Agenda Item Name:
Title
Phosphate Mine professional services agreement between Alachua County, Union County and de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A., and Interlocal Agreement between Alachua County and Union County
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Presenter:
Sylvia Torres
Description:
Union County has requested Alachua County's assistance and support with defending the recent environmental resource protection amendments to Union County's comprehensive plan and land development regulations from a Bert Harris action brought by HPS II. The assistance and support comes in the form of a waiver and authorization to allow de la Parte & Gilbert, the firm representing Alachua County in the matter, to represent and assist Union County's counsel and an agreement that Alachua County will pay the costs associated with de la Parte & Gilbert's services. If the agreements are executed, Union County will be required to seek the recovery of fees and costs if they are the prevailing party in the litigation, including those fees and costs associated with de la Parte & Gilbert's services, and repay Alachua County to the extent fees and costs are recovered.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the agreements and authorize the Chair to execute the agreements on behalf of the County. Direct staff to return with the necessary budget amendment to fund the agreements.
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Prior Board Motions:
On March 23, 2021, the Board reaffirmed the County's support for Union County and directed staff to return with necessary contract and budget amendments to protect environmental resources.
On September 22, 2020, the Board requested an update on the phosphate mine at a future meeting. Staff updated Board by email "Update on a few regionally significant environmental issues" (dated Sept. 30, 2020), attached.
On December 10, 2019, the Board received a presentation by contracted experts regarding the proposed Union/Bradford County phosphate mine (attached). The Board directed staff to prepare a chair letter to Bradf...
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