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We also assist with enforcement of rental maintenance codes and zoning codes, including <br />through the administrative hearing process. <br />Government Data Practices <br />This firm frequently fields questions under the Minnesota Government Data <br />Practices Act and has given numerous speeches and presentations on the statute and its <br />application. We also draft requests for opinions from the Department of Administration <br />when requested, assist with data requests, and defend cities from claims that they violated <br />the MGDPA. We have considerable depth of experience in this area. <br />Contract Law <br />We draft, review and litigate all kinds of contracts, such as construction contracts <br />(AIA, EJCDC and custom), purchase and development agreements (discussed above), <br />non -real estate purchase agreements, collective bargaining agreements, etc. A common <br />contract issue concerns the application and interpretation of the bid law. Mr. Langel is <br />routinely sought for his expertise in this area and is a frequent presenter on the topic. <br />Franchise / Utility Law <br />Mr. Langel has negotiated multiple cable and utility franchise agreements for <br />several cities. Mr. Langel is also general counsel for the Brainerd Public Utility <br />Commission (water, sewer and electric utilities) and represented it in a franchise fee <br />dispute. Mr. Langel has also represented cities in disputes with utility users over utility <br />fees, connection requirements and debt collection. <br />Municipal Leases <br />Mr. Langel has drafted, reviewed, and negotiated dozens of leases for various <br />government entities, both as landlord and lessee. Mr. Langel routinely assists cities with <br />landlord/tenant issues, including lease violations and non-payment. <br />Trial / Litigation <br />As municipal attorneys, we have handled numerous litigation matters for our <br />clients in state and federal court. We have represented our municipal clients in contract, <br />condemnation, code enforcement, assessment appeals, land use appeals, annexation and <br />other litigation. For example, Mr. Langel and Christian Shafer prevailed at the Court of <br />Appeals on two landmark special assessment cases involving over $1 million in <br />assessments for interstate interchange improvements. Mr. Langel also recently <br />represented Brainerd in a contract claim lawsuit brought by a utility contractor and is <br />currently representing a county on a sewer utility contract claim. We also represent cities <br />7 <br />