2.1 DESCRIPTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NEEDED It is the Borough’s intent to solicit Responses from Respondents that have expertise in the provision of the required services that are the subject of this RFQ. Firms responding to this RFQ shall be able to demonstrate that they have the continuing capabilities to perform the specific services for which a Response is submitted, and that they possess the necessary professional license to do so. 2.1.1 PLANNING/ZONING BOARD ATTORNEY The attorney/law firm must have the following: • Respondent shall have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of Planning/Zoning, specifically Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL), Coalition on Affordable Housing (COAH) and be familiar with the Master Plan and Chapter 106 of the Code of the Borough of Garwood; • Experience in the County of Union minimum five (5) years; • Satisfy all other requirements as set forth by New Jersey state law and the Code of the Borough of Garwood Package to include: • Resume of attorney and staff attorneys that would be providing legal services • Copies of all certificates, degrees and any other training certifications • Brief narrative of abilities • 3 references • Cost per hour for attorney, paralegals and support staff • Cost per meeting attendance. • Itemized list of all other fees and charges • Statement as to whether any of the principals of the firm or the firm itself has been convicted of a crime within the last 5 years • Statement as to whether any of the principals of the firm of the firm itself has received a target letter from a grand jury • Certification as to the truth of the above two statements • All documents on USB stick included with submission 2.1.2 REDEVELOPMENT ATTORNEY The attorney/law firm must have the following: • Experience in Redevelopment Law: A minimum of five (5) years of practice in Redevelopment Law, and at least one (1) year of service as a municipal attorney (or substitute municipal attorney) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-139, in one or more municipalities within New Jersey. Possession of a Diplomate in New Jersey Municipal Law Courses is strongly preferred. • Specialized Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise in property acquisition through eminent domain and familiarity with the Abandoned Property Rehabilitation Act (N.J.S.A. 55-19-78 et seq.). • Redevelopment Services: Ability to provide comprehensive legal services for redevelopment initiatives, including the development, implementation, structuring, and financing of projects. • Contract Negotiation and Drafting: Proficiency in negotiating and preparing redevelopment agreements, leases, easements, and use and occupancy agreements. • Financial Agreements: Experience negotiating and preparing financial agreements related to tax exemptions, abatements, and payments in lieu of taxes under the Long- and Short-Term Tax Exemption Acts. The attorney must also assist project teams with legal issues arising from environmental assessments in redevelopment areas and initiate eminent domain proceedings when necessary. • Coordination with Borough Administrator: Responsibility for engaging a redevelopment planner, financial advisor, and communications consultants, as needed, in consultation with the Borough Administrator. • Legislative and Transactional Expertise: Demonstrated ability in drafting ordinances, resolutions, municipal contracts, redevelopment plans, agreements, and other legal instruments. Must also possess experience in zoning, planning, municipal law, redevelopment financing, eminent domain and condemnation, real estate transactions, and matters involving contaminated property. • Attendance: Required to attend meetings as scheduled by the governing body or as otherwise directed. • Litigation Experience: Extensive experience representing public entities in Redevelopment Law matters at both the trial and appellate levels in the Federal and State Courts of New Jersey. • Compliance: Must satisfy all other requirements established under New Jersey state law and the Code of the Borough of Garwood. Package to include: • Resume of attorney and staff attorneys that would be providing legal services. • Brief narrative of abilities • Copies of all certificates, degrees and any other training certifications • 3 references • Cost per hour for attorney, paralegals and support staff • Cost per meeting attendance • Itemized list of all other fees and charges • Documents listed in the notice including the Contributions Statement • Statement as to whether any of the principals of the firm or the firm itself has been convicted of a crime within the last 5 years • Statement as to whether any of the principals of the firm of the firm itself has received a target letter from a grand jury • Certification as to the truth of the above two statements • The Borough of Garwood does not reimburse for travel cost • All documents on USB stick included with submission
