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AGENDA ITEM <br />Date: February 24, 2025 <br />Title: Engagement of Legal Defense Services <br />Presenter: Adam Edwards, City Administrator / Engineer <br />Section: Consent Agenda <br />Item: 8 <br />Purpose: <br />The purpose of this council item is to engage the services of an attorney to defend the city in the <br />Dennis Walsh v. Orono & Lusian case. (27-CV-25-2808) <br />2. Background: <br />The city was served with a lawsuit naming the City and the City Clerk asking the court to direct <br />the city and the clerk to cancel the special election scheduled to take place on May 13, 2025. See <br />Petition at Exhibit A. This case is not covered by our insurance so LMCIT will not be naming a <br />defense attorney. Staff reached out the Mr. David Zoll of Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP for <br />legal representation in this matter. <br />3. Cost: <br />The hourly rates are listed in Exhibit B. Based on other election cases the firm has represented the <br />cost of this will likely be $45,000-$65,000. Expenses for this case will be billed to the insurance <br />fund. <br />4. Staff Recommendation: <br />I recommend engaging Mr. David Zoll to represent the City and the City Clerk in this case. <br />COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED <br />Move to approve the engagement letter for legal services at Exhibit B. <br />Exhibits <br />A. MCRO_27-CV-25-2808 Petition-Other_2025-02-15 20250218132411 <br />B. 2025-02-18 City of Orono and Lusian Engagement Letter <br />53 <br />