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CITY OF HOUSTON - CITY COUNCIL
Meeting Date: 9/22/2020
ALL
Item Creation Date:
LGL - bond counsel eng.Ltr - GOCP Series H-2
Agenda Item#: 7.
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| | | | | | | | Summary:
ORDINANCE approving and authorizing agreement between City of Houston and HOLLAND & KNIGHT, LLP for Bond Counsel Services for Various Departments; providing a maximum contract amount
Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 2254.1036, the following written notice is given to the public: The City desires to sell bonds for public purposes as authorized by State law and as further set forth in the ordinance to finance various public projects. The proposed bond counsel, Holland & Knight, LLP ("Holland & Knight"), is a full service firm that includes a national public finance practice and has the necessary competence, qualification and experience to serve as bond counsel for the City. Holland & Knight has previously represented the City in connection with the issuance of debt instruments. The engagement of Holland & Knight is in the best interest of the City because the legal services requested require specialized experience in municipal finance, federal tax, and state securities law and therefore cannot be adequately performed by the attorneys and supporting personnel of the City. Furthermore, such legal services cannot be reasonably obtained from attorneys in private practice for the payment of hourly fees without contingency because the City will not be obligated to pay any legal fees unless the transaction successfully closes. |
| | | | | | | | Background:
The Office of the City Attorney recommends that the City Council approve an ordinance authorizing a legal services agreement with Holland & Knight, LLP ("Holland & Knight") for bond counsel services in an amount not to exceed $160,000, for the purpose of representing the City of Houston in connection with the replacement of the credit facility supporting the General Obligation Commercial Paper Notes, Series H-2.
MWBE Participation:
This contract is issued with a 24% MWBE participation goal. Holland & Knight will utilize the services of co-bond counsel Bratton & Associates.
Pay or Play:
The contract requires compliance with the City's Pay or Play Ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors. In this case, Holland & Knight provides health benefits for eligible employees in compliance with City policy.
Hire Houston First:
This procurement is exempt from the City's Hire Houston First Ordinance. The Legal Department is utilizing a professional services procurement.
Required Authorization:
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Ronald C. Lewis, City Attorney |
| | | | | | | | Prior Council Action:
ORD 2017-821 |
| | | | | | | | Amount and Source of Funding:
$160,000.00
GO Commercial Paper Series H2 Bona Fide
Fund 3616
Funding for this item is contingent on the issuance of the above-referenced bonds. Payment for services will not exceed $160,000.00 |
| | | | | | | | Contact Information:
Joseph Crawford 832-393-6454
Rahat Huq 832-393-6428
Gary Wood 832-393-6440 |
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