ORDINANCE NO. 260275
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Sponsor: Director of Law Department
Authorizing the City Attorney to execute a sole source specialized legal services contract with the law firm of Grant & Eisenhofer, P.A. for the provision of legal services related to certain firefighter protective gear; and waiving contract solicitation and award provisions.
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WHEREAS, the City issues firefighters certain protective gear commonly known as "turnout gear" or "bunker gear;" and
WHEREAS, the City has learned that some of this protective gear contains PFAS chemicals, resulting in elevated risks to firefighters; and
WHEREAS, the manufacturers, distributors, and others involved in the provision of this protective gear were aware of the risks associated with PFAS chemicals and failed to disclose those risks to the City and to provide adequate safety warnings, rendering the products defective and unsafe; and
WHEREAS, City's costs for mitigating firefighter exposure to PFAS laden gear, as well as replacement and disposal of the protective gear will be significant; and
WHEREAS, the City would like to explore the possibility of litigation against those involved in the development, design, manufacture, distribution, marketing, selling, providing, or otherwise facilitating delivery and, if reasonably feasible, file suit against them; and
WHEREAS, the City needs specialized outside counsel to investigate and work with City personnel to investigate and evaluate the possibility of litigation, and if reasonably feasible, to file suit or suits representing the City; and
WHEREAS, the firm of Grant & Eisenhofer, P.A. specializes in representing public entities in both class action and complex litigation matters, as well as particular expertise in PFAS-related litigation; and
WHEREAS, Grant & Eisenhofer currently represents other governmental entities in a class action suit with claims similar to those the City might have; and
WHEREAS,...
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