ORDINANCE approving and authorizing contract for Legal Services with GRANSBERRY LAW GROUP, P.C. for Legal Representation of the City of Houston; establishing a maximum contract amount - 3 Years with two one-year options - $200,000.00 - TIRZ Affordable Housing Fund

Professional Services for S49-H29209 - Approve an ordinance authorizing an agreement between the City of Houston and Gransberry Law Group P.C. for the maximum contract amount of $200,000.00 for legal services to support the operation of Single-Family Programs for the Housing and Community Development Department.

Specific Explanation

The Director of Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD), the City Attorney, and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve an ordinance awarding a three (3) year professional services agreement, with two (2) one-year options between the City of Houston and Gransberry Law Group P.C. for a maximum contract amount not to exceed $200,000.00 in TIRZ Affordable Housing funds for Legal Services for the Single-Family Division of HCDD. The City Attorney may terminate this agreement at any time upon 10-days written notice to the firm.

The Gransberry Law Group will perform a number of services including but not limited to the following:

1. Electronically submit prepared document templates to the City to facilitate loan closings based on tight date/timelines communicated by the City.

    

2. Performing title review and review of all documents in connection therewith to make sure the City’s interest is secured/protected.

    

3. Issue title opinions noting ownership of the subject property with copies of the deed or Heirship Affidavit and making recommendations for curing title defects.

    

4. Preparing, executing and filing release of liens, powers of attorneys, affidavits of heirships and other similar affidavits/documents affecting property and owner.

    

5. Preparing and submitting required documents for recordation in the Real Property Records of Harris, Fort Bend or Montgomery Counties, as appropriate.

    

6. Prepare Contracts, Agreements, and/or Closing Documents

    

7. Provide such other services as may be requested by the program Administrators or by the City Attorney.

    

HCDD is requesting the approval of the agreement and the allocation for the operation of the Single-Family Programs.  Based on the production goals projected at 550 properties per year, will be best attained over the next five (5) years by engaging the Gransberry Law Group, P.C. as specialized outside counsel.

Gransberry Law Group P.C. has provided legal services for the City’s Single-Family Housing Programs for 1 year and has consistently met and often exceeded the expectations of the homeowners and the Division.

MWSBE Participation:

This professional service was issued as goal-oriented contract with a 24% MWBE participation level. Gransberry Law Group P.C. has designated the below-company as its certified M/WBE subcontractor.

Pay or Play Program:

The proposed contract requires compliance with the City's 'Pay or Play' ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors. A waiver was submitted to the Office of Business Opportunity and it was granted.

Hire Houston First:

Hire Houston First does not apply to this procurement because it involves the use of federal funds and is subject to the specific procurement rules of the federal government.

Fiscal Note:

Funding for this item is included in the FY2021 Adopted Budget.  Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.

Ordinance No.: 2017-0759, approved October 4, 2017

$200,000.00

TIRZ Affordable Housing Fund

Fund 2409

Previously Appropriated by Ord. No.’s: 2017-0759 & 2017-0860