TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 7, 2014
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to increase purchase order and amend the agreement with the law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP for legal services related to disciplinary proceedings involving District employees and related litigation, in an amount of $80,000.00, from an amount of $215,000.00, to an amount not to exceed $295,000.00, Account 101-30000-601170, Purchase Order 3072886
Body
Dear Sir:
On May 31, 2012, the Executive Director approved retention of the law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP to provide legal services to the District in an amount not to exceed $9,500.00 concerning an investigation of employee conduct regarding the handling of certain contracts.
As of July 22, 2014, the attached list of change orders has been approved. The effect of these change orders resulted in an increase in the amount of $205,500.00 from the original amount awarded of $9,500.00. The current value of the contract is $215,000.00. The prior approved change orders reflect a 2163% increase to the original contract value.
Since the prior change order, there have been seven hearing dates as well as mediation in the discharge proceeding currently pending before the Civil Service Board, and it is anticipated that multiple additional hearing dates and witnesses will be necessary before the hearing process is completed. Additionally, on May 20, 2014, the Respondent to the discharge proceeding filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") alleging disability discrimination. The District recently submitted its Position Statement to the EEOC denying the discrimination charge.
This change order is in compliance with the Illinois Criminal Code because the change is in the best interest of the District.
It is hereby recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize the Director of Procurement and Materials Management to execute a change order to increase the purchase order and amend the agreement in an amount of $80,000.00 (37.21% of the current contract value) from an amount of $215,000.00 to an amount not to exceed $295,000.00.
Funds are available in Account 101-30000-601170.
Requested, Ronald M. Hill, General Counsel, RMH:LAG:JBM:TN:kk
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for August 7, 2014.
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