Item Coversheet

TOWN OF DAVIE
TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

Item Number: 13.

To:Mayor and Councilmembers
From:Allan Weinthal
Prepared By:Allan Weinthal - Town Attorney
Subject:Resolution 
Affected District:Town Wide
Item Request:Schedule for Council Meeting
Title of Agenda Item:AMENDMENT - A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF DAVIE, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH GREGG ROSSMAN, P.A. D/B/A ROSSMAN LEGAL FOR THE TOWN OF DAVIE CODE COMPLIANCE DIVISION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Executive Summary: 

The Office of the Town Attorney provides extensive and robust in-house legal representation to the Town, including the Town Code Enforcement Division. The Town Code Enforcement Division, in conjunction with the Town Attorneys Office, has substantially increased the volume of cases brought forth to the Special Magistrate. A member of the Town Attorneys Office attends all Special Magistrate hearings, as legal counsel representing the Town of Davie.

 

Due to staffing changes within the Town Attorneys Office, additional Florida Licensed Attorneys are needed to augment the Office and provide representation at Code Enforcement Hearings. Rossman Legal brings decades of legal experience and years of institutional knowledge in representing the Town of Davie Police Department. Currently Rossman Legal provides legal guidance to the Town Code Enforcement Division, but does not represent the Town at Special Magistrate hearings. This First Amendment increases the monthly fee paid to Rossman Legal from $6,200 to $10,000, bringing the annual total from $75,000 to $120,000 for Rossman Legal to represent the Town of Davie Code Enforcement Division and provide Red Light and Speed Safety Camera legal guidance. 

 

Rossman Legal agrees to represent the Town in non-appellate red light and speed camera program litigation and hearings, upon request from the Town Attorney or Town Administrator. The Town shall be responsible for any filing fees, court costs, or court reporter costs associated with the litigation.

 

Due to savings in legal expenses, a budget transfer is not necessary. 

Key Points:
  • Due to staffing changes within the Town Attorneys Office, additional Florida Licensed Attorneys are needed to augment the Office and provide representation at Code Enforcement Hearings. Rossman Legal brings decades of legal experience and years of institutional knowledge in representing the Town of Davie Police Department.
  • Currently Rossman Legal provides legal guidance to the Town Code Enforcement Division, but does not represent the Town at Special Magistrate hearings.
  • This First Amendment increases the monthly fee paid to Rossman Legal from $6,200 to $10,000, bringing the annual total from $75,000 to $120,000 for Rossman Legal to represent the Town of Davie Code Enforcement Division and provide Red Light and Speed Safety Camera legal guidance.
  • Due to savings in legal expenses, a budget transfer is not necessary. 
Previous Actions:R 2025-223
Concurrences:

Fiscal Impact:
Has request been budgeted?Yes
If yes expected cost:Approximately $3,800 per month for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Account name and number:001.02.100.514.53101 Prof Svc - Legal Expense
If no, amount needed:
Account name funds will be appropriated from
Additional CommentsFunds are available due to savings in legal expenses.

Recommendation:Motion to approve

Strategic Goals This Item Supports:
Nurturing the health, safety, and welfare of the community


ATTACHMENTS:
File NameDescription
Resolution_-_First_Amendment_Professional_Services_Agreement_-_Gregg_Rossman_P.A._(Code).docxResolution
First_Amendment_to_Contract_for_Professional_Services_Rossman_Legal.pdfFirst Amendment
Town_Attorney_Contract_Summary_Exemption_Form_Rossman_Legal_Signed.pdfTown Attorney Contract Summary Exemption Form
R_2025-223_Contract_with_Gregg_Rossman__P.A._DBA_Rossman_Legal_for_Code_Compliance_Division.pdfR 2025-223