Port Arthur council hires Lloyd Gosling to negotiate contract for proposed waste facility

The City of Port Arthur council voted to authorize an engagement letter with the law firm Lloyd Gosling to provide professional legal services for contract negotiations related to a proposed facility that would receive waste not permitted under the city's current landfill permit. Council member Frank made the motion, which the mayor seconded; the council approved it by voice vote.

Council member Frank said the engagement would cover "contract negotiations for the study, design, permit, construction, and operation of a facility that will receive waste that is not currently permitted under the current city's landfill permit." The motion was seconded by the mayor and carried after the council returned from closed executive session.

The item had been discussed in closed session under sections of chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code cited by the council: legal advice and contract negotiations. The city attorney had identified the agenda item earlier to permit confidential legal deliberation and to protect the city's bargaining position.

The vote was recorded by voice; the council called for ‘‘ayes’’ and the mayor declared the motion passed. The motion does not specify a dollar amount for the engagement nor the precise scope of services beyond the summary language used in the motion. The council did not put a numeric vote tally on the record during the open session.

Next steps are for the city manager and city attorney to finalize the engagement letter and for the law firm to begin negotiations as directed in the engagement, subject to standard city contracting procedures.