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HRA Regular Session 5. 5. <br />Meeting Date: 04/24/2012 <br />By: Darren Lazan, Housing & <br />Redevelopment Authority <br />Title: <br />Consider Letter of Engagement for Legal Services <br />Background: <br />Early on the organization of the development management structure for The COR, the HRA considered several <br />options for legal services related to our activities in the project. Considering the extent of the involvement in <br />previous efforts during acquisition, it was decided that Tom Bray, and the firm of Briggs and Morgan was our best <br />option to continue providing legal services. At that time, we considered several options for these services including <br />the use of several firms, and Mr. Goodrich for these services. The rational then was that we would work over the <br />first year or two to clean up title, organize our platting and surveys, develop standard agreements and a process for <br />developing documents for potential land transactions. <br />Over the last two years we have accomplished much of this work, and the Development Management Team would <br />like the HRA to consider the use of additional resources on the project. <br />Fabtanske, Westra, Hart, and Thomson is located in Minneapolis, and we have used them effectively on a recent <br />project. Judith Krow has extensive experience in real estate law, and in particular dealing with commercial <br />transactions. Attached is an engagement letter covering her efforts to date, and any future efforts the HRA may <br />find well suited for her expertise. <br />Notification: <br />Observations: <br />Information on FWHT Commercial Real Estate Experience <br />Information on Judy Krow <br />Recommendation: <br />The Development management Team would recommend Mr. Bray remain involved as Senior Counsel on The <br />COR, but that we use specialty counsel if /when appropriate. The HRA could also make use of Mr. Goodrich more <br />frequently as an effective and cost efficient way to manage efforts in the project. <br />The Development Team requests the HRA direct staff to execute the attached engagement letter for past services, <br />and provide feedback as to the use of other legal resources in The COR. <br />Funding Source: <br />HRA Legal Budget <br />Council Action: <br />Provide consensus direction on the provision of legal services in The COR. <br />Attachments <br />