HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4.C 12/07/2015Agenda Item #4.0
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DATE: December 7, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City Manager
FROM: Da St . RASCE — Director, Public Works and Utilities
Kent aro hers, P.E. — Operations Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services
Agreement for the 2016 Utility Rate and Capacity Fee Study
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Authorizing the City
Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement for 2016 Utility Rate and Capacity Fee
Study.
BACKGROUND.
The Reed Group prepared the most recent utility rate study in November 2011. The finding in
the study increased wastewater rates by four percent and included the issuance of new debt for
the sewer treatment plan. The study made recommendations for utility rates for the period of
2012 to 2016 that were adopted by Council on December 5, 2011 by Resolution Numbers 2011-
165 N.C.S and 2011 -166 N.C.S. The rates have automatic escalators to account for increases in
consumer price index and cost of wholesale water. The utility capacity fees were revised on
August 27, 2012 during the process of restructuring all City development fees under Resolution
Numbers 2012 -126 N.C.S and 2012 -127 N.C:S. Bartle Wells performed the related study for the
water and wastewater capacity fees based on the best available financial information at the time,
including the demand analysis from the 2010 Urban Water Management Plan. The capacity fees
are increased by the Engineering News Record construction cost index every year.
In order to rely on automatic annual rate escalators, California Prop 218 requires a new rate
study every 5 years. A new rate study is also recommended to respond to changes in recycled
and potable water demand, operational costs, capital improvements, and the impacts of future
development. The study will use conclusions from the 2015 Urban Water Management Plan.
The proposed action meets Council Goal: "Prepare Financial Forecasts and Establish/Revise
Reserve Policies for Enterprise and Special Revenue Funds ".
DISCUSSION
On July 29, 2015, a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Utility Rate Study for User Rates and
Capacity Fees was distributed to six firms by the Public Works and Utilities Department. The
following firms responded to the RFP: Bartle Wells Associates, HF &H Consultants and Willdan
Financial Services.
After careful consideration, review of similar project deliverables, review of cost proposals, and
interviews with two firms, Bartle Wells Associates of Berkeley, CA was determined to be the
firm best suited to perform these services. There were eight criteria identified in the RFP used by
the selection committee to determine the most qualified proposal: responsiveness to terms and
conditions of the RFP, demonstrated understanding of the project requirements, qualifications
and experience, the firm's overall professional quality, demonstrated success of clients adopting
the recommended fees, project schedule, project approach and scope of services, and ability to
execute the City's standard Professional Services Agreement. Bartle Wells Associates was
selected because they provided the most comprehensive proposal, which illustrated their
extensive experience providing water, sewer, and recycled water rate analysis with local
municipalities.
Bartle Wells Associates scope of services includes data collection, development of a ten -year
financial plan, cost -of- service rate analysis for user rates, and capacity fee analysis. The services
provided will also include Proposition 218 compliance, benchmarking and comparisons of rates
to other similar cities and districts, and analysis of recycled water cost of services. Bartle Wells
Associates satisfactorily prepared the 2012 Capacity Fee Study and has done rate studies for the
City in the past. The proposed scope of work is included in Attachment 2.
The rate study is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016 and adopted in early 2017. Any
adjustments to the existing rates would be expected to be made beginning July 1, 2017.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The consulting services will be performed on a time and materials basis, not to exceed $98,990.
Sufficient funds were allocated in the FY 15/16 budget in Water (6700.67100.54140) and
Wastewater (6600.66100.54110) to support the project.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. PSA Agreement
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Attachment 1
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE
2016 UTILITY RATE STUDY PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma wishes to update the Utility User Rates and Capacity
Fees; and
WHEREAS, this project requires the services of a qualified professional financial
consulting firm familiar with similar projects; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma circulated a Request for Proposal on July 29, 2015 and
three (3) proposals were received; and
WHEREAS, the proposals were reviewed and evaluated and Bartle Wells Associates of
Berkeley, CA was selected as the consultant for the project; and
WHEREAS, Bartle Wells Associates ability to produce quality work on financial rate
study projects has been demonstrated in the City of Petaluma and in other Northern California
municipalities; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends the City execute a professional services agreement with
Bartle Wells Associates for financial consulting services in order to complete the 2016 Utility
Rate Study.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma hereby authorizes the City Manager to sign the Professional Services Agreement for
financial consulting services with Bartle Wells Associates for the 2016 Utility Rate Study in the
amount not to exceed $98,990.
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Attachment 2
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
Utility Rate Study for User Rates and Capacity Fees
(Title of Project)
FY
Fund #
Cost Center
Object Code Project #
Amount $
For multi -year contracts
or contracts with multiple accounts:
FY 15/16
Fund # 6600
Cost Center 66100
Object Code 54110 Project #
Amount $24,747.50
FY 15/16
Fund # 6700
Cost Center 67100
Object Code 54140 Project #
Amount $24,747.50
FY 16/17
Fund # 6600
Cost Center 66100
Object Code 54110 Project #
Amount $24,747.50
FY 16/17
Fund # 6700
Cost Center 67100
Object Code 54140 Project #
Amount $24,747.50
FY
Fund #
Cost Center
Object Code Project #
Amount $
THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ( "Agreement ") is entered into and effective
as of , 20 ( "Effective Date "), by and between the City of Petaluma, a
(city use only)
municipal corporation and a charter city ( "City ") and Bartle Wells Associates a California
Corporation ( "Consultant ") (collectively, the "Parties ").
WHEREAS, the Parties enter into this Agreement for the purpose of Consultant providing
professional services to City under the terms and conditions set forth herein.
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties
agree as follows:
1. Services. Consultant shall provide the services as described in and in accordance with
the schedule set forth in Exhibit. "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein
( "Services ").
2. Compensation, Business Tax Certificate.
A. For the full performance of the Services as described herein, City shall
compensate Consultant in accordance with the rates specified in Exhibit A.
B. Consultant shall submit detailed monthly invoices reflecting all services
performed during the preceding month, and including a revised schedule for
performance and additional documentation requested by City, as applicable.
C. Consultant shall be compensated for services in addition to those described in
Exhibit A, only if Consultant and City execute a written amendment to this
Agreement describing the additional services to be performed and the
compensation to be paid for such services. In no case shall the total compensation
under this Agreement exceed $98,990 without prior written authorization of the
City Manager. Further, no compensation for a section or work program
component attached with a specific budget shall be exceeded without prior written
authorization of the City Manager.
D. Notwithstanding any provision herein, Consultant shall not be paid any
compensation until such time as Consultant has on file with the City Finance
Department a current W -9 form available from the IRS website (www.irs.goy)
and has obtained a currently valid Petaluma business tax certificate.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
(609321) August2015 4
E. City's obligation to pay compensation to Consultant as provided herein is
contingent upon Consultant's performance of the Services pursuant to the terns
and conditions of this Agreement and any amendments thereto.
3. Term. The term of this Agreement commences on the Effective Date, and terminates on
December 31, 2017, unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section 4. Upon
termination, any and all of City's documents or materials provided to Consultant and any
and all of the documents or materials'prepared for City or relating to the performance of
the Services, shall be delivered to the City as soon as possible, but not later than fourteen
(14) days after termination of the Agreement.
4. Termination. City may terminate this Agreement without cause upon ten (10) days'
written notice. City may immediately terminate or suspend this Agreement for cause.
Cause for immediate termination or suspension shall include, but not be limited to, any
breach of this Agreement by Consultant or Consultant's bankruptcy or insolvency. Upon
receipt of notice of termination or suspension for cause, Consultant shall immediately
stop all work in progress under this Agreement. In the event of early termination of this
Agreement by City, Consultant shall be entitled to payment for all Services performed to
the date of termination to the extent such Services were performed to the satisfaction of
City in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If City terminates
this Agreement for cause, Consultant shall be liable to City for any excess cost City
incurs for completion of the Services.
5. Consultant's Representation; Independent Contractor. Consultant represents that
Consultant possesses distinct professional skills in performing the Services. City has
relied upon said representation as a material inducement to enter into this Agreement.
Consultant shall, therefore, provide properly skilled professional and technical personnel
to perform all Services under this Agreement. It is expressly understood that Consultant
and its agents and employees, shall act in an independent capacity and as an independent
contractor and not as officers, employees or agents of City. This Agreement shall not be
construed as an agreement for employment.
6. Facilities and Equipment. Consultant shall, at its sole cost and expense, furnish all
facilities and equipment that may be required for furnishing Services pursuant to this
Agreement. City shall furnish to Consultant no facilities or equipment, unless the City
otherwise agrees in writing to provide the same.
7. Licenses, Permits, Etc. Consultant shall, at Consultant's sole cost and expense, keep in
effect at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits or other such
approvals which are legally required for performing the Services.
8. Time. Consultant shall devote such time to the performance of the Services as may be
reasonably necessary for satisfactory performance of Consultant's obligations pursuant to
this Agreement.
9. Inspection. Consultant shall provide the City every reasonable opportunity to ascertain
that the Services are being performed in accordance with the requirements and intentions
of this Agreement. All work done and materials furnished, if any, shall be subject to
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inspection and approval by the City. The inspection of such work shall not relieve
Consultant of any of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
10. Progress Reports. Upon the City's request, Consultant shall provide, in a form
acceptable to City, written progress reports of all oral and written observations, opinions,
recommendations, analyses, progress and conclusions related to Consultant's
performance of the Services.
11. Confidentiality. In the course of Consultant's employment, Consultant may have access
to trade secrets and confidential information, disclosure of which is protected or limited
by law. Consultant shall not directly or indirectly disclose or use any such confidential
information, except as required for the performance of the Services.
12. Conflict of Interest. Consultant represents that it presently has no interest, and
covenants that it shall not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, financial or otherwise,
which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the Services
hereunder. Consultant further covenants that, in the performance of this Agreement, it
shall not employ any subcontractor or person having such a conflict of interest.
Consultant represents that no one who has or will have any financial interest under the
Agreement is an officer or employee of City. If such conflict of interest arises during this
Agreement or any extension, Consultant will immediately advise City and City may, at
its sole discretion, immediately terminate this Agreement. Certain Consultants are
subject to the requirements, including the disclosure and reporting requirements, of the
City's Conflict of Interest Code adopted pursuant to the Political Reform Act. Such
Consultants subject to the City's Conflict of Interest Code include those whose work may
involve: making government decisions regarding approval or adoption of rates, rules, or
regulations, action on permits or other applications, authorization to enter into or modify
contracts, or approval of plans, designs, reports, or studies. Consultant agrees to comply
fully with all such requirements to the extent they apply to Consultant's performance of
the Services.
13. Consultant No Agent. Except as City may specify in writing, Consultant shall have no
authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of City in any capacity whatsoever as an
agent. Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, pursuant to this Agreement
to bind City to any obligation whatsoever.
14. Standard of Performance. Consultant shall perform all the Services in a manner
consistent with the standards of Consultant's profession. All instruments of service of
whatsoever nature, which Consultant delivers to City pursuant to this Agreement, shall be
prepared in a substantial, workmanlike manner and conform to the standards of
Consultant's profession. All such instruments of service shall become the sole and
exclusive property of City upon delivery of the same.
15. Assignment/Transfer. No assignment or transfer in whole or in part of this Agreement
shall be made without the prior written consent of City.
16. Subcontractors. Consultant shall directly perform all Services, and shall not subcontract
any portion of performance of the Services without the prior written consent of City.
Any such subcontractors shall be required to comply, to the full extent applicable, with
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the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including but not limited to, procuring and
maintaining insurance coverage as required herein and which shall name City as an
additional insured.
17. Compliance With All Laws. Consultant shall fully comply with all applicable local,
state and federal rules, laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to the performance of
the Services required hereunder, including but not limited to, the California Building
Standards Code as in effect in the City, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and any laws
and regulations related to any copyright, patent, trademark or other intellectual property
right involved in performance of the Services. Consultant's failure to comply with any
law(s) or regulation(s) applicable to the performance of the Services hereunder shall
constitute a material breach of this Agreement. To the extent that any other government
agency or entity provides compensation for any Services, Consultant shall comply with
all rules and regulations applicable to such fiscal assistance.
18. Living Wage Ordinance. Without limiting the foregoing Section 17, Consultant shall
comply fully with all applicable requirements of Petaluma Municipal Code, Chapter 8.36,
Living Wage (the "Living Wage Ordinance "), as the same may be amended from time to
time. Upon the City's request Consultant shall promptly provide to the City documents
and information verifying Consultant's compliance with the requirements of the Living
Wage Ordinance, and shall within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Effective Date of this
Agreement, notify each of its affected employees as to the amount of wages and time off
that are required to be provided to them pursuant to the Living Wage Ordinance. The
Acknowledgement and Certification Pursuant to City of Petaluma Living Wage
Ordinance, attached to this Agreement as Exhibit C shall be a part of this Agreement for
all purposes, and Consultants that are subject to Living Wage Ordinance requirements, as
determined by the City, must provide a properly completed Exhibit C in accordance with
the requirements of the Living Wage Ordinance. Consultant's noncompliance with the
applicable requirements of the Living Wage Ordinance shall constitute cause for City's
termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 4 hereof.
19. Discrimination. During the performance of this Agreement, Consultant shall not
discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion,
creed, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age or physical or
mental disability in violation of any applicable law.
20. Notice. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, all notices to be sent pursuant
to this Agreement shall be made in writing, and sent to the Parties at their respective
addresses specified below or to such other address as a Party may designate by written
notice delivered to the other Party in accordance with this Section. All such notices shall
be sent by:
(i) personal delivery, in which case notice is effective upon delivery;
(ii) certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, in which case notice shall be
deemed delivered on receipt if delivery is confirmed by a return receipt;
(iii) nationally recognized overnight courier, with charges prepaid or charged to the
sender's account, in which case notice is effective on delivery if delivery is
confirmed by the delivery service; or
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(iv) facsimile transmission, in which case notice shall be deemed delivered upon
transmittal, provided that (a) a duplicate copy of the notice is promptly delivered
by first -class or certified mail or by overnight delivery, or (b) a transmission
report is generated reflecting the accurate transmission thereof. Any notice given
by facsimile shall be considered to have been received on the next business day if
it is received after 5:00 p.m. recipient's time or on a nonbusiness day.
City: City Clerk
City of Petaluma
Post Office Box 61
Petaluma, California 94953
Phone: (707) 778 -4360
Fax: (707) 778 -4554
Email: cityclerk @ci.petaluma.ca.us
And:
City of Petaluma
Kent Carothers
202 N. McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
Phone: 707 - 778 -4580
Fax: 707 - 206 -6034
Email: kcarotherskei.petaluma.ca.us
Consultant: Alex Handlers
Bartle Wells Associates
1889 Alcatraz Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone: 510- 653 -3399
Fax: 510- 653 -3769
Email: alexkbartlewells.com
21. Ownership of Documents. All original papers, documents or computer material on disk
or microfilm, and copies thereof, produced as a result of this Agreement, shall be the
property of City and may not be used by Consultant without the written consent of City.
Copies of such documents or papers shall not be disclosed to others without the written
consent of the City Manager or his or her designated representative.
22. Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Consultant shall, at its own
expense, indemnify, defend with counsel acceptable to the City, (which acceptance will
not be unreasonably withheld), and hold harmless City and its officers, officials,
employees, agents and volunteers ( "Indemnitees ") from and against any and all alleged
liability, loss, damage, claims, suits, actions, arbitration proceedings, administrative
proceedings, regulatory proceedings; civil penalties and fines, expenses and costs
(including, without limitation, claims expenses, attorney's fees and costs and fees of
litigation) (collectively, "Liability ") of every nature, whether actual, alleged or
threatened, arising out of or in connection with the Services or Consultant's failure to
comply with any of the terms of this Agreement, regardless of any fault or alleged fault
of the Indemnitees.
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The Consultant's obligation to indemnify, defend and hold harmless under this provision
shall not be excused because of the Consultant's inability to evaluate Liability, or because
the Consultant evaluates Liability and determines that the Consultant is not or may not be
liable. The Consultant must respond within 30 calendar days to any tender for defense
and indemnity by the City, unless the time for responding has been extended by an
authorized representative of the City in writing. If the Consultant fails to accept tender of
defense and indemnity within 30 calendar days, in addition to any other remedies
authorized by law, so much of the money due or that may become due the Consultant
under this Agreement as shall reasonably be considered necessary by the City, may be
retained by the City until disposition has been made of the matter subject to tender, or
until the Consultant accepts the tender, whichever occurs first. In the event that the City
must file responsive documents in a matter tendered to Consultant prior to Consultant's
acceptance of tender, Consultant agrees to fully reimburse all costs, including but not
limited to attorney's fees and costs and fees of litigation, incurred by the City in filing
such responsive documents.
The Consultant waives any and all rights to express or implied indemnity against the
Indemnitees concerning any Liability of the Consultant arising out of or in connection
with the Services or Consultant's failure to comply with any of the terms of this
Agreement. The Consultant's responsibility of such defense and indemnity obligations
shall survive the termination or completion of this Agreement for the full period of time
allowed by law. The defense and indemnification obligations of this Agreement are
undertaken to, and shall not in any way be limited by, the insurance obligations contained
in this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent this Agreement is a "construction contract"
as defined by California Civil Code Section 2783, as may be amended from time to time,
Consultant's duty to indemnify under this provision shall not apply when to do so would
be prohibited by California Civil Code Section 2782, as may be amended from time to
time.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Services include design professional
services subject to California Civil Code Section 2782.8, as may be amended from time
to time, Consultant's duty to indemnify shall only be to the maximum extent permitted by
California Civil Code Section 2782.8.
23. Insurance. Consultant shall comply with the "Insurance Requirements for Consultants"
in Exhibit B -2, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. [Indicate attached
exhibit, e.g., `B -1, " "B -2, " `B -3, " or "B-4.']
24. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed
by both Parties.
25. Litigation. If litigation ensues which pertains to the subject matter of Consultant's
services hereunder, Consultant, upon request from City, agrees to testify therein at a
reasonable and customary fee.
26. Construction. This Agreement is the product of negotiation and compromise on the part
of both Parties and that the Parties agree that, notwithstanding Civil Code Section 1654,
any uncertainty in the Agreement shall not be construed against the drafter of the
Agreement.
27. Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be enforced and interpreted under the
Taws of the State of California and the City of Petaluma. Any action arising from or
brought in connection with this Agreement shall be venued in a court of competent
jurisdiction in the County of Sonoma, State of California.
28. Non - Waiver. The City's failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement or the
waiver thereof in a particular instance shall not be construed as a general waiver of any
part of such provision. The provision -shall remain in full force and effect.
29. Severabifity. If any term or portion of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or
otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of
this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
30. No Third Party Beneficiaries. The .Parties do not intend to create, and nothing in this
Agreement shall be construed to create any benefit or right in any third party.
31. Mediation. The Parties agree to make a good faith attempt to resolve any dispute arising
out of this Agreement through mediation prior to commencing litigation. The Parties
shall mutually agree upon the mediator and shall divide the costs of mediation equally.
32. Consultant's Books and Records.
A. Consultant shall maintain any and all ledgers, books of accounts, invoices,
vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating
to charges for services, or expenditures and disbursements charged to the City for
a minimum period of three (3) years or for any longer period required by law,
from the date of final payment to Consultant pursuant to this Agreement.
B. Consultant shall maintain all documents and records which demonstrate
performance under this Agreement for a minimum period of three (3) years or for
any longer period required by law, from the date of termination or completion of
this Agreement.
C. Any records or documents required to be maintained pursuant to this Agreement
shall be made available for inspection or audit, at any time during regular business
hours, upon written request by the City Manager, City Attorney, City Finance
Director, or a designated representative of these officers. Copies of such
documents shall be provided to the City for inspection at Petaluma City Hall
when it is practical to do so. Otherwise, unless an alternative is mutually agreed
upon, the records shall be available at Consultant's address indicated for receipt
of notices in this Agreement.
D. Where City has reason to believe that such records or documents may be lost or
discarded due to dissolution, disbandment or termination of Consultant's
business, City may, by written request by any of the above -named officers,
require that custody of the records be given to the City and that the records and
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documents be maintained in Petaluma City Hall. Access to such records and
documents shall be granted to any party authorized by Consultant, Consultant's
representatives, or Consultant's successor in interest.
33. Headings. The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not
intended to affect the interpretation or construction of any provisions herein.
34. Survival. All obligations arising prior to the termination or expiration of this Agreement
and all provisions of this Agreement allocating liability between City and Consultant
shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
35. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the exhibits attached hereto and
incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to
the Services, and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, oral or written,
between the Parties in this regard.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this document the day, month and
year first above written.
CITY OF PETALUMA
City Manager
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
APPROVED:
Department Director
APPROVED:
Risk Manager
APPROVED:
Finance Director
CONSULTANT
By
Name
Title
Address
City State Zip
Taxpayer I.D. Number
Petaluma Business Tax Certificate Number
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EXHIBIT A - SCOPE OF SERVICES
This section presents a scope of services that forms a sound basis for completing a comprehensive
Water and Wastewater Rate Study. Our general project approach is to work closely with staff and other
members of the project team, identify objectives, set milestones, have frequent communication, and remain
flexible to resolve unanticipated issues.
1. Project Team Orientation
To initiate our work, hold a meeting with City staff and others as appropriate, to accomplish the
following:
■ Identify members of City staff, City Council, engineering consultants, and others who will participate
in the project.
• Determine the roles and responsibilities of all project participants.
• Identify other parties that may a significant interest in the project, such as community groups,
business organizations, developers, and large customers.
• Establish project schedule and key milestone dates.
• Confirm the key goals and expectations of the project team.
BWA recommends holding the kickoff meeting after we have reviewed preliminary information. This will
enable the kickoff meeting to be more substantive and facilitate more in -depth discussion of key issues
and preliminary observations and potential alternatives.
2. Investigation and Data Collection
Assemble the information necessary to understand the City's water, recycled water, and sewer systems,
finances, customers and usage, rate and fee structures, capital improvement needs and alternatives, and
legal agreements. Assistance and cooperation of City staff will be needed to assemble the relevant
background information. The objectives of investigation and data collection are to develop a complete
understanding of the City's utilities and finances, and to reach an agreement on basic assumptions to be
used in the study as well as key alternatives for evaluation.
Task A Deliverables Include:
■ Project kickoff meeting
■ List of project goals and objectives
■ Project schedule and budget
■ Project team contact list
■ Summary of current and historical rates and finances
■ List of key assumptions and alternatives underlying the rate study
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TASK B. 10-YEAR FINANCIAL PLANS
1. Develop Forecasts and Projections
Based on evaluation of the data assembled and input provided by the City, prepare forecasts and
projections to be used in the development of financial projections for the City's water and sewer
utilities. Develop projections for the following areas (and others as appropriate). Review projections
and alternatives with City staff for agreements on assumptions, interpretation of data, and
completeness of approach.
• Capital Improvements Including Long -Term Repairs & Replacements: Based on input from City
staff, identify future capital improvement program costs or alternatives to include in the financial
analysis and determine a reasonable amount.to include for future, ongoing capital repairs and
replacements. BWA often recommends that agencies phase in funding for long -term system
rehabilitation.
• Water & Sewer Demand, Supply, & Cost: With City input, forecast water demand, future
conservation projections, sources of supply, and the costs associates with the City's various sources
of water supply. Identify potential water cutback scenarios for evaluation.
• Cost Escalation Factors: Review historical cost trends and work with project team to develop
reasonable cost escalation factors for both operating and capital expenditures. Work with City staff
to identify any anticipated changes in future staffing, benefits, and /or other operating costs.
• Funding for Street Replacements: Work with City staff to determine yearly infrastructure funding
for street repairs and replacements that can be recovered from the City's water and sewer utilities.
Incorporate funding projections into annual water and sewer revenue requirements.
2. Evaluate Financing Alternatives for Capital Improvements
Evaluate options for financing capital improvement projects. Our evaluation will:
• Estimate the amount and timing of any debt, if needed, to finance capital projects.
• Evaluate the alternative borrowing methods available including bonds, COPS, state and federal loan
programs (including the State Revolving Fund Financing Program), bank loans and lines of credit, and
other options.
• Recommend the appropriate type of debt, its term and structure.
• Develop debt service estimates to incorporate in the financial projections.
3. Establish Prudent Minimum Fund Reserve Targets
Evaluate the adequacy of the City's current utility fund reserves. Establish prudent minimum fund
reserve targets based on the City's operating and capital funding projections. Develop an
implementation plan for achieving and maintaining the recommended reserve fund levels.
4. Develop 10 -Year Financial Projections
Work with the City's Public Works and Finance Department to develop cash flow projections showing
the financial position of the water and sewer enterprises over the next 10 years. The cash flows will
project fund balances, revenues, expenses, and debt service coverage, and will incorporate the forecasts
developed with staff input. After developing a base -case cash flow scenario, we can develop
alternatives for additional evaluation such as capital improvement alternatives, project financing
alternatives, the impacts of various levels of water demand, etc. During this phase, BWA will work
closely with the project team to evaluate financial and rate projections under alternative scenarios and
assumptions.
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S. Evaluate Rate Increase Options
Based on the cash flow projections, determine the annual revenue requirements and project the overall
level of required water and sewer rate increases. Evaluate rate adjustment alternatives, such as
gradually phasing in required rate increases over a number of years. If appropriate, evaluate different
levels of rate increases and their impacts on the City's ability to fund future operating and capital needs.
6. Develop Financial & Rate Models
Develop user - friendly water and sewer financial and rate models designed to be used by City staff to
update projections, track financial results, and evaluate financial scenarios and their impacts on future
utility rates. The models will detail key assumptions and can be used to evaluate alternatives and "what
if" scenarios.. BWA has developed numerous rate and financial models for utility enterprises. We have
found that keeping a model as straightforward as possible, without unnecessary complexity, can
increase the model's usability and improve effectiveness as an in -house planning tool.
Task B'Deliverables Include:
■ Summary of 10 -year capital improvement plan & key alternatives if appropriate
■ Evaluation of financing alternatives for capital improvements
■ Recommendations for minimum fund reserve targets
■ Evaluation of cost recovery and accounting alternatives for recycled water
■ 10 -year cash flow projections with supporting tables
■ User - friendly water and wastewater financial and rate models designed to enable
staff to update projections and evaluate alternative financial scenarios
■ Evaluation of rate increase options
■ Meet with the City's project team to present findings, discuss alternatives, gain
input, and develop preliminary recommendations
1. Identify & Evaluate Water and Sewer Rate Structure Modifications & Alternatives
Review the City's current water and sewer rate structures and discuss advantages and disadvantages
compared to other rate approaches. Identify potential alternatives and modifications that could help
improve rate equity, conservation incentive, or help achieve other City objectives. Discuss pros and cons
of different rate structure options and their general impacts on different types of customers. Rate
structure options can be refined as the study progresses based on input from the City's project team.
2. Review and Evaluate Recycled Water Rate Alternatives
Review existing recycled water contracts. Identify and evaluate potential recycled water rate
alternatives. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Work with City staff to
develop an implementation plan for possible phase in of new recycled water rates.
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3. Conduct Survey of Regional Water, Sewer, and Recycled Water Rates and Capacity Fees
Review and summarize water and sewer rates and capacity fees of other regional and /or comparable
agencies. Summarize results in easily understandable tables and /or charts. Confer with staff on
agencies to include in the survey.
4. Analyze Water Consumption & Utility Billing Data
Analyze current and historical water usage and utility billing data to determine reasonable and
conservative estimates of water and sewer demand to use in developing financial projections and rates.
Water use can fluctuate from year to year depending on various factors such as weather and local and
regional conservation efforts. Ideally, we would prefer to analyze 3 years of utility billing data in order
to determine slightly conservative demand projections. Work with the City to project water and sewer
demand under various normal year and water shortage scenarios.
S. Allocate Costs to Billing Parameters for Each Utility
Allocate costs identified in the water and sewer financial plans to appropriate fixed and variable rate
components. Water rates will be based on an equitable allocation of costs to fixed and variable charges
and will include a cost -basis to support proposed residential rate tiers. Sewer rates will based on cost
allocations to wastewater flow, BOD, and SS to develop underlying unit charges that will then be applied
to the wastewater discharge characteristics of different customer classes. Rates will be designed to be
equitable to all customers and comply with the substantive requirements of Proposition 218.
6. Develop Preliminary & Final Rate Recommendations with City Input
Based on evaluation of rate structure alternatives and the financial plan update, develop draft rate
alternatives for City input. The recommendations may include a multi -year phase in of both overall rate
increases and proposed rate structure adjustments in order to help mitigate the annual impact on
ratepayers. Review preliminary recommendations and key alternatives with the City Council's Utilities
Committee and others as directed. Revise recommendations based on input received. Develop a plan
for implementing rate increases and rate structure modifications.
Final rate recommendations will be designed to:
a) fund each utility's long -term costs of providing service, including operating, capital, and deferred
maintenance needs
b) be fair and equitable to all customers,
d) provide a prudent balance of revenue stability and conservation incentive,
e) be easy to understand and administer, and
f) comply with the substantive requirements of Proposition 218.
7. Evaluate Use of Automatic Rate Pass - Throughs
Identify and evaluate the potential for implementing automatic pass - throughs for future wholesale rate
increase and /or ongoing cost inflation. BWA has helped many agencies implement pass- through
provisions to protect agencies against unanticipated wholesale cost increases and keep rates aligned
with the cost of providing service.
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8. Evaluate Rate Impacts on a Range of City Customers
Calculate the impacts of each rate alternative on a range of City customers (e.g. different customer
classes, customers with different levels of water use, etc.) Work with the City's project team to identify
customer and usage profiles to use for calculating the rate impacts. Discuss additional rate structure
adjustments that may reduce the impact on certain customers if warranted.
9. Develop a Series of Escalating Drought Rates
Reduced water sales during droughts and water shortages will result in decreased revenues and
potentially result in budget deficits. BWA recommends the City consider adopting some form of drought
rates to both a) support financial stability during water shortages and droughts, and b) provide
additional financial incentive for conservation. BWA recommends agencies phase in drought rates as
conditions warrant, and also phase out drought rates as water use gradually returns to normal. BWA
has assisted many agencies in evaluating and implanting emergency drought rates. Ideally, drought
rates would be included on the City's Proposition 218 rate notice and adopted along with regular rate
increases to enable the City to implement and escalate drought rates as water supply circumstances
warrant.
Task C Deliverables Include:
■ Evaluation of current water and sewer rates and potential rate modifications
■ Evaluate recycled water rate alternatives
■ Water, recycled water, and sewer rate surveys
■ Assessment of alternative sewer rate structures for industrial customers
■ Analysis of historical utility billing data
■ Cost allocations supporting water and sewer rate components, including rate tiers
Development of draft rate alternatives for City evaluation and input
■ Development of drought rates to support financial stability with reduced water sales
■ Meet with City as needed to present findings, discuss alternatives, gain input, and
develop preliminary and final rate recommendations
1. Review Current Capacity Fees
Review the City's current water and sewer capacity fees as well as policies and procedures. Evaluate if
the fees equitably recover the full costs of infrastructure and assets benefitting new development and
comply with Government Code 66013. As appropriate, identify potential modifications to the fees, fee
structure, or how fees are applied. BWA has developed connection fees under a wide range of
methodologies and has assisted many agencies in improving fee equity and administration. Work with
the City to identify objectives for updated or new capacity fees for the City's utilities.
2. Evaluate Separate Recycled Water Capacity Fee
If appropriate, work with the City's project team to identify goals for a separate recycled water capacity
fee. Identify methodologies for calculating a separate recycled water capacity fee.
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3. Conduct Survey of Regional Capacity Fees
Review and summarize capacity charges of other regional and comparable agencies. Summarize results
in easily understandable tables and /or charts.
4. Evaluate Alternative Capacity Fee Methodologies
Identify and evaluate alternative methods for calculating capacity fees. Discuss advantages and
disadvantages with the City's project team and determine a recommended approach.
S. Determine Current Value & Capacity of Utility Assets
Calculate the current value of the City's water, recycled water, and sewer system assets. The current
value is generally calculated by adjusting the original or depreciated value of each facility or asset into
current dollars using the Engineering News - Record Construction Cost Index, a widely -used measure of
construction cost inflation. Also, determine the capacity of major components of the water and sewer
systems.
6. Allocate Capital Program Costs to Current & Future Users
Equitably allocate capital improvement costs to existing and future users based on input from City staff
and /or its consulting engineers. Some projects may entirely benefit one group while others will provide
a portion of benefit to both correct existing system deficiencies and provide new capacity for growth.
7. Develop Preliminary Capacity Fee Recommendations
Based on appropriate and technically sound methodology, and evaluation of alternative approaches,
recommend updated water and sewer capacity fees. Fees will be designed to comply with Government
Code Section 66013 (established by A61600).
8. Recommend a Method for Future Development Fee Updates
Recommend a method to annually or periodically adjust development fees and miscellaneous charges
so they keep aligned with future costs. For example, development fees can be adjusted annually based
on the change in the Engineering News- Record's Construction Cost Index, a widely used measure of
construction cost inflation.
Task D Deliverables Include:
■ Water and sewer capacity fee survey
■ Identification of alternative fee methodologies or approaches'
■ Calculations of new water and sewer capacity fees
■ Evaluation of a separate recycled water capacity fee
■ Meet with City to present findings, discuss alternatives, gain input, and develop
capacity fee recommendations
!Y
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warranted to ensure final recommendations reflect Council preferences. Present revised
recommendations at a subsequent Council Meeting in order to gain Council approval and receive
additional input.
BWA can also attend the Proposition 218 Public Hearing and present a summary of findings and
recommendations and respond to Council and public comments. BWA has extensive experience
presenting financial and rate recommendations to non - technical audiences, dealing with challenging
questions, and building acceptance for final recommendations.
3. Prepare Draft & Final Reports
Develop an administrative draft report or Technical Memorandum summarizing key background issues, study
objectives, findings, assumptions, draft recommendations and alternatives, impacts on ratepayers, and the
rate and fee surveys. The report will include: a) brief descriptions of each utility system and service area,
b) overview of historical financial operations, c) discussion of the current water and sewer rates, d) a
description of 10 -year water and wastewater capital improvement programs, e) presentation of 10 year
financial projections and key assumptions, f) explanation of cost allocation and derivation of recommended
rates and capacity fees, g) impacts of proposed rates and capacity fees on a range of customer types and
usage profiles, and h) results from the water and sewer rate and capacity fee surveys.
The report will be written for a non - technical audience and will clearly explain the rationale for
recommendations and key alternatives when applicable. Submit a preliminary draft report for City review
and feedback. Incorporate input into a revised draft report for distribution. Incorporate any revisions into a
final report and provide the City with printed and electronic copies as needed.
4. Proposition 218 Rate Notice
Develop a draft Proposition 218 notice for City review. Incorporate revisions and develop a final notice.
BWA recommends the notice go beyond the minimum legal requirements and provide clear and concise
explanation of the reasons for any rate adjustments. BWA has helped many agencies adopt rates via the
Proposition 218 process. We have found that ratepayers are generally much more accepting of rate
increases or rate structure modification when they understand the reasons underlying the adjustments.
BWA has also helped a number of agencies coordinate the printing and mailing of the Proposition 218
notices and will remain available to assist the City with these services on a time and materials basis as
needed.
5. Public Education and Consensus - Building
Rate and fee adjustments are often controversial. BWA has extensive experience developing clear
presentations that facilitate public understanding of the need for rate increases. We understand the
importance of building consensus and public acceptance for our recommendations and can assist the
City in any outreach and public education efforts.
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Task E Deliverables Include:
■ 6 project team meetings to discuss findings, alternatives, recommendations and
obtain input
■ 2 City Council meetings to present findings and preliminary recommendations and
receive input
■ PowerPoint`presentations summarizing key findings, alternatives, and
recommendations
■ Draft, revised, and final reports summarizing background information, key findings,
alternatives, and recommendations
■ Draft of the required Proposition 218 Notice of proposed rate increases
1. Analysis of cost of service for recycled water
Identify alternatives for allocating recycled water revenues and expenses to the City's water and
wastewater enterprises. Assess the viability of establishing a separate recycled water enterprise fund.
Work with City staff to break out operating and capital expenses related to recycled water. Identify
potential revenue sources for funding recycled water expenses, including recycled water rates and
capacity fees as well as potable water and wastewater rates and /or capacity fees.
2. Rate comparisons and analysis of other industrial cities. Analysis for comparisons on wastewater
equivalent living units and water fees not based on meter size.
Conduct survey of other agencies with a significant industrial customer base to identify alternative
approaches for levying industrial sewer rates. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of other
approaches. Work with City staff to identify alternative approaches for allocating expenses to industrial
customers. Estimate impacts of alternative rate approaches on a sample of existing City industrial
customers.
3. Coordination with the City's Economic Development Department.
Work with the Economic Development Department and other City departments as needed.
4. Utility underground street financial analysis and fees.
Work with City staff to determine yearly infrastructure funding for street repairs and replacements that
can be recovered from the City's water and sewer utilities. Incorporate funding projections into annual
water and sewer revenue requirements.
S. Additional meetings /other services
BWA is available for additional meetings or other services as requested by the City.
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Fee Summary
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"1
0
6
TASK A. PROJECT INITIATION & DATA COLLECTION
30
12
18
$5,790
1. Project Team Orientation
2. Investigation & Data Collection
TASK B. 10 -YEAR FINANCIAL PLANS
100
40
60
$19,300
1. Develop Forecasts & Projections
2. Evaluating Financing Alternatives for Capital Improvements
3. Establish Prudent Minimum Fund Reserve Targets
4. Develop 1G-Year Financial Projections
S. Evaluate Rate Increase Options
6. Develop Financial & Rate Models
TASK C. WATER, SEWER, & RECYCLED WATER RATE ANALYSIS
100
40
60
$19,300
1. Identify Rate Structure Modifications & Alternatives
2. Evaluate Potential Separate Recycled Water Rate
3. Conduct Survey of Regional Water & Sewer Rates
4. Analyze Utility Consumption & Billing Data
5. Allocate Costs to Billing Parameters for Each Utility
6. Develop Preliminary & Final Rate Recommendations
7. Evaluate Use of Automatic Rate Pass - Throughs
8. Evaluate Rate Impacts on Customers
9. Develop Drought Rates
TASK D. CAPACITY FEE UPDATE
100
40
60
$19,300
1. Review Current Capacity Fees
2. Evaluate Separate Recycled Water Capacity Fee
3. Conduct Survey of Regional Water & Sewer Capacity Fees
4. Evaluate Alternative Capacity Fee Methodologies
5. Determine Current Value & Capacity of Utility Assets
6. Allocate Capital Program Costs to Current & Future Users
7. Develop Capacity Fee Recommendations
8. Recommend a Method for Future Capacity Fee Updates
TASK E. MEETINGS /PRESENTATIONS REPORTS & PROP. 218
100
40
60
$19,300
1. Project Team Meeings (6)
2. City Council Presentations (2)
3. Prepare Draft, Revised, & Final Reports
4. Proposition 218 Rate Notice
5. Public Education and Consensus - Building
TASK F. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
$15,000
1. Analysis of Cost of Service for Recycled Water
2. Rate Comparisons& Analysis of Other Industrial Cities. Analysis for Comparisons on
Wastewater Equivalent Living Units & Water Fees Not Based on Meter Size
3. Coordination with the City's Economic Development Department
4. Utility Underground Street Financial Analysis & Fees
5. Additional Meetings /Other Services
TOTAL ESTIMATED HOURS
430
172
258
$97,990
ESTIMATED DIRECT EXPENSES
Copies/ binding /phone /fax /mail /miscellaneous
$1,000
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS
$98,990
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