RECOMMENDATION:
Enact an ordinance approving and authorizing a contract for legal services with Trinder Aviation & Aerospace Advocacy, PLLC and funding the cost of these services.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
As a partner at the law firm of Zuckert Scoutt & Rasenberger, LLP (ZSR), Rachel Trinder has been the principal attorney representing the Houston Airport System (HAS) on a wide array of aviation legal matters for over 15 years. In 2012, ZSR was selected after completion of an RFQ process. Last year, Trinder started her own firm, and ZSR assigned the contract to Trinder Aviation & Aerospace Advocacy, PLLC (Trinder Aviation), effective December 1, 2016, with the approval of the City Attorney.
Trinder Aviation will continue to provide legal services to represent the City in matters involving HAS as directed by the City Attorney or the Director of Aviation. Services may include, but are not limited to, consulting on interpretation and compliance with state and federal administrative and regulatory law; representing the City before regulatory agencies such as the DOT, FAA, DHS, CBP, TSA, State Department, U.S. Congress, federal courts, and other federal agencies concerning matters relating to the City’s interest in aviation, air transportation, air routes, and airport matters; monitoring federal legislative developments affecting the City’s aviation interests; consulting on FAA, DOT, DHS, CBP and TSA orders, opinions, and rules; advising the City Attorney’s Office regarding specific inquiries and questions in connection with aviation issues; advising HAS on rates and charges, use and lease agreements, airport development, concessions, fueling, leasing, land use, noise, height hazard, security, safety, financing, revenue uses, grant compliance, PFCs, and any other airport related representation assigned by the City Attorney or the Director of Aviation.
The contract term is for two years, and Trinder Aviation will bill their services at $400 per hour.
PAY OR PLAY:
The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s “Pay or Play” ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors. Trinder Aviation will comply with City policy using the “Play” option, providing health benefits to covered employees.
FUNDING:
FY18: $ 300,000
Out Years: $ 900,000
TOTAL: $1,200,000
MWBE PARTICIPATION:
In light of the unique and highly specialized services provided by Trinder Aviation, the Office of Business Opportunity has waived the MWBE good faith goal.
FISCAL NOTE:
Funding for the expense of this item is included in the FY18 Adopted Operating Budget. Therefore, no fiscal note is required as stated in the Financial Policy Ord. 2014-1078. See Attachment A.
Director's Signature:
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Mario C. Diaz Ronald Lewis Andy Icken
Houston Airport System City Attorney Chief Development Officer