Charter Review Initiative\1 NasonYeazer
GERSON HARRIS & FUMERO, P.A.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1 EST. 1960
JOHN J. FUMERO
Board Certified State & Federal Government
K Adminish•ative Practice Latuyer
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
jfuinero@nasonyeager.com
nasonyeager.com
April 14, 2020
OFFICE:
(561) 982-7114
FAX NUMBER:
(561) 982-7116
VIA EMAIL: mmontesdeocaRii cityofokeecho bee. com
Marcos Montes De Oca, P.E., City Administrator
City of Okeechobee
55 SE 3rd Avenue, Suite 201
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Re: City of Okeechobee Charter Review Initiative
Dear Mr. Montes De Oca:
On behalf of Nason, Yeager, Gerson, Harris & Fumero, P.A. (the "Firm"), and in
accordance with the City of Okeechobee City Attorney Legal Services Agreement dated January
7, 2020, we are providing you with this engagement letter in order to establish a separate matter
for tracking and billing purposes. The following represents the terms and conditions of
representation on this matter:
1. Services. The City of Okeechobee is contemplating undergoing its most
comprehensive review of the City Charter in several decades. The City Charter is the principle
governing document, provides the framework for most City regulatory functions and the delivery
of City services, among other things. The Firm shall represent the City of Okeechobee concerning
its initiative to review, amend, update, and adopt a modern City Charter. This initiative shall
include formation of a Charter review commission, conducting public workshops, a referendum
and other related matters.
2. City Attorney. I shall serve as the partner in charge on your matter. My primary
responsibility is to provide and supervise the legal counsel and services required under your
direction. We will use our best judgment to manage the time, tasks and legal services required,
and apply resources within the Firm best capable of successfully completing representation in an
efficient and cost effective manner.
3. Professional Fees. This shall confirm my discounted hourly rate is $275.00 per
hour. The hourly rate billed for paralegal services is $80.00 per hour. I may assign work to other
attorneys or paralegals within the office, depending upon their ability to complete the work in an
effective and cost efficient manner.
750 Park of Commerce Boulevard I Suite 210 1 Boca Raton. Florida 33487
Telephone (S61) 982-7114 1 Facsimile (561) 982-7116 1 www.nasoiiyeager.coni
WEST PALM BEACII • BOCA RATON
City of Okeechobee
April 14, 2020
Page 2
4. Costs and Expenses. The Firm only charges for actual costs and expenses incurred
and invoiced to the Firm on your behalf for this representation. Attachment 1 sets forth the most
commonly incurred costs and expenses. We may advance these costs and seek reimbursement,
with the underlying documentation, in our billings.
5. Proposed Legal Services Budget.. At this initial stage, it is difficult to quantify a
proposed legal services budget. However, we are proposing a $45,000 not to exceed budget for the
City of Okeechobee Charter Review Initiative.
6. Billing and Past We will bill you on a monthly basis for professional services
rendered and expenses incurred in connection with this matter. Should you question any items,
you agree to notify us in writing of any such question or dispute within thirty (30) days of the
billing date.
Thank you for choosing our Firm to assist you in this matter. Should you agree with the
foregoing terms and conditions, please sign in the space provided, return the executed letter to me
via email, and retain a copy for your records.
ACCEPTED BY.
Attest:
By:
Lane Gamiotea. CMC. Citv Clerk
[Printed Name]
Sincerely,
/s/John J. Fumero
John J. Fumero
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
By: '
Dowling R. Watford, "r., Mayor
City of Okeechobee
April 14, 2020
Page 3
ATTACHMENT 1
Cost/Expense
Typical Charges
Computer Research
Actual usage.
Court Reporters
Direct invoice from vendor to client or paid from retainer.
Delivery Charges
Actual amount invoiced to firm.
Mode of delivery based on need and economy.
Messenger Service
Actual amount invoiced to the firm.
Overnight Express
Actual amount invoiced to the firm.
Telefacsimile
Outgoing: No charge
Incoming: No charge
Photocopying
Inside copies: No charge up to 100 pages.
Outside services: Actual amount invoiced to firm.
Secretarial Overtime
No charge
Telephone Charges
Actual long distance.
Temporary Help
Actual amount invoiced to the firm.
Travel-Local/Surface
Reasonable mileage or actual rental charges.
Travel -Out -of -Town
Intrastate: Actual common carrier charges for coach.
Interstate: Actual common carrier charges for business class.
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Meals/Accommodations: Lowest corporate seasonal rate
available, reasonable business related meal expenses.
Word Processing
No charge
Other Expenses
Actual cost invoiced to the firm. In selected cases, these items may
be directly invoiced from vendor to client.