Agenda 01/15/2008 Item #16K 6
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation that the Board of Count)' Commissioners authorize the law firm of
Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt PA and ,1. Terrence Porter, Esq. to represent former
County employee Bernice Forester in the matter entitled Darling Elie, et al. 1'. Collier
County, et al.; Case No. 07-I463-CA.
OBJECTIVE: Recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners authorize the law
firm of Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt PA and J. Terrence Porter, Esq. to represent former
County employee Bernice Forester in the matter entitled Darling Elie, et al. v. Collier County, et
aJ.: Case \10. 07-1463-CA.
CONSIDERA TIONS: The County will retain the law finn of Henderson Franklin Starnes &
Holt PA and, specifically, J. Terrence POlier, Esq. of that firm to represent fonner County
employee, Berniee Forestcr (he.reinaller "Forester"), in the pending litigation. On October I I,
2004, Forester, an EMS driver, was transporting Plaintiff. who was pregnant, from Immokalee to
Naples Community Hospital. As Forester drove Plaintiff to the hospital, Forester lost control of
the ambulance due to heavy rain and standing water on Immokalee Road and the ambulanee
went off the road, ejecting Plaintiff who was strapped to a stretcher. Plaintiff has 1iled and
served its Complaint against Collier County and William E. Mountford, Assistant County
Attorney is handling that defense. Plaintiff also sued and recently served its Complaint upon
Forester, individually. Pursuant to Resolution No. 95-632, the Board of County Commissioners
shall pro\ide Forester legal representation, as Forester Wi" acting within the scope of her
employment.
For professional serviees rendered, Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt PAs' fee shall be based
on thc hourly rate as follows:
Terrence Porter and other partners:
Associates:
Paralegal:
$175.00 per hour
$140.00 per
$90.00 per
In addition to the charges for professional fc'es set above, the County shall reimburse Henderson
Franklin Starnes & Holt PA hI' out-ofpocket expenses rcasonably incurred in the course of
rendering such legal services, including costs of long distance calls, printing, costs of
reproduction. and necessary travel expenses incurred in accordance with the requirements of
Chapter] 12, F.S. Henderson Fl'anklin Starnes & Holt PA shall not charge for travel of attorneys
bctween its offices so that it C~lI1 provide 1lle best available and most appropriate lawyer in any of
its officc locations Jor the issue'S involved.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are budgeted and available in the Risk Management Property &
Casualty Fund.
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GROWTH MANAGEMENT 1'\1I'ACT: There is no grmvlh management impact associated
with this Executive Summary.
LEGAL CONSIDER,\, TlONS: Both the County Attorney and the Risk Management Director
opine that Forester"s actions \vcre \vithin the scupc of her cmplo)'mcnL thus owing her legal
representation.
RECOMMENDe\TlON: That the 130ard authorize the law finn of Henderson Franklin Starnes
& I-Iolt PA and J. TelTence Porter. Esq. to represent flll'mc:f County cmployee Bernice Forester in
the matter entitled Darling Elie. ('I (/1. I'. Collier County. ('101.. Case No. 07-1463-CA and funher
authorize the Chairman of the Board of' County Commissioners to execute all necessary
documents.
PREPARED BY: William E. Mountfclrd, Assistant Count) /\ttorney
(Ie) (,411/2199
Page I of I
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COLLIER COUNTY
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Item Number:
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Item Summary:
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