Board of Estimate and Contract:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION
OF COUGHLIN & GERHART LLP TO ASSIST
THE LAW DEPARTMENT WITH GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW SECTION 207(A) AND 207(C) MATTERS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 153 of the Charter of the City of Mount Vernon, the Corporation Counsel, with the written consent of the Mayor, is authorized to engage legal counsel for compensation as approved by the Board of Estimate and Contract in proceedings involving the City; and
WHEREAS, by letter dated April 9, 2026, the Corporation Counsel recommended the retention of the Coughlin & Gerhart LLP to represent the City of Mount Vernon in certain General Municipal Law ("GML") Section 207(a) and 207-c matters, including file review, appeal hearings, disability retirement applications, administrative hearings, Article 78 proceedings, arbitrations and related actions and proceedings; and
WHEREAS, Coughlin & Gerhart LLP also provides legal advice on applicable federal and state laws, including, but not limited to, the Civil Service Law, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, NYSHRL, and other civil litigation matters; and
WHEREAS, this retainer is necessary to update the former retainer with the expired rates and the new rates will be a discounted hourly rate of $300 per hour for partners, special counsel, and of counsel; $245 per hour for associates; and $190 per hour for paralegals; and
WHEREAS, funding for this engagement is available under Budget Code A8020.405 (Contracted Outside Services), Law Department 2026 Budget;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Estimate & Contract of the City of Mount Vernon hereby ordains and enacts as follows:
Section 1. Authorization to per diem counsel. Coughlin & Gerhart LLP is hereby authorized to be retained to represent the City of Mount Vernon in certain GML Section 207(a) and 207(c) matters, subject to approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.
Section 2. Compensation. Coughlin & Gerhart L...
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