Board of Estimate & Contract:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
RETENTION OF ZARIN & STEINMETZ AS
SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR THE PLANNING BOARD’S
REVIEW OF LAND USE APPLICATIONS
Whereas, pursuant to Section 153 of the Charter of the City of Mount Vernon, the Corporation Counsel, with the written consent of the Mayor, may employ counsel at such compensation as may be agreed upon by the Board of Estimate and Contract in proceedings in which the City is a party; and
Whereas, by letter dated March 18, 2025, the Corporation Counsel has recommended that this Board retain Zarin & Steinmetz (the “Firm”) to represent the City for legal work throughout Westchester County and is commensurate with that of other attorneys and law firms who work for the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the law firm of Zarin & Steinmetz possesses significant experience in land use, zoning, and municipal law and is well-qualified to assist the Planning Board with its review of these applications and for the complexity of certain land use and zoning matters necessitates the engagement of outside legal counsel with specialized expertise in these areas; and
Whereas, the Firm has agreed to provide legal services to the City at the following hourly rates:
• Partners: $375 per hour
• Associate Attorneys: $335 per hour
• Paralegals: $150 per hour
Whereas, funding for this engagement is available under Budget Code A1420-405 (Outside Contracted Services); and
Whereas, the Engagement Letter from Zarin & Steinmetz, dated December 17, 2024, outlines the scope of services to be provided; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Retain Special Counsel. Zarin & Steinmetz is retained as Special Counsel to assist the Planning Board in evaluating land use applications that require zoning approval or involve complex land use matters.
Section 2. Scope of Services. The Firm shall provide legal services on an as-needed basis, including but not limited to:
1. Reviewing and advising on development projects requiring rezoning.
2. Reviewing applications involving complex land use and zoning considerations.
3. Taking any necessary or appropriate legal actions to protect the City’s interests in relation to land use applications.
Section 3. Compensation. The Firm shall be compensated based on the agreed-upon hourly rates as outlined in the Engagement Letter dated December 17, 2024. The total legal fees shall be determined based on the scope and complexity of the matters assigned.
Section 4. Funding Source. Funds for this engagement shall be drawn from Budget Code A1420-405 (Outside Contracted Services).
Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.