Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 08-03-2026
Title:
title
Approval of and authorization to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Troutman Pepper Locke, for providing counsel and legal advice regarding RLUIPA and Department of Justice Pre-Suit investigation and accompanying litigation and Pre-Suit investigation and accompanying litigation related to the City’s denial of a rezoning request by the Islamic Society of Tulsa
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Background:
Troutman Pepper Locke is a well-respected law firm with vast knowledge and experience involving investigations initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice concerning the City’s zoning and land-use practices under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA. The City Attorney is recommending retention of this firm due to the firm’s expertise in Civil Rights litigation and DOJ Investigations
Currently, the City is being investigated by the Department of Justice for investigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice concerning the City’s zoning and land-use practices under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA); as well as addressing a pre-suit investigation into the City’s denial of the Islamic Center of Tulsa’s rezoning request.
The attached Professional Services Agreement memorializes retention of the firm, costs and the hourly rates to be charged. The firm charges a blended rate of $925.00 an hour for attorneys who work on this matter.
Routine costs such as copying and postage are addressed in the Agreement. Costs and fees for this matter will be paid by the City as incurred.
Cost: As incurred
Funding Source: General Fund
Requested By: Trevor Dennis, City Attorney
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation:
recommend
Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Troutman Pepper Locke and authorize its execution.
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