TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
THROUGH: Renée A. Jadusingh, Executive Director
DATE: April 30, 2025
Title
SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Approve the Second Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Goren Cherof Doody & Ezrol, PA.
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Background:
In 2006, the CRA Board approved a general counsel legal services agreement with Goren, Cherof, Doody, & Ezrol, P.A. (“Goren Cherof”) at $195.00 per hour for attorneys.
In November 2013, the CRA Board approved of a similar legal services agreement with Goren Cherof at the same rate of $195.00 per hour for attorney (“Legal Services Agreement”).
In December 2022, the CRA Board approved a First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Goren, Cherof, Doody, & Ezrol, P.A. (“Goren Cherof”) at a rate of $250.00 per hour for attorneys.
Based on Goren Cherof’s specialized role with the CRA that requires unique knowledge and experience, a Second Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement is recommended to modify Goren Cherof’s legal capacity and duties from general counsel to special counsel and to provide for an adjustment to the hourly rate from $250.00 to $300.00 per hour for attorneys. The attorneys assigned to the CRA are Donald J. Doody and Sean M. Swartz.
Section 163.356(3)(C), Florida Statutes authorizes the CRA to employ or retain its own counsel and legal staff.
At this time, Staff is recommending CRA Board approval of the Second Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Goren, Cherof, Doody, & Ezrol, P.A.
Attachments: Exhibit A - Legal Services Agreement; Exhibit B - First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement; and Exhibit C - Second Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement
CRA Attorney Review:
The CRA Attorney has reviewed the attached First Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement and finds it to be acceptable as to form.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A
Overall need within the Community Redevelopment Area from Delray Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan:
Removal of Slum And Blight
Land Use
Economic Development
Affordable Housing
Downtown Housing
Infrastructure
Recreation and Cultural Facilities