HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Change Order No. 13 for Specialized Environmental Legal Support, Analysis, and Iowa DNR Construction Permit Preparation Work RESOLUTION NO. 18-459
RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 13
TO RITTS LAW GROUP AGREEMENT FOR
ELECTRIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT
FOR THE CITY OF AMES
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 our
Power Plant's regulatory compliance with the federal Clean Air Act; and,
WHEREAS, during the subsequent nine years, Ritts has provided extensive legal services
to help the City deal with the complexities of this law; and,
WHEREAS,for the initial agreement,Council authorized the expenditure of an amount not
exceed $100,000; and, during the initial 12 months, Ritts worked closely with staff to evaluate
projects scheduled at the steam electric plant and the combustion turbines; and,
WHEREAS,in the ensuing years,Ritts has provided assistance for a number of other matters
facing the Electric Services Department; and,
WHEREAS, since the initial engagement with the Ritts Law Group,the City has expended
a total of$857,904.75 with this firm; and,
WHEREAS, additional funding authorization is now needed for the City to continue to
receive analyses and legal advice 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 production resources; and,
WHEREAS,Council authorization is now requested to extend the engagement with the Ritts
Law Group for an additional amount not to exceed $100,000; budgeted funding in an amount of
$100,000 is available in the approved FY 18/19 Electric Services operating budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that the contract Change Order No. 13 in the amount of $100,000 to the Ritts Law Group for
specialized environmental legal support,extensive environmental analysis,and Iowa Department of
Natural Resources construction permit preparation work is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 3 1"day of July, 2018.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John . Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Gartin
Seconded by: Betcher
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Nelson
Voting nay: None Absent: Martin
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 31'day of July, 2018.