HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5912-03-2024A RESOLUTION
No. 5912-03-2024
AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF THE LAW FIRM OF BICKERSTAFF
DELGADO HEATH ACOSTA LLP AS OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNSEL FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS BEFORE THE TEXAS
COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND THE PUBLIC
UTILITIES COMMISSION OF TEXAS
WHEREAS, from time to time the City of Fort Worth ("City") is in need of assistance on legal
issues for regulatory matters involving the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ"), the
Public Utilities Commission of Texas ("PUC"), or the State Office of Administrative Hearings ("SOAH")
for which it is necessary to seek outside Iegal counsel with expertise in environmental law and regulatory
matters;
WHEREAS, engaging with outside counsel for environmental and regulatory matters has been a
traditional practice of the City when the need arises;
WHEREAS, the City desires that the law firm of Bickerstaff Delgado Heath Acosta LLP be
retained to assist and represent the City in environmental and regulatory matters where such outside counsel
is needed;
WHEREAS, the law firm of Bickerstaff Delgado Heath Acosta LLP possesses the required
knowledge and expertise to assist the City with its environmental and regulatory matters.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
WORTH, TEXAS, THAT:
1. The City is authorized to retain the law firm of Bickerstaff Delgado Heath Acosta LLP as
outside legal counsel under Chapter Vl, § 3 of the City Charter, for legal services related to
environmental and regulatory matters, in an amount not to exceed
$200,000.00.
Adopted this 191 day of March, 2024.
ATTEST:
By:
Jannette Goodall, City Secretary
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 03/19/24 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 24-0221
LOG NAME: 60BICKERSTAFF TCEQ AND PUC OUTSIDE COUNSEL
SUBJECT
(ALL) Adopt Resolution Retaining Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP, as Outside Counsel, in an Amount Not to Exceed $200,000.00 for
Legal Services Related to Regulatory Matters, Including, but not Limited to, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality, or the State Office of Administrative Hearings Involving the Water Department
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the retention of the law firm of Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta
LLP, as outside legal counsel, in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00 to assist and represent the City with regulatory matters, including, but not
limited to, matters with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or the State Office of
Administrative Hearings involving the Water Department.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Fort Worth (City) has traditionally hired outside counsel to represent the City in complex matters before the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) which involve the Water Department. From time to time, the City
needs outside counsel with expertise in regulatory matters, involving, but not limited to, the following agencies: TCEQ, PUC, or the State Office of
Administrative Hearings (SOAR). The City desires that the law firm of Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP be retained to assist and represent
the City in regulatory matters where such outside legal counsel is needed.
Funding is budgeted in the Water and Sewer Fund for the Water Department.
Legal fees are requested in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00,
FISCAL INFORMATION ! CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the recommendation, funds are available in the current operating budget, as previously
appropriated, in the Water and Sewer Fund. Prior to an expenditure being incurred, the Water Department has the responsibility to validate the
availability of funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office b} . ALL ACMs 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Leann Guzman 8973
Additional Information Contact: Leann Guzman 8973