the time of settlement of the payment to be received or the cost to the defendant
of purchasing the annuity or deferred payment asset. The full attorney's fees due to the FIRM
will be paid out of the initial lump sum payment. If the initial lump sum payment is insufficient
to pay the FIRM's fees in full, the balance will be paid from subsequent payments of the
recovery before any distribution to SA.
Any award of attorney's fees made by the court and recovered from the adverse parties
for benefit of the Clients will be treated the same as any other amount recovered.
All costs of the suit, including those described in the following paragraph, which the SA
has not previously paid, will be paid to the FIRM entirely from SA's share of any recovery.
If no recovery is obtained for SA by way of any settlement or after trial or arbitration,
then no contingency attorney's fees will be charged to SA, and SA will be responsible only for
the payment of hourly component of the FIRM's compensation.
Article 4. The following provisions and procedures shall be followed by the FIRM:
A. The FIRM shall not use more than one attorney for the same specific task
without Client's approval. The FIRM may use the minimum number of attorneys for this
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engagement consistent with good professional practice after consulting with and obtaining
approval by Clients.
B. The SA has appropriated or otherwise duly authorized the payment of an
amount not to exceed $250,000 for Hourly Fees and out-of-pocket disbursements pursuant to this
Agreement. In no event shall the total Hourly Fees plus out-of-pocket disbursements exceed this
amount without written authorization of the SA.
C. The FIRM shall keep the Clients advised monthly as to the level of
attorney hours and client services performed under Article 1. The FIRM will not charge the SA
for travel time; however, the FIRM may charge for work performed for the SA during any travel
time.
D. The SA further agrees to reimburse the FIRM, in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Article, for telephone, fax, mail, messengers, federal express
deliveries, document reproduction, client -requested clerical overtime, lodging, and similar out-
of-pocket expenses charged by the FIRM as a standard practice to its clients generally, with the
exception of travel and meals. In any billing for disbursements, the FIRM shall provide the SA
with a statement breaking down the amounts by category of expense. The following items shall
not be reimbursed, unless the SA has specifically agreed otherwise:
(1) Word processing, clerical, or secretarial charges, whether
expressed as a dollar disbursement or time charge;
(2) Secretarial overtime;
(3) Storage of open or closed files, rent, electricity, local telephone,
postage, receipts or transmission of telecopier documents, or any other items traditionally
associated with overhead;
(4) Photocopy charges in excess of $.15 (fifteen cents) per page;
(5) Auto mileage rates in excess of the rate approved by the Internal
Revenue Service for income tax purposes;
(6) Equipment, books, periodicals, research materials, Westlaw/Lexis,
or like items;
(7) Express charges, overnight mail charges, messenger services,
or the like, without Clients' prior consent. Clients expect these expenses to be incurred in
emergency situations only. Where case necessity requires the use of these services, Clients will
consider reimbursement on a case -by -case basis;
(8) Travel and meals; and
(9) Late payment charge and/or interest. Due to the nature of SA's
payment process, SA will not pay any late charges or interest charges on bills. Every effort will
be made to pay bills promptly.
E. Bills from the FIRM should be submitted to Claudia Silva, City Attorney,
City of National City, 1243 National City Boulevard, National City, CA 91950-4301. The
individual time and disbursement records customarily maintained by the FIRM for billing
evaluation and review purposes shall be made available to the SA in support of bills rendered by
the FIRM.
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F. The FIRM agrees to forward to the SA a statement of account for each
one -month period of services under this Agreement, and the SA agrees to compensate the FIRM
on this basis. The FIRM will consult monthly with the CDC as to the number of attorney hours
and client out-of-pocket disbursements which have been incurred to date under this Agreement,
and as to future expected levels of hours and disbursements.
G. Billing Format. Each billing entry must be complete, discrete and
appropriate.
(1) Complete.
(a) Each entry must name the person or persons involved. For
instance, telephone calls must include the names of all participants.
(b) The date the work was performed must be included.
(c) The hours should be billed in .10 hour increments.
(d) The specific task performed should be described, and the
related work product should be reference ("telephone call re: trial brief," "interview in
preparation for deposition").
(e) The biller's professional capacity (partner, associate,
paralegal, etc.) should be included
(2) Discrete: Each task must be set out as a discrete billing entry;
neither narrative nor block billing is acceptable.
(3) Appropriate:
The SA does not pay for clerical support, administrative costs,
overhead costs, outside expenses or excessive expenses. For example, the SA will not pay for
secretarial time, word processing time, air conditioning, rental of equipment, including
computers, meals served at meetings, postage, online research, or the overhead costs of sending
or receiving faxes. Neither will the SA pay for outside expenses such as messenger delivery
fees, outside photocopying, videotaping of depositions, investigative services, outside computer
litigation support services, or overnight mail.
H. Staffing. Every legal matter should have a primarily responsible attorney
and a paralegal assigned. Ultimately, staffing is an SA decision, and the SA's representative may
review staffing to insure that it is optimal to achieve the goals of the engagement at the least cost.
(1) Paralegals are to be used to the maximum extent possible to
enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. All tasks typically considered associate work should
be considered for assignment to a paralegal. Written authorization from the SA must be had
before associate hours billed exceed paralegal hours billed.
(2) Once an attorney is given primary responsibility for an
engagement, that person should continue on the legal matter until the matter is concluded or the
attorney leaves the FIRM. The SA will not pay the costs of bringing a new attorney up to speed.
(3) If more than one attorney is going to perform the same task, prior
approval from the SA must be had. This includes document review.
Article 5. Independent Contractor. The FIRM shall perform services as an
independent contractor. It is understood that this contract is for unique professional services.
Accordingly, the duties specified in this Agreement may not be assigned or delegated by the
FIRM without prior written consent of the SA. Retention of the FIRM is based on the particular
professional expertise of the individuals rendering the services required in the Scope of Services.
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Article 6. Confidentiality of Work. All work performed by the FIRM including but
not limited to all drafts, data, correspondence, proposals, reports, and estimates compiled or
composed by the FIRM pursuant to this Agreement is for the sole use of the Clients. All such
work product shall be confidential and not released to any third party without the prior written
consent of the Clients.
Article 7. Compliance with Controlling Law. The FIRM shall comply with all
applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies of the federal, state, and local governments
as they pertain to this Agreement. In addition, the FIRM shall comply immediately with any and
all directives issued by the Clients or its authorized representatives under authority of any laws
statutes, ordinances, rules, or regulations. The laws of the State of California shall govern and
control the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Article 8. Acceptability of Work. The Clients shall decide any and all questions
which may arise as to the quality or acceptability of the services performed and the manner of
performance, the acceptable completion of this Agreement, and the amount of compensation due.
In the event the FIRM and the Clients cannot agree to the quality or acceptability of the work,
the manner of performance and/or the compensation payable to the FIRM in this Agreement, the
Clients or the FIRM shall give to the other written notice. Within ten (10) business days, the
FIRM and the Clients shall each prepare a report which supports their position and file the same
with the other party. The Clients shall, with reasonable diligence, determine the quality or
acceptability of the work, the manner of performance and/or the compensation payable to the
FIRM.
Article 9. Indemnification. The FIRM agrees to indemnify and hold the Clients,
and their agents, officers, and employees harmless from and against all claims asserted or
liability established for damages or injuries to any person or property, including injury to the
FIRM's employees, agents, or officers, which arise from or are connected with or caused or
claimed to be caused by the acts or omissions of the FIRM and its agents, officers, or employees
in performing the work or other obligations under this Agreement, and all expenses of
investigating and defending against same; provided, however, that this indemnification and hold
harmless shall not include any claims or liability arising from the established sole negligence or
willful misconduct of the SA, the CITY, their agents, officers, or employees.
Article 10. Insurance. The FIRM shall not commence work under this Agreement
until it has obtained all insurance required in this Article with a company or companies
acceptable to the Clients. At its sole cost and expense, the FIRM shall take and maintain in full
force and effect at all times during the term of this Agreement the following policies of
insurance:
A. Commercial general liability insurance with a combined single limit of not
less than one million dollars ($1,000,000).
B. For all of the FIRM's employees that are subject to this Agreement, to the
extent required by the State of California, Workers' Compensation Insurance in the amount
required by law.
C. Errors and omissions insurance in an amount not less than one million
dollars ($1,000,000) per claim.
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D. All insurance required by express provision of this Agreement shall be
carried only in responsible insurance companies licensed to do business in the State of
California. The policies carried pursuant to paragraph 10.A above shall name as additional
insureds the Clients and their elected officials, officers, employees, agents, and representatives.
All policies shall contain language, to the extent obtainable, to the effect that: (1) the insurer
waives the right of subrogation against the Clients and their elected officials, officers,
employees, agents, and representatives; (2) the policies are primary and not contributing with
any insurance that may be carried by the Clients; and (3) the policies cannot be cancelled or
materially changed except after thirty (30) days' notice by the insurer to the Clients by certified
mail. Before this Agreement shall take effect, the FIRM shall furnish the Clients with copies of
all such policies upon receipt of them, or a certificate evidencing such insurance. The FIRM may
effect for its own account insurance not required under this Agreement.
Article 11. Drug Free Work Place. The FIRM agrees to comply with the Clients'
Drug -Free Workplace requirements. Every person awarded a contract by the Clients for the
provision of services shall certify to the Clients that it will provide a drug -free workplace. Any
subcontract entered into by the FIRM pursuant to this Agreement shall contain this provision.
Article 12. Non -Discrimination Provisions. The FIRM shall not discriminate
against any subcontractor, vendor, employee or applicant for employment because of age, race,
color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, physical
handicap, or medical condition. The FIRM will take positive action to insure that applicants are
employed without regard to their age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
marital status, national origin, physical handicap, or medical condition. Such action shall include
but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or
recruitment advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and
selection for training, including apprenticeship. The FIRM agrees to post in conspicuous places
available to employees and applicants for employment any notices provided by the Clients
setting forth the provisions of this non-discrimination clause.
Article 13. Effective Date and Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon
approval by the Oversight Board and California Department of Finance, and will continue until
written notice of cancellation. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party
with sixty (60) days' written notice to the other. Notice of termination by the Firm shall be given
to the City Attorney.
Article 14. Notification of Change in Form. The FIRM has the right to effect
changes in form including but not limited to: the change in form from a partnership to a
professional law corporation; the change in form of any partner or partners from an individual or
individuals to a professional law corporation; the change in form of any corporate partner or
partners to any individual partners. The CDC shall be promptly notified in writing of any change
in form.
Article 15. Notices. In all cases where written notice is to be given under this
Agreement, service shall be deemed sufficient if said notice is deposited in the United States
mail, postage paid. When so given, such notice shall be effective from the date of mailing of the
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notice. Unless otherwise provided by notice in writing from the respective parties, notice to the
Agency shall be addressed to:
Claudia Gacitua Silva
City Attorney
City of National City
1243 National City Boulevard
National City, CA 91950-4301
Notice to the FIRM shall be addressed to:
Mark C. Mazzarella, Esq.
Mazzarella & Mazzarella, LLP
1620 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600
San Diego, CA 92101
Nothing contained in this agreement shall preclude or render inoperative service or such
notice in the manner provided by law.
Article 16. Headings. All article headings are for convenience only and shall not
affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
Article 17. Miscellaneous Provisions.
A. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each provision of this
Agreement.
B. California Law. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of California. The FIRM covenants and agrees to submit
to the personal jurisdiction of any state court in the State of California for any dispute, claim, or
matter arising out of or related to this Agreement.
C. Integrated Agreement. This Agreement, including attachments and/or
exhibits, contains all of the agreements of the parties and all prior negotiations and agreements
are merged in this Agreement. This Agreement cannot be amended or modified except by
written agreement, and mutually agreed upon by the Clients and the FIRM.
D. Severability. The unenforceability, invalidity, or illegality of any
provision of this Agreement shall not render the other provisions unenforceable, invalid, or
illegal.
E. Waiver. The failure of the Clients to enforce a particular condition or
provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that condition or provision or its
enforceability.
F. Conflict of Interest. During the term of this Agreement, the FIRM shall
not perform services of any kind for any person or entity whose interests conflict in any way
with those of the Clients. This prohibition shall not preclude the Clients from expressly agreeing
to a waiver of a potential conflict of interest under certain circumstances.
G. No Obligations to Third Parties. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, the execution and delivery of this Agreement shall not be deemed to confer any rights
upon, or obligate any of the parties hereto, to any person or entity other than the parties hereto.
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H. Construction. The parties acknowledge and agree that (i) each party is of
equal bargaining strength, (ii) each party has actively participated in the drafting, preparation and
negotiation of this Agreement, and (iii) any rule or construction to the effect that ambiguities are
to be resolved against the drafting party shall not apply in the interpretation of this Agreement, or
any portions hereof, or any amendments hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the
day of ,2015.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION AS THE NATIONAL CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
By:
fir
Ron Morrison, Chairman
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Bv:
. is Gacit
SA Gener. C , nsel
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
By:— a -fir.
Ron Morrison, Mayor
APPVED AS TO FORM:
Bv:
laudia Gaci ua Silva
City Atto ' e
8
MAZZARELLA . MAZZARELLA, LLP
ar!f % azzarella, Esq.
Successor Agency, City of National City &
Mazzarella & Mazzarella
Legal Services Agreement - 2015
RESOLUTION NO. 2015 — 32
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
BETWEEN THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION AS THE NATIONAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
("SUCCESSOR AGENCY"), THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY ("CITY"), AND
THE LAW FIRM OF MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA, LLP, SUPERSEDING
THE PRIOR AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, AND
MAZZARELLA LORENZANA, LLP, CONTINGENT UPON STATE DEPARTMENT
OF FINANCE APPROVAL, WITH NO INCREASE IN THE PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $250,000 FOR HOURLY FEES
WHEREAS, the City of National City and the former Community Development
Commission entered into an Agreement for Legal Services with Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP,
effective November 21, 2011 ("2011 Agreement") for the not to exceed amount of $50,000 to
pursue various claims against Rosenow Spevacek Group ("RSG") based on and related to the
work RSG performed in connection with the 2007 Redevelopment Plan Amendment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to ABx1 26 and AB1484, the Successor Agency has an
obligation to minimize liabilities of its redevelopment agency; and
WHEREAS, the compensation to the firm was a combination of a lower hourly
rate for legal fees ($150/hour) in addition to a contingency fee (no greater than 20%); and
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2012, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2012-
31 approving a First Amendment to the 2011 Agreement to increase the not to exceed amount
by $200,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $250,000; and
WHEREAS, the firm has changed names and seeks to enter into a new
Agreement for Legal Services to reflect the name change from Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, to
Mazzarella & Mazzarella, LLP, reflect the current Successor Agency name in place of what was
formerly the Community Development Commission, and confirm the compensation structure of
the reduced hourly rate of $150 per hour with a not to exceed amount of $250,000 (no increase
from the original amount) in addition to a reduced contingency fee of up to 20%.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
National City hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute an Agreement for Legal Services between
the Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission as the National City
Redevelopment Agency, the City of National City, and the Law Firm of Mazzarella & Mazzarella,
LLP, superseding the prior Agreement for Legal Services between the Successor Agency, City
of National City, and Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, contingent upon State Department of Finance
approval, with no increase in the previously approved not to exceed amount of $250,000 for
hourly fees.
[Signature Page to Follow]
Resolution No. 2015 — 32
Page Two
PASSED and ADOPTED this 17th day of March, 015.
Ron Morrison, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michael R. DaII, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ClaCikiia Gacitu
City Attorney
Passed and adopted by the Council of the City of National City, California, on March 17,
2015 by the following vote, to -wit:
Ayes: Councilmembers Cano, Mendivil, Morrison, Rios, Sotelo-Solis.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
AUTHENTICATED BY: RON MORRISON
Mayor of the City of National City, California
d()4
A.
lh/4
City lerk of the Ctional City, California
By:
Deputy
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-32 of the City of National City, California, passed and adopted
by the Council of said City on March 17, 2015.
City Clerk of the City of National City, California
By:
Deputy
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA G a o
COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
MEETING DATE: March 17, 2015
AGENDA ITEM NO. 115
ITEM TITLE: Resolution of the City Council of the City of National City approving an Agreement for
Legal Services between the Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission as the
National City Redevelopment Agency ("Successor Agency"), the City of National City ("City"), and the law
firm of Mazzarella & Mazzarella, LLP, superseding the prior Agreement for Legal Services between the
Successor Agency, City, and Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, contingent upon state Department of Finance
approval, with no increase in the previously approved not to exceed amount of $250,000 for hourly fees.
PREPARED BY: Claudia Gacitua Silva
PHONE: Ext. 4222
EXPLANATION:
Pursuant to ABx1 26 and AB1484, the Successor Agency has an obligation to minimize liabilities of its
redevelopment agency. In CYAC v CDC, City, et al, the court invalidated the 2007 Redevelopment Plan
Amendment and found certain documents were not provided to CYAC. Thereafter, attorneys' fees were awarded
to CYAC. As a result of CYAC matter, the City and former CDC approved (November 21, 2011) entering into an
agreement with Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP to pursue various claims against Rosenow Spevacek Group ("RSG")
based on and related to the work RSG performed in connection with the 2007 Redevelopment Plan Amendment
and approved an amendment (January 31, 2012) increasing the not to exceed amount for the hourly fees up to
$250,000 for the purpose of pursuing the case through trial. The compensation to the firm was a combination of a
lower hourly rate for legal fees ($150/hour) in addition to a contingency fee (no greater than 20%). The firm has
changed names and seeks to enter into a new agreement to reflect the name change, reflect the current
Successor Agency name in place of what was formerly the Community Development Commission, and confirm
he compensation structure of the reduced hourly rate of $150 per hour with a not to exceed amount of $250,000
(no increase from the original amount) in addition to a reduced contingency fee of up to 20%.
DEPARTMENT:
APPROVED BY:
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
ACCOUNT NO.
N/A1
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
N/Aj
ORDINANCE: INTRODUCTION:
FINAL ADOPTION:
APPROVED:
APPROVED:
Finance
MIS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt proposed Resolution.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
N/A1
ATTACHMENTS:
TAgreement for Legal Services with Mazzarella & Mazzarella
Proposed resolution
AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
BY AND BETWEEN
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AS THE NATIONAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE CITY OF NATIONAL
CITY, AND MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA, LLP FOR LEGAL SERVICES
RELATED TO CLAIMS AGAINST THE ROSENOW SPEVACEK GROUP
THIS AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES (the "Agreement") is made between
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AS
THE NATIONAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, a public body, corporate and politic,
(the "SA"), THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, a municipal corporation, (the "CITY"),
(collectively, "Clients"), and MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA, LLP, (the "FIRM"),
effective upon approval by the Oversight Board and California Department of Finance, and upon
being effective supersedes and replaces the Agreement for Legal Services executed on
November 21, 2011, as amended by Resolution 2012-31 on January 31, 2012. This Agreement
sets forth the parties' mutual understanding concerning legal services to be provided by the
FIRM and the fee arrangement for said services.
Article 1. Retainer. The Clients hereby retain the FIRM to assist in representing the
Clients in connection with their dispute with Rosenow Spevacek Group ("RSG") arising from
RSG's failure to meet its obligations pursuant to its February 20, 2007 contract to provide
consulting services. The SA is currently facing a liability of approximately two -million dollars
due to the award of attorneys fees in the matter of CYAC v. CDC, et al. (SDSC Case No. 37-
2007-00076404-CU-EI-CTL), which was a matter based on the former Community
Development Commission's 2007 Redevelopment Plan Amendment. The underlying CYAC suit
was based on and all related to the adoption of a redevelopment plan amendment to allow the
former Community Development Commission to continue exercising its redevelopment
functions, including extension of the eminent domain authority conferred upon redevelopment
agencies.
Pursuant to ABx 1 26 and AB 1484 legislation, the SA has an obligation to minimize
liabilities of its redevelopment agency. On February 1, 2012, all California redevelopment
agencies were dissolved, successor agencies were established as successor agencies to the former
redevelopment agencies pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34173, and successor
agencies are tasked with paying, performing, and enforcing the enforceable obligations of the
former redevelopment agencies. The purpose of this engagement is to pursue indemnity claims
and other theories of recovery to minimize or eliminate the pending liability described herein as
well as other damages as a result of RSG's work. The attorneys with primary responsibility in
this matter are Mark C. Mazzarella and Daral Mazzarella.
Article 2. Scope of Services. Clients shall have the right in its sole discretion to
determine the particular services to be performed by the FIRM under this Agreement. It is
expected that the FIRM will work with the City Attorney, SA General Counsel, CITY and SA
staff.
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Article 3. Compensation. The FIRM will be compensated by a blend of discounted
hourly fees and contingency fees. The hourly component of the FIRM's Hourly Fees shall be
paid at the following rate:
Attorneys: $150.00 per hour
Paralegals $ 50.00 per hour
In addition to the Hourly Fees due the FIRM, the FIRM shall be entitled to a contingency
fee at percentages which reflect approximately 50% of the contingency fee normally charged by
the FIRM. The contingency fee is not set by law, but is negotiable.
If no recovery is obtained for the Clients in this case, Clients shall owe no contingency
fee to the FIRM, but the SA shall pay the costs and expenses as well as the hourly component of
the FIRM's fee. If any recovery is obtained for the Clients in this case, whether by way of
settlement, judgment or otherwise, SA agrees to pay the FIRM 12.5% of the "amount recovered"
if the case is resolved prior to the selection of the arbitrators, and 16.5% of the amount recovered
thereafter until 60 days before the first date the matter is set for arbitration, and 20% thereafter
through the end of arbitration. Compensation for any appeal shall be negotiated and agreed upon
separate from this Agreement.
The "amount recovered" shall equal the total gross amount actually paid by or recovered
from adverse parties for the benefit of SA, including amounts received as a result of settlement,
award, or judgment, before and reduction for costs, or expenses, liens and/or payments due to
third parties. If payment of all or any part of the amount to be received will be deferred (such as
in the case of any annuity, a structured settlement, or periodic payments), the "amount
recovered", for purposes of this Agreement, will be any initial lump sum payment plus the
present value at the time of settlement of the payment to be received or the cost to the defendant
of purchasing the annuity or deferred payment asset. The full attorney's fees due to the FIRM
will be paid out of the initial lump sum payment. If the initial lump sum payment is insufficient
to pay the FIRM's fees in full, the balance will be paid from subsequent payments of the
recovery before any distribution to SA.
Any award of attorney's fees made by the court and recovered from the adverse parties
for benefit of the Clients will be treated the same as any other amount recovered.
All costs of the suit, including those described in the following paragraph, which the SA
has not previously paid, will be paid to the FIRM entirely from SA's share of any recovery.
If no recovery is obtained for SA by way of any settlement or after trial or arbitration,
then no contingency attorney's fees will be charged to SA, and SA will be responsible only for
the payment of hourly component of the FIRM's compensation.
Article 4. The following provisions and procedures shall be followed by the FIRM:
A. The FIRM shall not use more than one attorney for the same specific task
without Client's approval. The FIRM may use the minimum number of attorneys for this
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Successor Agency, City of National City &
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Legal Services Agreement - 2015
engagement consistent with good professional practice after consulting with and obtaining
approval by Clients.
B. The SA has appropriated or otherwise duly authorized the payment of an
amount not to exceed $250,000 for Hourly Fees and out-of-pocket disbursements pursuant to this
Agreement. In no event shall the total Hourly Fees plus out-of-pocket disbursements exceed this
amount without written authorization of the SA.
C. The FIRM shall keep the Clients advised monthly as to the level of
attorney hours and client services performed under Article 1. The FIRM will not charge the SA
for travel time; however, the FIRM may charge for work performed for the SA during any travel
time.
D. The SA further agrees to reimburse the FIRM, in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Article, for telephone, fax, mail, messengers, federal express
deliveries, document reproduction, client -requested clerical overtime, lodging, and similar out-
of-pocket expenses charged by the FIRM as a standard practice to its clients generally, with the
exception of travel and meals. In any billing for disbursements, the FIRM shall provide the SA
with a statement breaking down the amounts by category of expense. The following items shall
not be reimbursed, unless the SA has specifically agreed otherwise:
(1) Word processing, clerical, or secretarial charges, whether
expressed as a dollar disbursement or time charge;
(2) Secretarial overtime;
(3) Storage of open or closed files, rent, electricity, local telephone,
postage, receipts or transmission of telecopier documents, or any other items traditionally
associated with overhead;
(4) Photocopy charges in excess of $.15 (fifteen cents) per page;
(5) Auto mileage rates in excess of the rate approved by the Internal
Revenue Service for income tax purposes;
(6) Equipment, books, periodicals, research materials, Westlaw/Lexis,
or like items;
(7) Express charges, overnight mail charges, messenger services,
or the like, without Clients' prior consent. Clients expect these expenses to be incurred in
emergency situations only. Where case necessity requires the use of these services, Clients will
consider reimbursement on a case -by -case basis;
(8) Travel and meals; and
(9) Late payment charge and/or interest. Due to the nature of SA's
payment process, SA will not pay any late charges or interest charges on bills. Every effort will
be made to pay bills promptly.
E. Bills from the FIRM should be submitted to Claudia Silva, City Attorney,
City of National City, 1243 National City Boulevard, National City, CA 91950-4301. The
individual time and disbursement records customarily maintained by the FIRM for billing
evaluation and review purposes shall be made available to the SA in support of bills rendered by
the FIRM.
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Legal Services Agreement - 2015
F. The FIRM agrees to forward to the SA a statement of account for each
one -month period of services under this Agreement, and the SA agrees to compensate the FIRM
on this basis. The FIRM will consult monthly with the CDC as to the number of attorney hours
and client out-of-pocket disbursements which have been incurred to date under this Agreement,
and as to future expected levels of hours and disbursements.
G. Billing Format. Each billing entry must be complete, discrete and
appropriate.
(1) Complete.
(a) Each entry must name the person or persons involved. For
instance, telephone calls must include the names of all participants.
(b) The date the work was performed must be included.
(c) The hours should be billed in .10 hour increments.
(d) The specific task performed should be described, and the
related work product should be reference ("telephone call re: trial brief," "interview in
preparation for deposition").
(e) The biller's professional capacity (partner, associate,
paralegal, etc.) should be included
(2) Discrete: Each task must be set out as a discrete billing entry;
neither narrative nor block billing is acceptable.
(3) Appropriate:
The SA does not pay for clerical support, administrative costs,
overhead costs, outside expenses or excessive expenses. For example, the SA will not pay for
secretarial time, word processing time, air conditioning, rental of equipment, including
computers, meals served at meetings, postage, online research, or the overhead costs of sending
or receiving faxes. Neither will the SA pay for outside expenses such as messenger delivery
fees, outside photocopying, videotaping of depositions, investigative services, outside computer
litigation support services, or overnight mail.
H. Staffing. Every legal matter should have a primarily responsible attorney
and a paralegal assigned. Ultimately, staffing is an SA decision, and the SA's representative may
review staffing to insure that it is optimal to achieve the goals of the engagement at the least cost.
(1) Paralegals are to be used to the maximum extent possible to
enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. All tasks typically considered associate work should
be considered for assignment to a paralegal. Written authorization from the SA must be had
before associate hours billed exceed paralegal hours billed.
(2) Once an attorney is given primary responsibility for an
engagement, that person should continue on the legal matter until the matter is concluded or the
attorney leaves the FIRM. The SA will not pay the costs of bringing a new attorney up to speed.
(3) If more than one attorney is going to perform the same task, prior
approval from the SA must be had. This includes document review.
Article 5. Independent Contractor. The FIRM shall perform services as an
independent contractor. It is understood that this contract is for unique professional services.
Accordingly, the duties specified in this Agreement may not be assigned or delegated by the
FIRM without prior written consent of the SA. Retention of the FIRM is based on the particular
professional expertise of the individuals rendering the services required in the Scope of Services.
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Article 6. Confidentiality of Work. All work performed by the FIRM including but
not limited to all drafts, data, correspondence, proposals, reports, and estimates compiled or
composed by the FIRM pursuant to this Agreement is for the sole use of the Clients. All such
work product shall be confidential and not released to any third party without the prior written
consent of the Clients.
Article 7. Compliance with Controlling Law. The FIRM shall comply with all
applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies of the federal, state, and local governments
as they pertain to this Agreement. In addition, the FIRM shall comply immediately with any and
all directives issued by the Clients or its authorized representatives under authority of any laws
statutes, ordinances, rules, or regulations. The laws of the State of California shall govern and
control the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Article 8. Acceptability of Work. The Clients shall decide any and all questions
which may arise as to the quality or acceptability of the services performed and the manner of
performance, the acceptable completion of this Agreement, and the amount of compensation due.
In the event the FIRM and the Clients cannot agree to the quality or acceptability of the work,
the manner of performance and/or the compensation payable to the FIRM in this Agreement, the
Clients or the FIRM shall give to the other written notice. Within ten (10) business days, the
FIRM and the Clients shall each prepare a report which supports their position and file the same
with the other party. The Clients shall, with reasonable diligence, determine the quality or
acceptability of the work, the manner of performance and/or the compensation payable to the
FIRM.
Article 9. Indemnification. The FIRM agrees to indemnify and hold the Clients,
and their agents, officers, and employees harmless from and against all claims asserted or
liability established for damages or injuries to any person or property, including injury to the
FIRM's employees, agents, or officers, which arise from or are connected with or caused or
claimed to be caused by the acts or omissions of the FIRM and its agents, officers, or employees
in performing the work or other obligations under this Agreement, and all expenses of
investigating and defending against same; provided, however, that this indemnification and hold
harmless shall not include any claims or liability arising from the established sole negligence or
willful misconduct of the SA, the CITY, their agents, officers, or employees.
Article 10. Insurance. The FIRM shall not commence work under this Agreement
until it has obtained all insurance required in this Article with a company or companies
acceptable to the Clients. At its sole cost and expense, the FIRM shall take and maintain in full
force and effect at all times during the term of this Agreement the following policies of
insurance:
A. Commercial general liability insurance with a combined single limit of not
less than one million dollars ($1,000,000).
B. For all of the FIRM's employees that are subject to this Agreement, to the
extent required by the State of California, Workers' Compensation Insurance in the amount
required by law.
C. Errors and omissions insurance in an amount not less than one million
dollars ($1,000,000) per claim.
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Successor Agency, City of National City &
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D. All insurance required by express provision of this Agreement shall be
carried only in responsible insurance companies licensed to do business in the State of
California. The policies carried pursuant to paragraph 10.A above shall name as additional
insureds the Clients and their elected officials, officers, employees, agents, and representatives.
All policies shall contain language, to the extent obtainable, to the effect that: (1) the insurer
waives the right of subrogation against the Clients and their elected officials, officers,
employees, agents, and representatives; (2) the policies are primary and not contributing with
any insurance that may be carried by the Clients; and (3) the policies cannot be cancelled or
materially changed except after thirty (30) days' notice by the insurer to the Clients by certified
mail. Before this Agreement shall take effect, the FIRM shall furnish the Clients with copies of
all such policies upon receipt of them, or a certificate evidencing such insurance. The FIRM may
effect for its own account insurance not required under this Agreement.
Article 11. Drug Free Work Place. The FIRM agrees to comply with the Clients'
Drug -Free Workplace requirements. Every person awarded a contract by the Clients for the
provision of services shall certify to the Clients that it will provide a drug -free workplace. Any
subcontract entered into by the FIRM pursuant to this Agreement shall contain this provision.
Article 12. Non -Discrimination Provisions. The FIRM shall not discriminate
against any subcontractor, vendor, employee or applicant for employment because of age, race,
color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, physical
handicap, or medical condition. The FIRM will take positive action to insure that applicants are
employed without regard to their age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
marital status, national origin, physical handicap, or medical condition. Such action shall include
but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or
recruitment advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and
selection for training, including apprenticeship. The FIRM agrees to post in conspicuous places
available to employees and applicants for employment any notices provided by the Clients
setting forth the provisions of this non-discrimination clause.
Article 13. Effective Date and Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon
approval by the Oversight Board and California Department of Finance, and will continue until
written notice of cancellation. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party
with sixty (60) days' written notice to the other. Notice of termination by the Firm shall be given
to the City Attorney.
Article 14. Notification of Change in Form. The FIRM has the right to effect
changes in form including but not limited to: the change in form from a partnership to a
professional law corporation; the change in form of any partner or partners from an individual or
individuals to a professional law corporation; the change in form of any corporate partner or
partners to any individual partners. The CDC shall be promptly notified in writing of any change
in form.
Article 15. Notices. In all cases where written notice is to be given under this
Agreement, service shall be deemed sufficient if said notice is deposited in the United States
mail, postage paid. When so given, such notice shall be effective from the date of mailing of the
6
Successor Agency, City of National City &
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Legal Services Agreement - 2015
notice. Unless otherwise provided by notice in writing from the respective parties, notice to the
Agency shall be addressed to:
Claudia Gacitua Silva
City Attorney
City of National City
1243 National City Boulevard
National City, CA 91950-4301
Notice to the FIRM shall be addressed to:
Mark C. Mazzarella, Esq.
Mazzarella & Mazzarella, LLP
1620 Fifih Avenue, Suite 600
San Diego, CA 92101
Nothing contained in this agreement shall preclude or render inoperative service or such
notice in the manner provided by law.
Article 16. Headings. All article headings are for convenience only and shall not
affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
Article 17. Miscellaneous Provisions.
A. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each provision of this
Agreement.
B. California Law. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of California. The FIRM covenants and agrees to submit
to the personal jurisdiction of any state court in the State of California for any dispute, claim, or
matter arising out of or related to this Agreement.
C. Integrated Agreement. This Agreement, including attachments and/or
exhibits, contains all of the agreements of the parties and all prior negotiations and agreements
are merged in this Agreement. This Agreement cannot be amended or modified except by
written agreement, and mutually agreed upon by the Clients and the FIRM.
D. Severability. The unenforceability, invalidity, or illegality of any
provision of this Agreement shall not render the other provisions unenforceable, invalid, or
illegal.
E. Waiver. The failure of the Clients to enforce a particular condition or
provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that condition or provision or its
enforceability.
F. Conflict of Interest. During the term of this Agreement, the FIRM shall
not perform services of any kind for any person or entity whose interests conflict in any way
with those of the Clients. This prohibition shall not preclude the Clients from expressly agreeing
to a waiver of a potential conflict of interest under certain circumstances.
G. No Obligations to Third Parties. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, the execution and delivery of this Agreement shall not be deemed to confer any rights
upon, or obligate any of the parties hereto, to any person or entity other than the parties hereto.
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H. Construction. The parties acknowledge and agree that (i) each party is of
equal bargaining strength, (ii) each party has actively participated in the drafting, preparation and
negotiation of this Agreement, and (iii) any rule or construction to the effect that ambiguities are
to be resolved against the drafting party shall not apply in the interpretation of this Agreement, or
any portions hereof, or any amendments hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the
day of , 2015.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION AS THE NATIONAL CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
By:
Ron Morrison, Chairman
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
Claudia Gacitua Silva
SA General Counsel
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
By:
Ron Morrison, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
Claudia Gacitua Silva
City Attorney
8
MAZZARELLA . MAZZARELLA, LLP
By:
azzarella, Esq.
Successor Agency, City of National City &
Mazzarella & Mazzaretla
Legal Services Agreement - 2015
RESOLUTION NO. 2015 —
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
BETWEEN THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION AS THE NATIONAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
("SUCCESSOR AGENCY"), THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY ("CITY"), AND
THE LAW FIRM OF MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA, LLP, SUPERSEDING
THE PRIOR AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, AND
MAZZARELLA LORENZANA, LLP, CONTINGENT UPON STATE DEPARTMENT
OF FINANCE APPROVAL, WITH NO INCREASE IN THE PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $250,000 FOR HOURLY FEES
WHEREAS, the City of National City and the former Community Development
Commission entered into an Agreement for Legal Services with Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP,
effective November 21, 2011 ("2011 Agreement") for the not to exceed amount of $50,000 to
pursue various claims against Rosenow Spevacek Group ("RSG") based on and related to the
work RSG performed in connection with the 2007 Redevelopment Plan Amendment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to ABx1 26 and AB1484, the Successor Agency has an
obligation to minimize liabilities of its redevelopment agency; and
WHEREAS, the compensation to the firm was a combination of a lower hourly
rate for legal fees ($150/hour) in addition to a contingency fee (no greater than 20%); and
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2012, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2012-
31 approving a First Amendment to the 2011 Agreement to increase the not to exceed amount
by $200,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $250,000; and
WHEREAS, the firm has changed names and seeks to enter into a new
Agreement for Legal Services to reflect the name change from Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, to
Mazzarella & Mazzarella, LLP, reflect the current Successor Agency name in place of what was
formerly the Community Development Commission, and confirm the compensation structure of
the reduced hourly rate of $150 per hour with a not to exceed amount of $250,000 (no increase
from the original amount) in addition to a reduced contingency fee of up to 20%.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
National City hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute an Agreement for Legal Services between
the Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission as the National City
Redevelopment Agency, the City of National City, and the Law Firm of Mazzarella & Mazzarella,
LLP, superseding the prior Agreement for Legal Services between the Successor Agency, City
of National City, and Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, contingent upon State Department of Finance
approval, with no increase in the previously approved not to exceed amount of $250,000 for
hourly fees.
[Signature Page to Follow]
Resolution No. 2015 —
Page Two
PASSED and ADOPTED this 17th day of March, 2015.
Ron Morrison, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michael R. Dalla, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Claudia Gacitua Silva
City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2015 —
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
BETWEEN THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION AS THE NATIONAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
("SUCCESSOR AGENCY"), THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY ("CITY"), AND
THE LAW FIRM OF MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA, LLP, SUPERSEDING
THE PRIOR AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, AND
MAZZARELLA LORENZANA, LLP, CONTINGENT UPON STATE DEPARTMENT
OF FINANCE APPROVAL, WITH NO INCREASE IN THE PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $250,000 FOR HOURLY FEES
WHEREAS, the City of National City and the former Community Development
Commission entered into an Agreement for Legal Services with Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP,
effective November 21, 2011 ("2011 Agreement") for the not to exceed amount of $50,000 to
pursue various claims against Rosenow Spevacek Group ("RSG") based on and related to the
work RSG performed in connection with the 2007 Redevelopment Plan Amendment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to ABx1 26 and AB1484, the Successor Agency has an
obligation to minimize liabilities of its redevelopment agency; and
WHEREAS, the compensation to the firm was a combination of a lower hourly
rate for legal fees ($150/hour) in addition to a contingency fee (no greater than 20%); and
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2012, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2012-
31 approving a First Amendment to the 2011 Agreement to increase the not to exceed amount
by $200,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $250,000; and
WHEREAS, the firm has changed names and seeks to enter into a new
Agreement for Legal Services to reflect the name change from Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, to
Mazzarella & Mazzarella, LLP, reflect the current Successor Agency name in place of what was
formerly the Community Development Commission, and confirm the compensation structure of
the reduced hourly rate of $150 per hour with a not to exceed amount of $250,000 (no increase
from the original amount) in addition to a reduced contingency fee of up to 20%.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
National City hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute an Agreement for Legal Services between
the Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission as the National City
Redevelopment Agency, the City of National City, and the Law Firm of Mazzarella & Mazzarella,
LLP, superseding the prior Agreement for Legal Services between the Successor Agency, City
of National City, and Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, contingent upon State Department of Finance
approval, with no increase in the previously approved not to exceed amount of $250,000 for
hourly fees.
[Signature Page to Follow]
Resolution No. 2015 —
Page Two
PASSED and ADOPTED this 17th day of March, 2015.
Ron Morrison, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michael R. Dalla, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Claudia Gacitua Silva
City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2015 — 32
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
BETWEEN THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION AS THE NATIONAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
("SUCCESSOR AGENCY"), THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY ("CITY"), AND
THE LAW FIRM OF MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA, LLP, SUPERSEDING
THE PRIOR AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, AND
MAZZARELLA LORENZANA, LLP, CONTINGENT UPON STATE DEPARTMENT
OF FINANCE APPROVAL, WITH NO INCREASE IN THE PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $250,000 FOR HOURLY FEES
WHEREAS, the City of National City and the former Community Development
Commission entered into an Agreement for Legal Services with Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP,
effective November 21, 2011 ("2011 Agreement") for the not to exceed amount of $50,000 to
pursue various claims against Rosenow Spevacek Group ("RSG") based on and related to the
work RSG performed in connection with the 2007 Redevelopment Plan Amendment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to ABx1 26 and AB1484, the Successor Agency has an
obligation to minimize liabilities of its redevelopment agency; and
WHEREAS, the compensation to the firm was a combination of a lower hourly
rate for legal fees ($150/hour) in addition to a contingency fee (no greater than 20%); and
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2012, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2012-
31 approving a First Amendment to the 2011 Agreement to increase the not to exceed amount
by $200,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $250,000; and
WHEREAS, the firm has changed names and seeks to enter into a new
Agreement for Legal Services to reflect the name change from Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, to
Mazzarella & Mazzarella, LLP, reflect the current Successor Agency name in place of what was
formerly the Community Development Commission, and confirm the compensation structure of
the reduced hourly rate of $150 per hour with a not to exceed amount of $250,000 (no increase
from the original amount) in addition to a reduced contingency fee of up to 20%.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
National City hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute an Agreement for Legal Services between
the Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission as the National City
Redevelopment Agency, the City of National City, and the Law Firm of Mazzarella & Mazzarella,
LLP, superseding the prior Agreement for Legal Services between the Successor Agency, City
of National City, and Mazzarella Lorenzana, LLP, contingent upon State Department of Finance
approval, with no increase in the previously approved not to exceed amount of $250,000 for
hourly fees.
[Signature Page to Follow]
Resolution No. 2015 — 32
Page Two
PASSED and ADOPTED this 17th day of March, 015.
Ron Morrison, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michael R. DaII, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CGacitu
City Attorney
Passed and adopted by the Council of the City of National City, California, on March 17,
2015 by the following vote, to -wit:
Ayes: Councilmembers Cano, Mendivil, Morrison, Rios, Sotelo-Solis.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
AUTHENTICATED BY: RON MORRISON
Mayor of the City of National City, California
MICHAEL R. DALLA
City Clerk of the City of National City, California
By:
Deputy
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-32 of the City of National City, California, passed and adopted
by the Council of said City on March 17, 2015.
yrk C of the City of
City National City, California
By:
Deputy
Mzzare11a &
Nlazzarelia LLP
March 11, 2015
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
AND FIRST-CLASS U.S. MAIL
(csilva(knationalcityca.goi)
Claudia Gacitua Silva
City Attorney
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
1243 National City Boulevard
National City, CA 91950
Re: In the Matter of the Arbitration of City of National City v. Rosenow-
Spevacek Group, Inc.
Dear Ms. Silva:
Enclosed is the revised Legal Services Agreement between Mazzarella & Mazzarella,
LLP and the City of National City.
Please obtain the required signatures and return the fully -executed Agreement to us at
your earliest opportunity.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Very truly yours,
Sharon Villarreal
Legal Secretary to
DARAL B. MAZZARELLA, ESQ.
/skv
Enclosure
1620 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 600, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 • TEL (619) 238-4900 • FAX (619) 238-4959 • WWW.MAZZARELLALAW.COM
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
Office of the City Clerk
1243 National City Blvd., National City, California 91950
619-336-4228 phone / 619-336-4229 fax
Michael R. Dalla, CMC - City Clerk
MAZZARELLA & MAZZARELLA
Legal Services
Ginny Miller (City Attorney) Forwarded Copy
of Agreement to Mazzarella & Mazzarella