HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Extension of Engagement and Retainer Agreement with Ritts Law Group RESOLUTION NO. 14-666
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF ENGAGEMENT AND RETAINER
AGREEMENT WITH THE RITTS LAW GROUP FOR CONSULTING SERVICES
RELATED TO CLEAN AIR ACT
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, in September 2009, the City Council approved the engagement and retainer
agreement with The Ritts Law Group, LLC, of Alexandria, Virginia, for legal services related to
regulatory compliance with the Clean Air Act; and,
WHEREAS, for the initial agreement, Council authorized expenditure of an amount not to
exceed $100,000, and during the initial 12 months, The Ritts Law Group worked closely with
Electric Services and the Legal Department to evaluate projects scheduled at the steam electric plant
and the combustion turbines; and,
WHEREAS, The Ritts Law Group provided legal and engineering assistance in support of
a number of matters facing Electric Services, including the City's request to the Iowa Department
of Natural Resources (IDNR) for a Prevention of Serious Deterioration (PSD) non-applicability
determination; and,
WHEREAS, in the ensuing years, Ritts has continued to provide assistance in support of a
number of matters facing Electric Services; and,
WHEREAS,since its engagement with The Ritts Law Group in 2009,the City has expended
a total of$431,823 with this firm; and,
WHEREAS, additional funding is required for the City to continue to receive analyses and
legal advice from The Ritts Law Group regarding existing Clean Air Act issues and proposed
regulations that currently affect the City's electric utility,or are critical in planning and mapping out
the future of the utility's energy producing resources; and,
WHEREAS, staff is now in the process of filing permits for the power plant fuel conversion
which requires specialized environmental legal support and extensive environmental analysis;and,
WHEREAS, staff is requesting authorization to extend the engagement with The Ritts Law
Group for an additional amount not to exceed$100,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that authorization to extend the Engagement and Retainer Agreement with The Ritts Law Group of
Alexandria, Virginia, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for specialized environmental legal
support,extensive environmental analysis,and Iowa Department of Natural Resources construction
permit preparation work is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 16th day of December, 2014.
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Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor
Introduced by: Nelson
Seconded by: Orazem
Voting aye: Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Goodman,Nelson, Orazem
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 16`h day of December, 2014.