HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 08 25 Regular F Attorney Fee Increase
S:\City of Winter Springs\Docs\Agendas, Agenda Items, Minutes\Agenda Items\Calendar Year 2003\August 2003\August 25,
2003\082503_ Regular _F _Attorney _Fee_Increase.doc
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM F
Consent
Informational
Public Hearing
Regular X
August 25.2003
Regular Meeting
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Mgr. / Dept.
Authorization
REQUEST:
The City Manager requesting Commission remove from the Table and consider the City
Labor Attorney's request for increase in fees.
PURPOSE:
This Agenda Item is needed to advise the City Commission to remove from the Table and
consider the City Labor Attorney's request for an increase in fees.
CONSIDERATIONS:
The city is currently compensating the City Labor Attorney at an hourly rate of $130. As
discussed in the attached letter, Mr. Mandel is advising the Commission of an increase in
hourly rates from $130 to $150 per hour.
Based upon my discussions with Mr. Mandel, the rate does not appear to be negotiable.
I don't believe changing labor attorneys at this time would be a wise decision.
FUNDING:
It is difficult to assess the impact on our budget since it is all but impossible to predict the
amount of services that will be required next year. Thus, I don't believe there is any
reason to increase the $10,000 budgeted in the FY04 budget at this time.
S:\City of Winter Springs\Docs\Agendas, Agenda Items, Minutes\Agenda Items\Calendar Year 2003\August 2003\August 25,
2003\082503 _Regular_F _Attorney_Fee _ Increase.doc
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City Commission remove from the Table and approve an
increase in the City Labor Attorney's hourly rate from $130 to $150 per hour.
ATTACHMENT:
Labor Attorney Letter of July ll, 2003
COMMISSION ACTION:
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David V, Kornreich.
Michael W, Casey, 11/.
James C, Crosland.
James S. Brarnnlck*
Gordon D, Rogers.
Cannen S, Johnson.
Jeffrey E. Mandel.
Denise M, Heekin.
Paul T. Ryder, Jr.*
Benton N, Wood.
Marlene Quintana Morales.
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MUllER MINTZ
"Board Certified In Labor and Employment law
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEYS
July 11, 2003
Mr. Ron McLemore
City Manager
City of Winter Springs
1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
Re: Labor and Employment Law Services
Dear Ron:
David C, Miller
Jenna Rinehart RassW
Debra M, Lubkin.
Christi A. Shelton
Leslie Miller T ornczak
David A, Young
lIana K. Green
J, Michael Marshall
Erik A. Nelson
Lelenia Corinne Evans
Of Counsel
Kelly Cheary Sulzberger
Ray C, Muller (1924-1977)
Herbert B, Mintz (1924-1993)
Joseph A. Caldwell (1923-1996)
After considerable review and analysis, we have determined that it is necessary to raise our hourly
rate to $150. Last year, we raised our Central Florida public sector rates only minimally with the hope that
we could continue to provide labor and employment law services to our public sector clients at below market
rates (as we have done for many years). Unfortunately, this did not work as we are simply unable to offset
our operating costs - particularly, the costs associated with hiring and retaining the best labor and
employment law attorneys (including many who are BoardCertified).
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Our research indicates that even at $150 per hour, we would still be below the hourly rates being
charged by labor and employment attorneys representing other Central Florida public jurisdictions (e.g.,
Winter Park -- $185, Apopka -- $200).
If such meets with the City's approval, we propose to implement the new rate with the
commencement of the upcoming fiscal year (October 1,2003,)
We have greatly enjoyed working with you and your staff and look forward to continuing our
relationship for many more years,
Very truly yours,
Z~Mandel
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I . ~.'.
Please reply to Or1ando Office:
Muller Mintz, P.A.
Suite 1525 255 South Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone 407-843-1400 Facsimile 407-843-1410
Suite 3600 200 South Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33131 Miami 305-358-5500 Broward 954-522-0393 Facsimile 305-379-3802
www.muiiermintz.com."