HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Change Order No. 8 to Ritts Law Group for legal services RESOLUTION NO. 15-422
RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 8 TO RITTS LAW GROUP FOR
LEGAL SERVICES RELATED TO REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
WITH THE CLEAN AIR ACT
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, in September 2009, the City Council approved an engagement and retainer
agreement with The Ritts Law Group, PLLC, of Alexandria, Virginia, for legal services related to
the regulatory compliance with the Clean Air Act; and,
WHEREAS, for the initial agreement, Council authorized an expenditure of an amount not
exceed$100,000; and,
WHEREAS, during the initial 12 months, Ritts worked closely with Electric Services and
the Legal Department to evaluate projects scheduled at the steam electric plant and the combustion
turbines; 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$545,717 with this firm; and,
WHEREAS, additional funding is needed 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, most recently, staff has submitted permits for the power plant fuel conversion
which required, and continues to require, specialized environmental legal support and extensive
environmental analysis; and,
WHEREAS, new EPA regulations regarding coal combustion residue and the clean power
plan will require detailed review to determine impact to the City of Ames; and,
WHEREAS,it should be noted that The Ritts Law Group provides engineering services and
environmental analyses in addition to legal services;and,all of these services continue to be needed
to support the review of EPA regulations and to develop a course of action; and,
WHEREAS, funding for these services are included in the approved FY 2015/16 Capital
Improvements Plan under the Unit Nos. 7 and 8 Fuel Conversion Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that Change Order No. 8 in the amount of$100,000 to The Ritts Law Group is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 14`'day of July, 2015.
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Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor
Introduced by: Nelson
Seconded by: Goodman
Voting aye: Betcher, Gartin, Goodman,Nelson, Orazem
Voting nay: None Absent: Corrieri
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 14"'day of July, 2015.