HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Mail Packet - 5/21/2019 - Ura Legal Contract Review Committee Agenda - May 22, 2019Urban Renewal Authority
222 LaPorte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.416.2231
970.224.6107 – fax
fcgov.com
AGENDA
URA Legal Contract Review Committee
May 22, 2019
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CIC Room
1. Discussion: Conflict of interest for Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck contract with URA
Other Business:
LEGAL CONTRACT REVIEW COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Staff: John Duval
Clay Frickey
Josh Birks
Date: May 22, 2019
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority Contract with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck regarding
conflicts of interest in providing legal services.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2018 the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority (the “Authority”) Board officially expanded
to include members of Larimer County, Poudre School District, and a representative of the
special districts. As a result of this expansion, the City Attorney, who had also acted as general
counsel to the Authority, felt the potential for future conflicts of interest was significant. To
avoid potential future conflicts, the City Attorney recommended that the URA Board seek third
party legal counsel. The Board created a Selection Committee to interview and recommend an
attorney to be appointed by the Board. Based on their demonstrated expertise in Urban Renewal
and their representation of several other Urban Renewal Authorities across the state, Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Schreck was selected and appointed by the Board in October 2018.
On March 5, 2019, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck appeared before City Council with a matter
unrelated to its role representing the Authority. Per the agreed upon professional services
agreement, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, consulted their internal ethics and conflicts
counsel who found no conflict. In addition, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck informed the City
Attorney of the situation. At its next Board meeting, several Board members expressed concern
about these types of potential conflicts and requested a resolution to create a committee to review
the legal contract be formed. A resolution was prepared and presented to the Authority Board on
March 28, 2019. The Board voted to create the committee and requested it meet to discuss the
issue and provide a recommendation.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does the Committee feel the type of perceived conflict of interest identified need to be
addressed in the legal contract for services?
2. Does the Committee feel any additional action needs to be taken in the future related to
these types of unrelated activities?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City Attorney has historically provided legal services to the Fort Collins Urban Renewal
Authority (the “Authority”). However, with the adoption of HB15-1348 and expansion of the
Authority Board to include four additional members outside of City Council, the City Attorney
recommended the Authority attain separate legal counsel. This recommendation was made to
avoid future conflicts of interest that could arise from the City Attorney representing the City, the
Authority and its respective governing bodies. Following legal recommendations, in August of
2018, the Board formed a Selection Committee, comprised of the Executive Director and four (4)
commissioners to interview firms and make a recommendation for outside legal services to the
URA Board. Interviews were conducted on October 12, 2018. Each firm was evaluated and
scored by the following criteria:
1. Scope of Proposal: Did the Proposal show an understanding of position requirements
2. Assigned Personnel: Does the applicant have necessary licenses, skills and
qualifications?
3. Availability: Is the Firm available to attend URA Board Meeting?
4. Hourly Rates and Expenses: Are the hourly rates and expenses competitive, fair and
reasonable?
5. Firm Capacity: Does the have the resources, financial strength, and capacity to effectively
support the URA? Are potential conflicts of interest disclosed?
Based on the evaluation score the Selection committee unanimously recommended Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Schreck to serve as the Authority’s legal counsel. The Board accepted the
recommendation at its October 12 meeting, and adopted Resolution 092 entering into a
professional service agreement.
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Proposal:
In its interview and response to the posted RFP, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck demonstrated
a deep and thorough understanding of Urban Renewal of various scales across the State of
Colorado, HB 15 -1348 and related legislation, Land Use / Real Estate, Urban Renewal Tax
Increment negotiations, Urban Renewal dispute litigation, Urban Renewal Authority formation
experience and ability to support the Board with knowledge from both the municipal and Urban
renewal standpoint. Carolynne White, the proposed primary contact for the Authority, actively
provides training through Downtown Colorado Inc., the Colorado Municipal League, and has
been and will continue to be active in lobbying and negotiating legislative enactments relative to
urban renewal and downtown development authorities. She frequently provides training and
lectures to municipalities, elected officials, and students throughout the state on urban renewal.
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck has demonstrated experience with Urban Renewal in the
following municipalities:
• City of Lone Tree, CO
• City of Longmont, CO
• Arvada Urban Renewal Authority, CO
• Lyons URA, CO
• Colorado Springs URA, CO
• Glendale URA, CO
• Erie URA, CO
• Sterling URA, CO
• Golden URA, CO
• Timnath URA, CO
• Jefferson Center Metropolitan District, CO
• Delta URA, CO
Conflicts of Interest Disclosure:
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck acknowledged that although the Authority and City are legally
separate entities the Board is comprised with seven City Council members and that City Staff
will continue to provide support services to the Authority. As such, Brownstein Hyatt Farber
Schreck felt that it would be important for both their team and the City to be vigilant about
recognizing and observing appropriate protocols when discussing either Authority business, or
the business of the firm’s other clients, particularly those within the Northern Front Range
(NFR).
Regarding current and future clients who may have land issues before the City of Fort Collins,
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, does not believe this would constitute a conflict because the
City is a legally separate entity. If a future conflict were to arise, the firm’s internal Conflicts
Council will advise on the matter and determine if the conflict may be waived. Provided that the
conflict is waived by both parties, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck will enforce an “Ethical
Wall” prohibiting attorneys and policy consultants representing each party from any form of
communication concerning that matter.
On March 5, 2019, Carolynne White represented a land use client before City Council regarding
a matter unrelated to the Authority. As agreed upon in the professional services agreement, Ms.
White had, prior to the hearing, consulted with the firm’s internal ethics and conflicts counsel
prior to undertaking this representation who then confirmed the analysis that the because the
Authority is a separate legal entity from the City, there is no legal conflict. Additionally, she has
not had any conversations in public or private about this project with any members of Council.
Furthermore, she contacted the City Attorney regarding the matter to ensure the City was aware
of her representation of the client. During the hearing City Attorney Dagget similarly clarified at
the public hearing that the Urban Renewal Authority, which is represented by Ms. White, is a
separate governmental body from the City of Fort Collins and Councilmembers would not have
had any dialog with Ms. White regarding this matter.
At its next meeting, several Board members expressed concern about potential conflicts of
interest regarding Brownstein Hyatt Farber Shreck and thereby acted to form a committee to
examine if there is an ethical issue with Carolynne White appearing before City Council with
matters outside of the URA and if so, how to best mitigate the issue before City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Response to Request for Proposal 8797
2. Professional Service Agreement 8797
3. Resolution Number 092
4. Resolution Number 095
5. City Council Minutes: March 5, 2019
Prepared for
City of Fort Collins Purchasing
on behalf of the
Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
Response to Request for Proposal 8797
Legal Services for Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
Carolynne C. White
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
410 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2200
T 303.223.1197
F 303.223.0997
cwhite@bhfs.com
bhfs.com
DUE: Tuesday, September 4, 2018, 3:00 PM
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
COVER LETTER
QUALIFICATIONS
BROWNSTEIN TEAM
COST PROPOSAL
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
PROPOSAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
410 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2200
Denver, CO 80202-4432
main 303.223.1100
bhfs.com Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
Carolynne C. White
Attorney at Law
303.223.1197 tel
303.223.0997 fax
cwhite@bhfs.com
September 4, 2018
Via Email: purchasing@fcgov.com
Financial Services Purchasing Division
City of Fort Collins
215 N. Mason St., 2nd FL
Fort Collins, CO 80522
RE: Request for Proposal 8797 Legal Services for Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
To the URA Board of Commissioners:
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, (“Brownstein” or “the firm”) is pleased to submit the
following proposal in response to the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority (“Fort Collins URA” or
“URA”) Request for Proposal 8797 for legal services. Our firm would consider it a privilege to
provide legal representation to the Fort Collins URA Board of Commissioners.
Per the requirements of this RFP, we acknowledge our full capacity to immediately begin the
services necessary for this work and represent that we have the present capacity, experience
and qualifications to perform the professional services outlined in the Scope of Services of the
RFP. We also acknowledged receipt of Addendum No. 1 to this RFP 8797.
Brownstein is one of the few firms that has both a deep understanding of the challenges facing
municipalities and urban renewal authorities, and an understanding of what developers, property
owners, lenders and the market need in an urban renewal project. Brownstein can bring these
dual perspectives to bear on its work with Fort Collins URA to address its legal needs as outlined
in the Scope of Services in the RFP. We focus on practical solutions that advance projects and
position our clients for success. The successful execution of the services outlined in the RFP
requires the type of deep experience, talent, relationships and resources that Brownstein can
offer. We have developed an infrastructure that prides itself on providing the full spectrum of
services that our clients demand. Our consistency in meeting and exceeding all of our clients’
needs is built off the firm’s culture that when you hire Brownstein, you get all of our collective
assets focused on your projects.
One of the benefits of a firm like Brownstein is that the resources of our various specialty areas
can be made available to clients. Our Urban Renewal attorneys have experience in forming urban
renewal authorities; creating and adopting urban renewal plans; negotiating tax increment
financing agreements; if necessary, litigating urban renewal disputes; and providing legal
opinions for urban renewal bond transactions. We can also assist with strategic advice regarding
how to define the boundaries for one or more urban renewal plan areas, the best phasing for tax
increment authorization relative to market conditions, and related matters. Our attorneys have
developed this experience representing both the public and private sectors.
Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
September 4, 2018
Page 2
This experience, which is both broad and deep, will enable us to provide services to the Fort
Collins URA which meets all of the specifications detailed in the RFP.
Below is a summary of how we envision supporting the URA in this regard:
General Representation:
Attendance at URA regular and special meetings, study sessions or executive sessions,
as requested
Drafting of URA governance documents, or proposed amendments to same, such as
bylaws, policies and procedures, open records policies, etc.
Drafting of, or review and comment on, resolutions or ordinances related to the URA
matters
Review and comment regarding routine URA documents such as contracts, requests for
proposal, or purchase orders
Make recommendations regarding potential URA policies or changes to existing policies
related to governance, accounting and inter-fund transfers, transparency, or other
matters, based on statutory requirements and best practices among other urban renewal
authorities
Provide training to URA staff and Board members regarding urban renewal statutory and
regulatory requirements and provisions, conflicts of interest and ethics, and new
legislation, such as HB 15-1348
Prepare/draft, or review comment, on documents related to implementation of HB 15-
1348, such as notice letters, implementation schedules, impact reports, condition surveys,
plan documents, and agreements
Negotiate cooperation agreements with other taxing bodies such as fire districts, school
districts, county, or other entities, as applicable
Monitor ongoing regulatory processes on behalf of the URA, and submit comments or
otherwise seek to influence the outcome as appropriate
Advise the URA regarding the impacts and implementation of recent amendments to the
Assessor’s Reference Library (ARL) Chapter 12 (Tax Increment Financing)
Advise the URA regarding changes in the Colorado Open Meetings Law, the Colorado
Open Records Act, conflicts of interest for the URA Commissioners, and other laws
applicable to URAs
Negotiate agreements with developers, property owners, or other third parties on behalf of
the URA
As with all clients, Brownstein will maintain at all times the utmost confidentiality and
attorney client privilege with respect to all of the URA’s matters
Additional Services Available:
The RFP also references litigation services. In that regard, we’d like to highlight our expertise in
this arena, particularly in the area of defending actions brought pursuant to 106(a)(4) or
challenging other governmental actions, including actions brought pursuant to state and federal
civil rights statutes. We have defended numerous such lawsuits on behalf of municipal clients,
including perhaps most notably our broad experience on behalf of the City of Aurora, which is
highlighted further within the contents of the proposal.
Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
September 4, 2018
Page 3
We also have expertise in a variety of other areas which may become relevant to the URA,
including natural resources (water rights, water litigation, regulatory compliance and negotiations
with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment), state and federal government
relations, renewable energy and green building, and employment issues such as benefits,
ERISA, and related litigation.
Brownstein Values
Our relationships with our colleagues, clients and community are our biggest differentiator. We
deliver on those relationships through our core values — All In, Excellence, Respect and Giving
Back — and they in turn guide our decisions and actions each day.
Diversity – Brownstein maintains a Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee that ensures that our
efforts in this area are broad and effective. Diverse lawyers and policy professionals comprise
nearly 40% of Brownstein’s workforce, including 61% of our associates, counsel, policy advisors
and senior policy advisors; 34% of our partners; and 33% of our executive committee and
department chairs. We measure our success by our ability to retain and promote diverse
attorneys – both partners and associates – within our organization.
We believe that the unique backgrounds, life experiences and world views of our attorneys and
staff make us a better and more competitive firm in today’s marketplace. We recruit people from
varied backgrounds, races, genders, religions, sexual orientations and national origins, both as a
matter of business and because we believe in advancing diversity and inclusiveness in the legal
community.
Brownstein has achieved Mansfield Certification for 2018 from the Diversity Lab. Recently ranked
No. 8 in the country on The American Lawyer’s list of firms with the highest percentage of female
equity partners, Brownstein furthered its commitment to diversity by signing on to pilot the
Mansfield Rule 2.0 in 2019, which will include LGBTQ+ lawyers in addition to women and
attorneys of color. Mansfield 2.0 will also measure consideration for participation in client pitch
meetings and requests that participating law firms make appointment and election processes
transparent to all lawyers in their firms.
Community Involvement – Community involvement is part of our firm’s culture. We are
committed to giving back to the communities where we work and live, through board service,
hands-on volunteerism, sponsorships, donations and pro bono legal services. Even in a billable-
hour culture, our employees exemplify the spirit of philanthropy.
Last year, the firm supported more than 500 nonprofit organizations. More than 70 percent of the
attorneys and policy professionals at Brownstein sit on boards of nonprofit and civic
organizations. Firmwide, we provided more than 10,000 hours of pro bono legal services to help
underserved individuals and organizations. And more than 300 Brownstein team members
volunteered at Karma Projects — volunteer projects designed to engage our employees, clients,
families and friends in giving back to their communities through hands-on service.
Environmentally Friendly Offices – Brownstein has a cross-office Sustainability Committee to
serve as a resource and an advocate for environmental sustainability across the firm and as a
bridge between ideas and their practical implementation. Some of the firm’s main environmentally
friendly practices include: encouraging video conferencing in lieu of travel; secure bike station for
alternative commuting; uses energy efficient light bulbs; participates in a comingled recycling
Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
September 4, 2018
Page 4
program; participates in a composting program; encourages alternative forms of transportation;
and uses “green” vendors whenever possible.
In advance, thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you have
additional questions, or if I can provide additional information. We would be pleased to serve as
legal counsel to the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority.
Sincerely,
Carolynne C. White
Response to RFP 8797 Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Page 1
QUALIFICATIONS
State of Colorado Urban Renewal/Compliance with HB15-1348
Below is a selected list of the clients we are representing who are in the process of active
compliance with HB 15-1348. In these matters we have prepared checklists for compliance
activities, forms of documents of notifications and agreements, and master schedules for
compliance activities. We are working closely with consultants and staff to identify appropriate
data to gather and report in order to facilitate negotiations regarding tax increment; create
talking points, Frequently Asked Questions, and other materials for communication with the
public; prepare and deliver briefings for City Council and other governmental bodies; and
prepare and deliver public presentations to stakeholders.
• Colorado Springs. Adoption of new plan – Downtown/Olympic Museum area. In this
matter, we represent the principal property owner of the majority of land in the
downtown/Olympic Museum Area, and are working closely with the Colorado Springs
Urban Renewal Authority to implement negotiations and board appointments in
preparation for the City and Authority’s consideration of a new urban renewal plan for this
area.
• Commerce City. Adoption of new plan – Greyhound Park. In this matter, we represent
the Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority as special counsel, and assisted them with
negotiations and board appointments relative to the adoption of a new urban renewal
plan for the Greyhound park area.
• Delta. Adoption of new plan – Downtown. In this matter, we represent the City of
Delta/Delta Urban Renewal Authority, and are assisting them with resurrecting a defunct
urban renewal authority, and adopting a new plan for the downtown area. In this matter,
we are working to identify appropriate boundaries for the condition survey area, provide
required notices to property owners and other stakeholders, make strategic decisions
regarding boundaries for one or more TIF areas, work with the other taxing bodies to
negotiate tax increment sharing, and drafting final agreements and plan documents.
• Lyons. No trigger – preemptive compliance. We assisted the Town of Lyons in forming
the Lyons Urban Renewal Authority in 2013, and have served as general counsel to the
Authority since its formation. We are presently advising them regarding the potential
adoption of a new urban renewal plan, as well as assisting them in working with other
taxing bodies to share information about proposed undertakings and activities of the
Authority and projected tax increment revenues.
• Sterling. We have represented the Sterling Urban Renewal Authority as its general
counsel since 2005. In that capacity we have assisted Sterling in adoption of several new
urban renewal plans, coordination with other taxing bodies and with the County Assessor
regarding calculation of incremental tax revenues, and structuring of accounting in
compliance with the statute. More recently, SURA is entering into its first major TIF
Agreement with a developer post-HB 1348, and we are negotiating with the other taxing
bodies regarding a “hold harmless” agreement confirming that no additional compliance
activities are required and that the proposed undertaking is consistent with the already-
adopted urban renewal plan.
Carolynne is also active in providing training regarding HB 15-1348 through Downtown
Colorado Inc., and the Colorado Municipal League, and has been and will continue to be active
Response to RFP 8797 Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
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in lobbying and negotiating legislative enactments relative to urban renewal and downtown
development authorities. Carolynne and her colleagues have also participated deeply in recent
regulatory efforts surrounding the state Property Tax Administrator’s revisions to Chapter 12 of
the Assessor’s Reference Library, which provides methodologies for county assessors
statewide to calculate the increment for downtown development authorities and urban renewal
authorities, including submission of comments, and testimony before the Board of Equalization
and the Statutory Advisory Committee.
Urban Renewal/Public Agency
Carolynne has been practicing land use and municipal law in Colorado for 25 years. She began her
career at the Denver Water Board, and then served for five years as the Staff Attorney for the
Colorado Municipal League, serving as a resource on a wide variety of municipal issues for
municipal attorneys, staff and elected officials statewide. Since joining the firm in 2004, in addition to
representing both public and private clients, she has served on the Zoning Task Force of the City
and County of Denver, and frequently provides training and lectures to municipalities, elected
officials, and students throughout the state on zoning, land use, urban renewal, impact fees and
other municipal government topics. For example, she teaches Administrative Law for governmental
officials through the Certified Public Manager program at the University of Colorado, Denver, School
of Public Affairs, covering topics such as legislative v. quasi-judicial processes, ex parte
communications, conflict of interest, open meetings, and open records. She also holds two masters
degrees, in Urban and Regional Planning, and Public Policy, in addition to her law degree.
Our attorneys have experience in forming urban renewal authorities; negotiating urban renewal tax
increment financing plans, impact reports and agreements; litigating urban renewal disputes; and
providing legal opinions for urban renewal bond transactions. Our attorneys have developed this
experience representing both the public and private sectors.
In Colorado, select relevant public sector experience includes:
• City of Lone Tree, special counsel
• City of Longmont, special counsel for redevelopment
• Arvada Urban Renewal Authority, special counsel
• Lyons Urban Renewal Authority, general counsel
• Colorado Springs Downtown Development Authority, special counsel
• Glendale Urban Renewal Authority and Downtown Development Authority, special counsel
• Erie Urban Renewal Authority, general counsel
• Sterling Urban Renewal Authority, general counsel
• Golden Urban Renewal Authority, general counsel
• Timnath Urban Renewal Authority, special counsel
• Jefferson Center Metropolitan District, special counsel for urban renewal
• Delta Urban Renewal Authority, general counsel
Relevant Colorado private sector experience includes negotiating urban renewal redevelopment
agreements for the following major projects:
• Park Place – Arvada
• Solana Olde Town Station - Arvada
• Wal-Mart Supercenter – 120th and Sheridan, Broomfield
• Wal-Mart Supercenter – 72nd and Sheridan, Westminster
• Cornerstar – Arapahoe and Parker, Aurora
Response to RFP 8797 Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
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• Streets at Southglenn – University and Arapahoe, Centennial
• Twin Peaks Mall (Village at the Peaks)– Lone Tree
• Foothills Mall – Fort Collins
• Eagle River Station – Eagle
• Candelas – Arvada
• CitySet – Glendale
• Colorado National Bank Building – Denver
• Clear Creek Crossing, Wheat Ridge
Land Use
Brownstein understands the complicated balancing act required in this field, so the firm
assembles a team of experienced attorneys whose skills extend beyond transactional law and
into the long-term, strategic planning of real estate developments and public policy. Members of
the Brownstein Land Use Group are not only legal counselors but tireless public advocates as
well. We understand how to advise our clients in working with a wide variety of stakeholders,
from other governmental agencies, community groups, applicants, and outside constituencies.
The Land Use Group regularly deals with the interrelated concerns brought up by real estate
development and redevelopment, engineering and construction, water rights and remediation,
and environmental compliance and the regulatory environment. We represent a variety of
clients, including local governments, developers, corporations, lending institutions,
manufacturers, municipalities, ski areas, retail operations and property buyers. Our team is
familiar with the law, public policy issues, and strategy for handling a wide variety of
neighborhood issues such as noise, lighting, landscaping and traffic.
Sample Land Use representative matters include:
Representing the Glendale Urban Renewal Authority as special counsel for
implementation of the Glendale 180/Riverwalk project, a 22-acre mixed use
entertainment district scheduled to open to the public in 2017. This project represents
decades of planning by the City of Glendale and will be a destination based on the three
defining principles of culture, nature and leisure. Brownstein is representing the urban
renewal authority in negotiating a master development agreement with the selected
developer, and coordinating all aspects of project execution, including public and private
financing, property acquisition, and entitlements. This $175 million project is financed by
tax increment, public improvement fees, and private debt and equity.
Served as special counsel to the City of Henderson in renegotiating a package of
several development agreements and public finance agreements for an 8,500 unit
master planned community on former Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within
the City. Changes in the finance markets and consumer preferences following the
recession necessitated corresponding changes in the entitlements, public finance
projections and milestones for this significant development.
Representing Xcel Energy, dba Public Service Company of Colorado, in obtaining
approvals and negotiating agreements for a $1 billion wind project located in Lincoln,
Elbert, Cheyenne and Kit Carson Counties, including a 90 mile transmission line
traversing these four counties as well as Arapahoe County.
Response to RFP 8797 Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
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Serve as special counsel to the City of Sterling, Colorado, in issuing and RFP and
negotiating a development agreement with a developer for 45 acres of city-owned
property.
Served as special counsel to Logan County in creating an improvement district, and
negotiating a development and incentive agreement for a developer to bring a new
manufacturing facility to the county.
Obtaining approval of a County Class II land use permit for a controversial coal mine in
La Plata County, including negotiation of a road improvement agreement with the
County, and phased permit conditions.
General Legal Services & Real Estate
Brownstein’s Public Agency Group includes attorneys with experience in the particular
disciplines germane to public law. We have broad expertise in the full range of issues that are
presented to public agencies, including agency procedures (open meetings, public records,
meeting protocol, etc.), public contracting, ethics and conflicts of interest, elections, finance and
economic development, code enforcement, and liability/litigation. Representative areas of
expertise include water rights, land use permitting, construction contracting and management,
elections, eminent domain, environmental compliance, utility franchises, project finance, labor
and employment, and employee relations.
And as one of the largest and most recognized real estate practices in the western region, we
bring unparalleled experience, institutional knowledge and industry relationships. We can
provide a deep bench to handle today’s largest national real estate transactions, and we offer
comprehensive services related to purchase and sale, finance, lending, environmental law, land
use, eminent domain, water, public-private partnerships, business advisory and all other
elements necessary to a multi-faceted real estate deal. We focus on practical solutions that
advance projects and position our clients for success—regardless of the economic climate.
Sample Real Estate representative matters for the overall team include:
Successful representation of municipality seeking more than $140 million in state
funding for large-scale development projects under Colorado's Regional Tourism Act.
Negotiated on behalf of a municipality an amended and restated development
agreement and parks agreement with respect to a large master planned community.
Represented Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Group in a $35M sales transaction that
closed on May 11, 2018. Hines Acquisitions purchased approximately 2000 acres in
Douglas County from Lowe for the development of a high-end residential master
planned community on a spectacular piece of front range real estate with scenic vistas
and easy access.
Assisted client with acquisition and financing of property at 1500 & 1520 Market Street,
and 1321 15th Street in Denver, Colorado.
Led the zoning and land use diligence of the Colorado properties for Starwood Capital’s
acquisition of over $1.3 billion worth of Colorado multi-family projects from Equity
Residential. The portfolio acquisition that includes 18 Colorado properties located
between Boulder and metro Denver and totaling nearly 6,000 apartment units, was
among a larger 72- property deal which also included apartment projects in D.C.,
Response to RFP 8797 Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
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Florida, California and Seattle and totaled 23,262 apartment units at a $5.3 billion
aggregate sales price.
Litigation
Brownstein’s attorneys litigate and try cases before federal and state courts at the trial and
appellate levels, as well as before government agencies and arbitration tribunals. We are trial
lawyers skilled in efficiently and effectively accomplishing our clients’ objectives both in and out
of the courtroom. We believe your goals are best attained through preparing with an expectation
of trying and winning the case. Often, this approach enables our clients to succeed without a
trial, but when a case is tried, we are known for our ability — and results — in court. We also
represent clients’ interests outside the courtroom in pre-litigation dispute resolution, advising on
transactions and regulatory and administrative law issues.
Whether your matter spans a large geographic area, multiple legal theories or both, you will be
skillfully represented by a team with extensive experience in litigation tactics and cases at the
trial and appellate levels. Our group excels at trial work and understands that all cases start with
the premise that a dispute is going to trial unless, along the way, it becomes apparent that
arbitration or settlement best meets your business objectives.
Sample Municipal Litigation representative matters for the overall team include:
Successful representation of numerous zoning and land use challenges on behalf of
municipalities, including significant wins at District Court, Colorado Court of Appeals, and
at the Federal level (where taking and other constitutional challenges were raised).
Extensive successful representation of municipalities in numerous Rule 106
proceedings.
Successfully resolved nearly a decade of highly complex construction litigation claims
involving the construction of a courthouse and jail on behalf of a local government entity.
Claims for both projects involved construction defect allegations against the general
contractor, defective design and specification allegations against both architects, and
breach of contract allegations against a billion dollar global construction management
company with alleged damages in excess of 150 million dollars.
BROWNSTEIN TEAM
Brownstein is committed to providing top-quality counsel that is cost-effective, accessible and
comprehensive. On a practical level, it is through frequent communication and responsiveness
that we can best serve our clients and see projects through to completion. We take particular
pride in working closely with our clients as we are at our best when we are considered a part of
the client’s in-house team, and we thus look for opportunities where we can integrate fully with
them. We believe the best way to keep teams working efficiently is to assemble a group of
talented, dedicated professionals to each deal.
Specifically, the team we outline below, is formulated based on our understanding of your
needs, and can serve as strategic partners with URA and ensure seamless representation at all
points of contact. Additional team members can be added as the URA’s needs evolve. Our
success is reliant upon keeping every member of our team informed and leveraging all of our
talented professionals to your benefit.
Response to RFP 8797 Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
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Due to space limitations, the following contains a brief summary of the qualifications of the key
team members. Additional information, including recent publications and speaking
engagements on urban renewal related topics, can be found on the firm’s web site, as noted.
Carolynne C. White
Shareholder
303.223.1197
cwhite@bhfs.com
Carolynne, who would serve as primary contact for URA, is co-chair
of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Her practice spans the Land
Use, Government Relations, Real Estate and Natural Resources
groups. Carolynne is an experienced land use and public policy
attorney, with strong state and local government relationships, and
cutting-edge expertise. Her specialty is managing complex and
challenging projects and navigating multiple regulatory environments
for optimal outcomes for clients. Carolynne also holds a Masters
degree in Public Policy, and one in Urban and Regional Planning,
from the University of Colorado at Denver. She is also a LEED AP.
https://www.bhfs.com/people/attorneys/t-z/cwhite
Caitlin Quander
Shareholder
303.223.1233
cquander@bhfs.com
Caitlin has more than 9 years working on real estate matters with an
emphasis on land use and entitlements, acquisitions and dispositions,
zoning and development disputes, and serving as special and general
counsel to various governmental and quasi-governmental entities.
Caitlin understands the interplay between the public sector and
private real estate developers, working on various public-private
partnerships for complex projects involving infill redevelopment, urban
renewal, eminent domain, mixed use, transit-oriented development,
and PIFs and other public financing tools. Caitlin has negotiated both
on behalf of urban renewal authorities and developers before urban
renewal authorities, for tax increment and other sources of public
financing.
https://www.bhfs.com/people/attorneys/p-s/cquander
Martha L. Fitzgerald
Shareholder
303.223.1472
mfitzgerald@bhfs.com
Martha is a litigator with more than 30 years’ of broad experience in
municipal, environmental, and general commercial litigation. Martha’s
extensive representation of Colorado municipalities includes defense
of numerous appeals of administrative actions, including those arising
from zoning, licensing, property, environmental, and employment
disputes. She also has successfully represented municipalities in
§1983 actions, in challenges brought under the 4th and 1st
amendments to the Constitution against city officials, police and fire
command staff, and against individual officers, as well as challenges
to emergency dispatch procedures and to the sufficiency of Colorado
Open Records responses.
https://www.bhfs.com/people/attorneys/c-f/mfitzgerald
Response to RFP 8797 Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Page 7
COST PROPOSAL
Listed below are our standard and discount hourly rates. However, we are also willing to
explore additional pricing structures, such as flat fees or blended rate billing. Many of our public
entity and urban renewal clients have such arrangements, which usually take the form of a fixed
monthly fee for all standard counsel services (drafting or reviewing resolutions, telephone
consultation, attendance at regularly scheduled meetings), with separate hourly or other pricing
for other specific tasks which may be reimbursable from other sources (such as negotiation of a
TIF Agreement with a developer). In this way, clients can achieve budgetary predictability, while
still obtaining the highest possible quality and depth of legal services.
In such arrangements, we typically agree on a fixed fee for a 6 or 12-month period. Rather than
providing for a true-up procedure, which would be counter to the purpose of achieving
budgetary predictability, we instead agree to revisit the scope of services at the conclusion of
the contract period, and agree at that time on a new or adjusted fixed rate for the next
contractual period, assuming the client wishes to continue the arrangement.
In order to arrive at a satisfactory alternative billing structure, it is critical that we understand the
scope of work with as much precision as possible, and the City and Urban Renewal Authority’s
expectations. We routinely suggest and design alternative fee arrangements after meeting with
clients and developing a deep understanding of their needs.
If selected, we are willing to discuss these or other alternative fee arrangements at your
convenience.
In the absence of an alternative fee arrangement, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck's fees are
based primarily on the actual amount of time spent by our attorneys, paralegals, law clerks and
specialists in performing services for our clients. Our hourly rates are periodically adjusted. The
following are the 2018 regular and proposed discounted hourly rates for URA for each member
of the team we have designated:
Attorney Name Attorney Level
Standard
Hourly
Rates
Discounted
Hourly
Rates
Special
Government Rate
(if applicable)
Carolynne White Shareholder $590 $535 $495
Caitlin Quander Associate $435 $395
Martha Fitzgerald Shareholder $655 $595 $495
In addition to charging fees for legal work, we will charge for certain out-of-pocket costs incurred
by our firm in representing clients. Charges for long distance telephone calls, facsimile charges,
in-office copying, ordinary postage and deliveries made by in-house staff are covered by an
administrative fee, currently equal to 2.5% of the legal fees charged. This administrative fee is in
lieu of itemizing those expenses and may be adjusted over time. Other fees, such as filing fees,
service of process fees, transcript and deposition charges, computer-assisted legal research
fees, overnight delivery service charges, travel, meals, hotel accommodations, expert witnesses
and investigative fees will be itemized and billed separately. On occasion, the firm may ask that
a client pay the party providing those services directly.
Response to RFP 8797 Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Page 8
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
While Brownstein currently represents clients who have business before the City of Fort Collins,
we do not presently represent any clients who are actively engaged in business involving the
Fort Collins URA. The only client we have represented in that capacity is the redeveloper of the
Foothills Mall, Alberta Development Partners (“Alberta”). That engagement is largely concluded
as it relates to the URA, although it is possible that matters could arise in the future.
For any matters which could arise with respect to the redevelopment of the Foothills Mall, it
would not be possible for the firm to represent the Fort Collins URA. In such event, we would
request that the URA agree to a waiver to allow our firm to continue to represent Alberta, and
the URA would need to retain separate counsel.
However, for all of our other clients who may have land use issues before the City of Fort
Collins, we believe this would not constitute a conflict, because the City is a legally separate
entity from the URA. Indeed, we understand this to be the partial impetus behind the need to
secure outside counsel for the URA. Some of these current clients include Lennar, North Town
Investments, K&M Properties, Harmony McMurray, and Lamar Outdoor Advertising. We would
request that the City and URA agree that the firm could continue to represent these and other
firm clients with respect to matters involving the City, typically seeking of land use entitlements,
or providing input on City policies such as metropolitan districts, green building ordinances, and
sign code changes.
Notwithstanding the fact that the City and the URA are legally separate entities, we do
understand and acknowledge that seven city council members will continue to serve on the
URA Board, and that City staff will continue to provide support services to the URA. As such, if
our firm is selected, it will be important for both our team and City staff to be vigilant about
recognizing and observing appropriate protocols when discussing either URA business, or the
business of the firm’s other clients.
Our firm includes an in-house Conflicts Counsel, who advises us on such matters, and who we
can consult whenever questions arise.
In general, and in addition to those matters identified in the preceding paragraphs, Brownstein is
committed to recognizing and preventing professional conflicts of interest, organizational
conflicts of interests and apparent conflicts of interests. If a future conflict were to arise, if our
Conflicts Counsel confirms that the conflict is a waivable one, we would approach both parties
to request consideration of a waiver. Provided that the conflict is waived by both parties, we
have the ability to create and strictly enforce an "Ethical Wall" prohibiting attorneys and policy
consultants representing each party from any form of communication concerning that matter
with any Brownstein attorney or policy consultant representing the other party.
EXHIBIT A
PROPOSAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Attorney/firm hereby acknowledges receipt of the City of Fort Collins Request for Proposal
and acknowledges that it has read and agrees to be fully bound by all of the terms, conditions
and other provisions set forth in the RFP. Additionally, the Attorney/firm hereby makes the
following representations:
a. All of the statements and representations made in this proposal are true to the best
of the Attorney/firm’s knowledge and belief.
b. The Attorney/firm has obtained all necessary authorizations and approvals that
will enable the Attorney/firm to commit to the terms provided in this proposal.
c. This proposal is a firm and binding offer, for a period of 60 days from the date hereof.
d. I further agree that the method of award is acceptable.
e. I also agree to complete the proposed Agreements with the City of Fort Collins within
30 days of notice of award.
f. If contract is not completed and signed within 30 days, City reserves the right to
cancel and award to the next highest rated firm.
g. I acknowledge receipt of addenda.
Firm Name: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP
Physical Address: 410 17th Street, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202
Remit to Address: 410 17th Street, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303.223.1100
Authorized Agent of Firm Name: Carolynne C. White
Signature of Authorized Agent: ________________________________________
Primary Contact for Project: Carolynne C. White
Title: Attorney at Law Email Address: cwhite@bhfs.com
Phone: 303.322.1197 Cell Phone:
Page 7 of 16
8797 URA Legal Service – Professional Services Agreement Page 1 of 10
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into the day and year set forth below, by and
between the FORT COLLINS URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY (the “URA”) and Brownstein
Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLC hereinafter referred to as the "Professional".
WITNESSETH:
In consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations herein expressed, it is agreed
by and between the parties hereto as follows:
1. Scope of Services. The Professional agrees to provide services in accordance with the
scope of services attached hereto as Exhibit A, consisting of two (2) page(s), and
incorporated herein by this reference.
2. Contract Period. This Agreement shall commence December 10, 2018 and shall
continue in full force and effect until December 9, 2019, unless sooner terminated as
herein provided. In addition, at the option of the URA, the Agreement may be extended for
additional one year periods not to exceed four (4) additional one year periods. Renewals
and pricing changes shall be negotiated by and agreed to by both parties. Written notice of
renewal shall be provided to the Professional and mailed no later than thirty (30) days prior
to contract end.
3. Compensation. The Professional agrees to provide services at the rates set forth in the
below table for the listed individuals, or, for individuals not listed on the below table, at the
lowest available discount rate provided to other governmental entities for that individual.
After the Professional has provided services for sufficient time to propose a fixed fee
based on a clear understanding of the scope and volume of services, estimated to be six
months or less, the Professional will propose a fixed monthly fee for the duration of this
contract. Work performed pursuant to subsequent renewals, if exercised by the URA,
shall be at a fixed monthly rate to be proposed by the Professional and approved by the
URA prior to the commencement of each additional one-year extension period.
Attorney Name Attorney Level
Standard
Hourly
Rates
Discounted
Hourly
Rates
Special
Government Rate
(if applicable)
Carolynne White Shareholder $590 $535 $495
Caitlin Quander Shareholder $435 $395
Martha Fitzgerald Shareholder $655 $595 $495
4. Early Termination by URA. Notwithstanding the time periods contained herein, the URA
may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause by providing written notice of
termination to the Professional. Such notice shall be delivered at least fifteen (15) days
prior to the termination date contained in said notice unless otherwise agreed in writing by
the parties.
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8797 URA Legal Service – Professional Services Agreement Page 2 of 10
All notices provided under this Agreement shall be effective when mailed, postage prepaid
and sent to the following addresses:
Professional: URA: Copy to:
Brownstein Hyatt Farber
Schreck, LLC
Attn: Carolynne C. White
410 Seventeenth
Suite 2200
Denver, CO 80202-4432
Fort Collins Urban
Renewal Authority
Attn: Josh Birks
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
City of Fort Collins
Attn: Purchasing Dept.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
In the event of any such early termination by the URA, the Professional shall be paid for
services rendered prior to the date of termination, subject only to the satisfactory
performance of the Professional's obligations under this Agreement. Such payment shall
be the Professional's sole right and remedy for such termination.
5. Indemnity and Insurance Responsibility. The Professional shall be responsible for the
professional quality, technical accuracy, timely completion and shall, without additional
compensation, promptly remedy and correct any errors, omissions, or other deficiencies.
The Professional shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the URA, its officers and
employees in accordance with Colorado law, from all damages whatsoever claimed by
third parties against the URA; and for the URA's costs and reasonable attorney’s fees,
arising directly or indirectly out of the Professional's negligent performance of any of the
services furnished under this Agreement. This indemnity provision only applies to those
third-party claims to the extent that coverage for such claims is provided in Professional’s
professional liability insurance. The Professional shall maintain insurance in accordance
with Exhibit B, consisting of one (1) page, attached hereto and incorporated herein.
6. License. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Professional grants to the URA an
irrevocable license to use any and all work product resulting hereunder (the “Instruments
of Service”), in any form whatsoever and in any medium expressed, for any purpose
provided that the URA substantially performs its obligations under the Agreement. The
license granted hereunder permits the URA and third parties reasonably authorized by the
URA to reproduce applicable portions of the Instruments of Service for use in performing
services. This license shall survive termination of the Agreement by default or otherwise.
7. URA Representative. The URA will designate, prior to commencement of work, its project
representative who shall make, within the scope of his or her authority, all necessary and
proper decisions with reference to the project. All requests for contract interpretations,
change orders, and other clarification or instruction shall be directed to the URA
Representative.
8. Monthly Report. Commencing thirty (30) days after the date of execution of this
Agreement and every thirty (30) days thereafter, Professional is required to provide the
URA Representative with a written report of the status of the work with respect to the
Scope of Services, Work Schedule, and other material information. Failure to provide any
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8797 URA Legal Service – Professional Services Agreement Page 3 of 10
required monthly report may, at the option of the URA, suspend the processing of any
partial payment request.
9. Independent Contractor. The services to be performed by Professional are those of an
independent contractor and not of an employee of the URA. The URA shall not be
responsible for withholding any portion of Professional's compensation hereunder for the
payment of FICA, Workers' Compensation, other taxes or benefits or for any other
purpose.
10. Subcontractors. The Professional may not subcontract any of the Work set forth in the
Exhibit A, Statement of Work without the prior written consent of the URA, which shall not
be unreasonably withheld. If any of the Work is subcontracted hereunder (with the
consent of the URA), then the following provisions shall apply: (a) the subcontractor must
be a reputable, qualified firm with an established record of successful performance in its
respective trade performing identical or substantially similar work, (b) the subcontractor will
be required to comply with all applicable terms of this Agreement, (c) the subcontract will
not create any contractual relationship between any such subcontractor and the URA, nor
will it obligate the URA to pay or see to the payment of any subcontractor, and (d) the
Work of the subcontractor will be subject to inspection by the URA to the same extent as
the Work of the Professional.
The Professional shall require all subcontractors performing Work hereunder to maintain
insurance coverage naming the URA as an additional insured under this Agreement of the
type and with the limits specified within Exhibit “B”, consisting of one (1) page attached
hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. The Professional shall maintain a copy
of each subcontract’s certificate evidencing the required insurance. Upon request, the
Professional shall promptly provide the URA with a copy of such certificate(s).
11. Personal Services. It is understood that the URA enters into the Agreement based on the
special abilities of the Professional and that this Agreement shall be considered as an
agreement for personal services. Accordingly, the Professional shall neither assign any
responsibilities nor delegate any duties arising under the Agreement without the prior
written consent of the URA.
12. Acceptance Not Waiver. The URA 's approval of drawings, designs, plans, specifications,
reports, and incidental work or materials furnished hereunder shall not in any way relieve
the Professional of responsibility for the quality or technical accuracy of the Work. The
URA's approval or acceptance of, or payment for, any of the services shall not be
construed to operate as a waiver of any rights or benefits provided to the URA under this
Agreement.
13. Default. Each and every term and condition hereof shall be deemed to be a material
element of this Agreement. In the event either party should fail or refuse to perform
according to the terms of this agreement, such party may be declared in default.
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8797 URA Legal Service – Professional Services Agreement Page 4 of 10
14. Remedies. In the event a party has been declared in default, such defaulting party shall
be allowed a period of ten (10) days within which to cure said default. In the event the
default remains uncorrected, the party declaring default may elect to (a) terminate the
Agreement and seek damages; (b) treat the Agreement as continuing and require specific
performance; or (c) avail himself of any other remedy at law or equity. If the non-
defaulting party commences legal or equitable actions against the defaulting party, the
defaulting party shall be liable to the non-defaulting party for the non-defaulting party's
reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred because of the default.
15. Binding Effect. This writing, together with the exhibits hereto, constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties and shall be binding upon said parties, their officers,
employees, agents and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the respective survivors,
heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of said parties.
16. Law/Severability. The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern the construction,
interpretation, execution and enforcement of this Agreement. In the event any provision
of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision
of this Agreement.
17. Prohibition Against Employing Illegal Aliens. Pursuant to Section 8-17.5-101, C.R.S., et.
seq., the Professional represents and agrees that:
a. As of the date of this Agreement:
1. The Professional does not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien who
will perform work under this Agreement; and
2. The Professional will participate in either the e-Verify program created in Public
Law 208, 104th Congress, as amended, and expanded in Public Law 156, 108th
Congress, as amended, administered by the United States Department of
Homeland Security (the “e-Verify Program”) or the Department Program (the
“Department Program”), an employment verification program established pursuant
to Section 8-17.5-102(5)(c) C.R.S. in order to confirm the employment eligibility of
all newly hired employees to perform work under this Agreement.
b. The Professional shall not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to perform
work under this Agreement or knowingly enter into a contract with a subcontractor that
knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien to perform work under this
Agreement.
c. The Professional is prohibited from using the e-Verify Program or Department Program
procedures to undertake pre-employment screening of job applicants while this
Agreement is being performed.
d. If the Professional obtains actual knowledge that a subcontractor performing work
under this Agreement knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien, the
Professional shall:
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8797 URA Legal Service – Professional Services Agreement Page 5 of 10
1. Notify such subcontractor and the URA within three days that the Professional has
actual knowledge that the subcontractor is employing or contracting with an illegal
alien; and
2. Terminate the subcontract with the subcontractor if within three days of receiving
the notice required pursuant to this section the subcontractor does not cease
employing or contracting with the illegal alien; except that the Professional shall not
terminate the contract with the subcontractor if during such three days the
subcontractor provides information to establish that the subcontractor has not
knowingly employed or contracted with an illegal alien.
e. The Professional shall comply with any reasonable request by the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment (the “Department”) made in the course of an
investigation that the Department undertakes or is undertaking pursuant to the
authority established in Subsection 8-17.5-102 (5), C.R.S.
f. If the Professional violates any provision of this Agreement pertaining to the duties
imposed by Subsection 8-17.5-102, C.R.S. the URA may terminate this Agreement. If
this Agreement is so terminated, the Professional shall be liable for actual and
consequential damages to the URA arising out of the Professional’s violation of
Subsection 8-17.5-102, C.R.S.
g. The URA will notify the Office of the Secretary of State if the Professional violates this
provision of this Agreement and the URA terminates the Agreement for such breach.
18. Special Provisions. Special provisions or conditions relating to the services to be
performed pursuant to this Agreement are set forth in Exhibit C - Confidentiality, consisting
of one (1) page, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
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8797 URA Legal Service – Professional Services Agreement Page 6 of 10
FORT COLLINS URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
By: _________________________________
Darin Atteberry, Executive Director
Date: ______________________________
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
BROWNSTEIN HYATT FARBER SCHRECK, LLC
By:
Date:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 16F6CD04-5929-4D22-9F19-D58D71047279
12/13/2018
Deputy City Attorney
12/17/2018
City Clerk
8797 URA Legal Service – Professional Services Agreement Page 7 of 10
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
RFP 8797 LEGAL SERVICES FOR FORT COLLLINS URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
I. Purpose
The Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority (“URA”) seeks a qualified Attorney or Attorneys to
provide legal representation to the URA Board of Commissioners. The Fort Collins URA may
contract with more than one Attorney or Law firm. Specifically, the URA is seeking an
Attorney or Attorneys in good standing, licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado, to
perform the following:
To prepare for, attend and provide advice at URA board meetings;
To assist in the preparation and review of resolutions and URA agenda packets in
advance of URA board meetings;
To assist in the preparation and review of agreements between:
o The URA and other governmental entities regarding the allocation of Tax
Increment,
o The URA and private entities regarding the rehabilitation, reuse, or
redevelopment of property within defined Urban Renewal Plan Areas, and
o The URA and the City regarding services provided and compensation for such
services.
To assist in the preparation and review of new or amendments to existing Urban
Renewal Plans and other similar documents of the URA;
To provide the Fort Collins URA with periodic updates on changes in the laws
pertaining to the Colorado’s Urban Renewal Law, the Colorado Open Meetings Law,
the Colorado Open Records Act, conflicts of interest provision for the URA
Commissioners, and other laws applicable to URAs;
To adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct and other guidelines of professional
conduct stated in statutes, rules, court decisions, codes, or canons; and
To act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing clients.
II. Scope of Services
Legal Services required by the Fort Collins URA include, but are not limited to:
General Legal Services: this work may include contract/document review, drafting
ordinance and resolutions, review and interpretation of State/Federal/Local laws,
regulations, rulings, personnel matters, insurance, and providing written and oral
legal opinions to the Board and staff.
Real Estate: this work may include the purchase, sale and transfer of land and
improved property including the use of eminent domain, if needed.
Land Use: this work may include interpreting land use code, advising staff and Fort
Collins URA Board members concerning policy and enforcement.
Litigation: Request the ability to manage, conduct and/or oversee litigation in all
Courts. In special or complex matters, assist the Board in obtaining services of
outside counsel.
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8797 URA Legal Service – Professional Services Agreement Page 8 of 10
The Attorney must represent that s/he has the present capacity, experience, and
qualifications to perform professional services. Minimum qualifications include:
Licensed by the State of Colorado Bar and admitted to practice law in the State of
Colorado,
Knowledge of Colorado’s Urban Renewal Law,
Knowledge of real estate, land use and local government law,
Knowledge of general legal principles and practices, rules of evidence and rules of
civil procedure,
Knowledge of local, state, and constitutional laws applicable to URAs,
Ability to analyze and appropriately apply case law, and
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
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Official Purchasing Document
Last updated 10/2017
8797 URA Legal Services - Professional Services Agreement
Page 9 of 10
EXHIBIT B
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. The Professional will provide, from insurance companies acceptable to the URA, the
insurance coverage designated hereinafter and pay all costs. Before commencing Work
under this bid, the Professional shall furnish the URA with certificates of insurance
showing the type, amount, class of operations covered, effective dates and date of
expiration of policies.
In case of the breach of any provision of the Insurance Requirements, the URA, at its
option, may take out and maintain, at the expense of the Professional, such insurance
as the URA may deem proper and may deduct the cost of such insurance from any
monies which may be due or become due the Professional under this Agreement. The
URA, and its officers, agents and employees shall be named as additional insureds on
the Professional 's general liability and automobile liability insurance policies for any
claims arising out of Work performed under this Agreement.
2. Insurance coverages shall be as follows:
A. Workers' Compensation & Employer's Liability. The Professional shall maintain
during the life of this Agreement for all of the Professional's employees engaged in
Work performed under this agreement:
1. Workers' Compensation insurance with statutory limits as required by
Colorado law.
2. Employer's Liability insurance with limits of $100,000 per accident,
$500,000 disease aggregate, and $100,000 disease each employee.
B. Commercial General & Vehicle Liability. The Professional shall maintain during the
life of this Agreement such commercial general liability and automobile liability
insurance as will provide coverage for damage claims of personal injury, including
accidental death, as well as for claims for property damage, which may arise
directly or indirectly from the performance of Work under this Agreement.
Coverage for property damage shall be on a "broad form" basis. The amount of
insurance for each coverage, Commercial General and Vehicle, shall not be less
than $1,000,000 combined single limits for bodily injury and property damage.
In the event any Work is performed by a subcontractor, the Professional shall be
responsible for any liability directly or indirectly arising out of the Work performed
under this Agreement by a subcontractor, which liability is not covered by the
subcontractor's insurance.
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Official Purchasing Document
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8797 URA Legal Services - Professional Services Agreement
Page 10 of 10
EXHIBIT C
CONFIDENTIALITY
IN CONNECTION WITH SERVICES provided to the and the Fort Collins Urban Renewal
Authority (the “URA”) pursuant to this Agreement (the “Agreement”), the Professional hereby
acknowledges that it has been informed that the URA has established policies and procedures
with regard to the handling of confidential information and other sensitive materials.
In consideration of access to certain information, data and material (hereinafter individually and
collectively, regardless of nature, referred to as “information”) that are the property of and/or
relate to the URA or its employees, customers or suppliers, which access is related to the
performance of services that the Professional has agreed to perform, the Professional hereby
acknowledges and agrees as follows:
That information that has or will come into its possession or knowledge in connection with the
performance of services for the URA may be confidential and/or proprietary. The Professional
agrees to treat as confidential (a) all information that is owned by the URA, or that relates to the
business of the URA, or that is used by the URA in carrying on business, and (b) all information
that is proprietary to a third party (including but not limited to customers and suppliers of the
URA). The Professional shall not disclose any such information to any person not having a
legitimate need-to-know for purposes authorized by the URA. Further, the Professional shall
not use such information to obtain any economic or other benefit for itself, or any third party,
except as specifically authorized by the URA.
The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, the Professional understands that it shall have no
obligation under this Agreement with respect to information and material that (a) becomes
generally known to the public by publication or some means other than a breach of duty of this
Agreement, or (b) is required by law, regulation or court order to be disclosed, provided that the
request for such disclosure is proper and the disclosure does not exceed that which is required.
In the event of any disclosure under (b) above, the Professional shall furnish a copy of this
Agreement to anyone to whom it is required to make such disclosure and shall promptly advise
the URA in writing of each such disclosure.
In the event that the Professional ceases to perform services for the URA, or the URA so
requests for any reason, the Professional shall promptly return to the URA any and all
information described hereinabove, including all copies, notes and/or summaries (handwritten or
mechanically produced) thereof, in its possession or control or as to which it otherwise has
access.
The Professional understands and agrees that the URA’s remedies at law for a breach of the
Professional’s obligations under this Confidentiality Agreement may be inadequate and that the
URA shall, in the event of any such breach, be entitled to seek equitable relief (including without
limitation preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and specific performance) in addition to all
other remedies provided hereunder or available at law.
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-1-
RESOLUTION NO. 092
OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE FORT COLLINS URBAN
RENEWAL AUTHORITY APPOINTING THE AUTHORITY’S NEW LEGAL
COUNSEL AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER
INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE LEGAL
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THAT LEGAL COUNSEL
WHEREAS, on August 24, 2018, the Board of Commissioners of the Fort Collins Urban
Renewal Authority (the “Board”) adopted Resolution No. 091 to create an ad hoc committee to
participate in the process of identifying candidates for new legal counsel for the Fort Collins Urban
Renewal Authority (the “Authority’), including conducting interviews of those candidates and
making a recommendation to the Board for the Board’s selection of new legal counsel (“Selection
Committee”) ; and
WHEREAS, the Board appointed four commissioners in Resolution No. 091 to serve on
the Selection Committee, Chair Wade Troxell, Commissioner Stephens, Commissioner Ray
Martinez and Commissioner Bob Overbeck; and
WHEREAS, Authority staff issued a request for proposals for these new legal services (the
“RFP”) and received seven proposals, which proposals were reviewed by staff and narrowed down
to three proposals for the Selection Committee to review and to conduct interviews of the
proposers; and
WHEREAS, the Selection Committee has conducted its interviews of the proposers and is
recommending that the Board appoint and retain Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck as the
Authority’s new legal counsel and to authorize to Executive Director to enter into a professional
services agreement for the legal services to be provided to the Authority by Brownstein, Hyatt,
Farber, and Schreck.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF
THE FORT COLLINS URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY that Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
is hereby appointed as the Authority’s new legal counsel and the Executive Director is authorized
to enter into a professional services agreement with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck on behalf of
the Authority on terms and conditions consistent with the RFP and 8797 Professional Services
Agreement for Legal Services to the Urban Renewal Authority proposal and on such other terms
and conditions as the Executive Director determines are necessary to protect the Authority’s
interests.