Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve the Retention of Legal Counsel for ACR Litigation
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Submitted By: Richard Berrios, City Attorney's Office
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Richard Berrios, City Attorney
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, P.L.
3. Purpose: Retention of legal counsel to represent the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida in the matter styled ACR Acquisition, LLC v. City of Port St. Lucie, Florida
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New
5. Duration: Counsel will be retained through the duration of litigation.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: Professional and zealous advocacy for the City of Port St. Lucie against a plaintiff with which the firm has prior experience and success.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): Retention of counsel includes a dedicated legal team who operates on a blended hourly rate. Retention also includes payment of basic fees and costs which are incident to litigation (e.g., travel, copying, postage, filings, etc.).
Presentation Information: No presentation is planned for this item, but our office will be available for questions Council may have.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the retention of Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, P.L. as lead counsel in the ACR litigation referenced above, authorize the City Attorney to enter into the attached retainer agreement, and authorize expenditures thereunder subject to available funds.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council not approve retention and provide further direction.
Background: ACR Acquisition, LLC filed an initial complaint and an amended complaint on June 11, 2025 and June 12, 2025 respectively.
Issues/Analysis: Retention of Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, P.L. is exempt from competitive solicitation and procurement under Sectio...
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