Kelly Kulikoff
Mayor
Ronald Smith
Mayor Pro Tem
Jim Creighton
Councilmember
Karen Macedonio
Councilmember
Michael Kulikoff
Councilmember AGENDA
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
CITY COUNCIL/ HOUSING AUTHORITY/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30TH, 2023
CLOSED SESSION @ 4:15PM
SPECIAL MEETING @ 4:45PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS & VIA ZOOM
21000 HACIENDA BLVD., CALIFORNIA CITY, CA 93505
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November 30, 2023 1 - 22
** At this time, please take a moment to turn off your cell phones ** CLOSED SESSION @ 4:15 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers: Kulikoff, Creighton, Macedonio, Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Mayor Kulikoff
ADOPT AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public are welcome to address the City Council only on those items the Closed Session agenda. Each member of the public will be given (3) three minutes to speak.
CLOSED SESSION
CS 1. Conference with Legal Counsel- Pending Litigation Paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
Attorney: Thomas O’Connell
One Case: Recommendations for resolution of Gene Stump v. City of California City, Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-21-102947
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION @ 4:45 PM
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers: Kulikoff, Creighton, Macedonio, Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Mayor Kulikoff
NEW BUSINESS
NB 1. Consideration of a contract between California City and MV Cheng and Associates for Finance Consulting Services – by Interim City Manager, Michele Martinez Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement between California City and MV Cheng & Associates, Inc.
ADJOURNMENT
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING: This agenda was posted on all official City bulletin boards and the City website at least 24 hours prior to the Special Council Meeting. Socorro Chavez, City Clerk.
November 30, 2023 2 - 22
ITEM NO. NB 1.
COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
November 30, 2023
PREPARED BY: Victor Ponto, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Consideration and approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of California City and MV Cheng & Associates, Inc.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
The City of California City is working on the preparation of the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget. The City’s Finance Department is in need of consulting services to assist with the preparation of the upcoming budget and other various budget and accounting duties that may arise. Therefore, Staff is recommending the City enter into an agreement with MV Cheng & Associates Inc. (MV Cheng) to provide these services allowing the City to prepare and adopt the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget in a timely fashion.
MV Cheng operates as an incorporated business within the State of California, with associates being sub-contractors of the firm. The firm has over 20 years of experience in municipal auditing, accounting, and finance. The owner Misty Cheng was a municipal Finance Director for several cities. The sub-contractors of MV Cheng have worked in municipalities on short and long term assignments ranging from Payroll Technician, Accountant, Senior Accountant, Account Manager, and Finance Director. Ms. Cheng and her associates are all former employees of municipal government agencies. MV Cheng offers the knowledge of PERS annuitant specifically relating to municipal finance and is flexible on availability, charging only for time worked. Further, MV Cheng offers the ability to use PERS annuitants without the need for the City to manage the annuitants' work hours for compliance with retirement terms.
The proposed Professional Services Agreement provides a term beginning December 4, 2023 through June 30, 2024 with compensation not to exceed forty five thousand dollars ($45,000.00).
FISCAL IMPACT
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Should City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with MV Cheng, the fiscal impact will be forty five thousand dollars ($45,000.00).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement between California City and MV Cheng & Associates, Inc.
ATTACHMENTS
1. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MV CHENG & ASSOCIATES, INC.
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CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT
1. PARTIES AND DATE.
This Agreement is made and entered into this _____ day of ________, 20___, by and between the City of California City, a municipal corporation, organized under the laws of the State of California, with its principal place of business at 21000 Hacienda Blvd., California City, CA 93505 ("City") and MV CHENG & ASSOCIATES, INC., a California S CORPORATION with its principal place of business at 102 W 24th St., Upland, CA 91784 ("Consultant"). City and Consultant are sometimes individually referred to herein as "Party" and collectively as "Parties."
2. RECITALS.
2.1 Consultant.
Consultant desires to perform and assume responsibility for the provision of certain professional accounting and finance consulting services required by the City on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Consultant represents that it is experienced in providing professional accounting and finance consulting services to public clients, is licensed in the State of California, and is familiar with the plans of City.
2.2 Project.
City desires to engage Consultant to render such professional accounting and finance consulting services for the annual budget/CIP budget, FY22-23 audit preparation, account reconciliation projects ("Project") as set forth in this Agreement.
3. TERMS.
3.1 Scope of Services and Term.
3.1.1 General Scope of Services. Consultant promises and agrees to furnish to the City all labor, materials, tools, equipment, services, and incidental and customary work necessary to fully and adequately supply the professional accounting and finance consulting services necessary for the Project ("Services"). The Services are more particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. All Services shall be subject to, and performed in accordance with, this Agreement, the exhibits attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
3.1.2 Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from December 4, 2023 to June 30, 2024, unless earlier terminated as provided herein. Consultant shall complete the Services within the term of this Agreement, and shall meet any other established schedules and deadlines.
3.2 Responsibilities of Consultant.
3.2.1 Independent Contractor; Control and Payment of Subordinates. The Services shall be performed by Consultant or under its supervision. Consultant will determine the means, methods and details of performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. City retains Consultant on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee. Consultant retains the right to perform similar November 30, 2023 5 - 22
or different services for others during the term of this Agreement. Any additional personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall also not be employees of City and shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive direction and control. Neither City, nor any of its officials, officers, directors, employees or agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant's officers, employees, or agents, except as set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in connection with their performance of Services under this Agreement and as required by law. Consultant shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.
3.2.2 Schedule of Services. Consultant shall perform the Services expeditiously, within the term of this Agreement, and in accordance with the Schedule of Services set forth in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Consultant represents that it has the professional and technical personnel required to perform the Services in conformance with such conditions. In order to facilitate Consultant's conformance with the Schedule, City shall respond to Consultant's submittals in a timely manner. Upon request of City, Consultant shall provide a more detailed schedule of anticipated performance to meet the Schedule of Services.
3.2.3 Conformance to Applicable Requirements. All work prepared by Consultant shall be subject to the approval of City.
3.2.4 Substitution of Key Personnel. Consultant has represented to City that certain key personnel will perform and coordinate the Services under this Agreement. Should one or more of such personnel become unavailable, Consultant may substitute other personnel of at least equal competence upon written approval of City. In the event that City and Consultant cannot agree as to the substitution of key personnel, City shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement for cause. As discussed below, any personnel who fail or refuse to perform the Services in a manner acceptable to the City, or who are determined by the City to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the Project or a threat to the safety of persons or property, shall be promptly removed from the Project by the Consultant at the request of the City. The key personnel for performance of this Agreement are as follows:
3.2.5 City's Representative. The City hereby designates Michele Martinez, Interim City Manager, or his/her designee, to act as its representative in all matters pertaining to the administration and performance of this Agreement ("City's Representative"). City's Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of the City for review and approval of all products submitted by Consultant but not the authority to enlarge the Scope of Work or change the total compensation due to Consultant under this Agreement. The City Manager shall be authorized to act on City's behalf and to execute all necessary documents which enlarge the Scope of Work or change the Consultant's total compensation subject to the provisions contained in Section 3.3 of this Agreement. Consultant shall not accept direction or orders from any person other than the City Manager, City's Representative or his/her designee.
3.2.6 Consultant's Representative. Consultant hereby designates Misty Cheng, or his/her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement ("Consultant's Representative"). Consultant's Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of the Consultant for all purposes under this Agreement. The Consultant's Representative shall supervise and direct the Services, using his/her best skill and attention, and shall be responsible for all means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures and for the satisfactory coordination of all portions of the Services under this Agreement.
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3.2.7 Coordination of Services. Consultant agrees to work closely with City staff in the performance of Services and shall be available to City's staff, consultants and other staff at all reasonable times.
3.2.8 Standard of Care; Performance of Employees. Consultant shall perform all Services under this Agreement in a skillful and competent manner, consistent with the standards generally recognized as being employed by professionals in the same discipline in the State of California. Consultant represents and maintains that it is skilled in the professional calling necessary to perform the Services.
Consultant warrants that all employees and subconsultants shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. Finally, Consultant represents that it, its employees and subconsultants have all licenses, permits, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to perform the Services, and that such licenses and approvals shall be maintained throughout the term of this Agreement. As provided for in the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, Consultant shall perform, at its own cost and expense and without reimbursement from the City, any services necessary to correct errors or omissions which are caused by the Consultant's failure to comply with the standard of care provided for herein. Any employee of the Consultant or its sub-consultants who is determined by the City to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the Project, a threat to the safety of persons or property, or any employee who fails or refuses to perform the Services in a manner acceptable to the City, shall be promptly removed from the Project by the Consultant and shall not be re-employed to perform any of the Services or to work on the Project.
3.2.9 Laws and Regulations. Consultant shall keep itself fully informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations in any manner affecting the performance of the Project or the Services, including all Cal/OSHA requirements, and shall give all notices required by law. Consultant shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in connection with Services. If Consultant performs any work knowing it to be contrary to such laws, rules and regulations, Consultant shall be solely responsible for all costs arising therefrom. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, directors, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with such laws, rules or regulations.
3.2.10 Insurance.
3.2.10.1Time for Compliance. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that it has secured all insurance required under this section. In addition, Consultant shall not allow any subconsultant to commence work on any subcontract until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that the subconsultant has secured all insurance required under this section.
3.2.10.2Types of Insurance Required. As a condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement for work to be performed hereunder, and without limiting the indemnity provisions of the Agreement, the Consultant, in partial performance of its obligations under such Agreement, shall procure and maintain in full force and effect during the term of the Agreement the following policies of insurance. If the existing policies do not meet the insurance requirements set forth herein, Consultant agrees to amend, supplement or endorse the policies to do so. (A) Commercial General Liability: Commercial General Liability Insurance which affords coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office "occurrence" form CG 0001, or the exact equivalent, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and no less than $2,000,000 in the general aggregate. Defense costs shall be paid in addition to the limits. The policy shall contain no endorsements or provisions (1) limiting coverage for contractual liability; (2) excluding coverage November 30, 2023 7 - 22
for claims or suits by one insured against another (cross-liability); or (3) containing any other exclusion(s) contrary to the terms or purposes of this Agreement.
(B) Automobile Liability Insurance: Automobile Liability Insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Form CA 0001 covering "Any Auto" (Code 1), or if Consultant has no owned autos, “Hired Auto” (Code 8) and “Non-Owned Auto” (Code 9), or the exact equivalent, covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities with limits of not less than $1,000,000 combined limit for each occurrence.
(C) Workers' Compensation/Employer’s Liability: Workers' Compensation Insurance, as required by the State of California and Employer's Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and disease. If Consultant has no employees or agents, Consultant shall not be required to maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance. However, in the event that Consultant hires employees or agents during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall obtain and maintain Workers’ Compensation/Employer’s Liability Insurance in accordance with this section. (D) Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): Professional Liability insurance or Errors & Omissions insurance appropriate to Consultant’s profession with limits of not less than $1,000,000. Covered professional services shall specifically include all work to be performed under the Agreement and delete any exclusions that may potentially affect the work to be performed (for example, any exclusions relating to lead, asbestos, pollution, testing, underground storage tanks, laboratory analysis, soil work, etc.). If coverage is written on a claims-made basis, the retroactive date shall precede the effective date of the initial Agreement and continuous coverage will be maintained or an extended reporting period will be exercised for a period of at least three (3) years from termination or expiration of this Agreement.
3.2.10.3Insurance Endorsements. Required insurance policies shall contain the following provisions, or Consultant shall provide endorsements on forms approved by the City to add the following provisions to the insurance policies:
(A) Commercial General Liability:
(1) Additional Insured: The City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds with regard to liability and defense of suits or claims arising out of the performance of the Agreement.
Additional Insured Endorsements shall not (1) be restricted to "ongoing operations"; (2) exclude "contractual liability"; (3) restrict coverage to "sole" liability of Consultant; or (4) contain any other exclusions contrary to the terms or purposes of this Agreement. For all policies of Commercial General Liability insurance, Consultant shall provide endorsements in the form of ISO CG 20 10 10 01 and 20 37 10 01 (or endorsements providing the exact same coverage) to effectuate this requirement. (2) Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium. (B) Automobile Liability:
(1) Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium.
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(C) Workers' Compensation:
(1) Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium. (2) Waiver of Subrogation: A waiver of subrogation stating that the insurer waives all rights of subrogation against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers.
(D) Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions):
(1) Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium. (2) Contractual Liability Exclusion Deleted: This insurance shall include contractual liability applicable to this Agreement. The policy must “pay on behalf of” the insured and include a provision establishing the insurer’s duty to defend.
3.2.10.4Primary and Non-Contributing Insurance. All policies of Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance shall be primary and any other insurance, deductible, or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers shall not contribute with this primary insurance. Policies shall contain or be endorsed to contain such provisions.
3.2.10.5Waiver of Subrogation. All policies of Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance shall contain or be endorsed to waive subrogation against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers or shall specifically allow Consultant or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Consultant hereby grants to City a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of said Consultant may acquire against the City by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance.
Consultant agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to effect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer. Consultant shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subconsultants.
3.2.10.6Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Any deductible or self-insured retention must be approved in writing by the City and shall protect the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers in the same manner and to the same extent as they would have been protected had the policy or policies not contained a deductible or self-insured retention.
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3.2.10.7Evidence of Insurance. The Consultant, concurrently with the execution of the Agreement, and as a condition precedent to the effectiveness thereof, shall deliver either certified copies of the required policies, or original certificates on forms approved by the City, together with all endorsements affecting each policy. Required insurance policies shall not be in compliance if they include any limiting provision or endorsement that has not been submitted to the City for approval. The certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. At least fifteen (15 days) prior to the expiration of any such policy, evidence of insurance showing that such insurance coverage has been renewed or extended shall be filed with the City.
If such coverage is cancelled or reduced and not replaced immediately so as to avoid a lapse in the required coverage, Consultant shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice of such cancellation or reduction of coverage, file with the City evidence of insurance showing that the required insurance has been reinstated or has been provided through another insurance company or companies.
3.2.10.8Failure to Maintain Coverage. In the event any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced immediately so as to avoid a lapse in the required coverage, City has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium paid by City will be promptly reimbursed by Consultant or City will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Consultant payments. In the alternative, City may cancel this Agreement effective upon notice.
3.2.10.9Acceptability of Insurers. Each such policy shall be from a company or companies with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A:VII and authorized to transact business of insurance in the State of California, or otherwise allowed to place insurance through surplus line brokers under applicable provisions of the California Insurance Code or any federal law.
3.2.10.10 Enforcement of Agreement Provisions (non estoppel). Consultant acknowledges and agrees that actual or alleged failure on the part of the City to inform Consultant of noncompliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligation on the City nor does it waive any rights hereunder.
3.2.10.11 Requirements Not Limiting. Requirement of specific coverage or minimum limits contained herein are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits, or other requirement, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. If the Consultant maintains higher limits than the minimums contained herein, the City requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the Consultant. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.
3.2.10.12 Claims Made Policies. If any of the required policies provide coverage on a claims-made basis:
(A) The Retroactive Date must be shown and must be before the effective date of the Agreement or the beginning of work under this Agreement. (B) Such insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five (5) years after completion of all services under this Agreement. (C) If coverage is canceled or non-renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a Retroactive Date prior to the effective date of the Agreement, the Consultant must purchase “extended reporting” coverage for a minimum of five (5) years after completion of all services under this Agreement.
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3.2.10.13 Special Risks or Circumstances. City reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.
3.2.10.14 Insurance for Subconsultants. Consultant shall include all subconsultants engaged in any work for Consultant relating to this Agreement as additional insureds under the Consultant's policies, or the Consultant shall be responsible for causing subconsultants to purchase the appropriate insurance in compliance with the terms of these Insurance Requirements, including adding the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers as additional insureds to the subconsultant's policies. All policies of Commercial General Liability insurance provided by Consultant’s subconsultants performing work relating to this Agreement shall be endorsed to name the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers as additional insureds using endorsement form ISO CG 20 38 04 13 or an endorsement providing equivalent coverage. Consultant shall not allow any subconsultant to commence work on any subcontract relating to this Agreement until it has received satisfactory evidence of subconsultant’s compliance with all insurance requirements under this Agreement, to the extent applicable.
The Consultant shall provide satisfactory evidence of compliance with this section upon request of the City.
3.2.11 Safety. Consultant shall execute and maintain its work so as to avoid injury or damage to any person or property. In carrying out its Services, the Consultant shall at all times be in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and shall exercise all necessary precautions for the safety of employees appropriate to the nature of the work and the conditions under which the work is to be performed. Safety precautions, where applicable, shall include, but shall not be limited to: (A) adequate life protection and lifesaving equipment and procedures; (B) instructions in accident prevention for all employees and subconsultants, such as safe walkways, scaffolds, fall protection ladders, bridges, gang planks, confined space procedures, trenching and shoring, equipment and other safety devices, equipment and wearing apparel as are necessary or lawfully required to prevent accidents or injuries; and (C) adequate facilities for the proper inspection and maintenance of all safety measures.
3.2.11.1Liability for Non-compliance.
(A) Indemnity: Failure to comply with laws, regulations, and ordinances listed in Section 3.2.12.2 of this Agreement is a violation of federal and state law.
Notwithstanding any other indemnity contained in this Agreement, Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officials, officers, agents, employees and authorized volunteers from and against any and all claims, demands, losses or liabilities of any kind or nature which the City, its officials, officers, agents, employees and authorized volunteers may sustain or incur for noncompliance with the laws, regulations, and ordinances listed above, arising out of or in connection with the Services, except for liability resulting from the sole established negligence, willful misconduct or active negligence of the City, its officials, officers, agents, employees or authorized volunteers. (B) Defense: City reserves the right to defend any enforcement action or civil action brought against the City for Consultant’s failure to comply with any applicable water quality law, regulation, or policy. Consultant hereby agrees to be bound by, and to reimburse the City for the costs associated with, any settlement reached between the City and the relevant enforcement entity. (C) Damages: City may seek damages from Consultant for delay in completing the Services caused by Consultant’s failure to comply with the laws, regulations and policies described in Section 3.2.12.2 of this Agreement, or any other relevant water quality law, regulation, or policy.
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3.3 Fees and Payments.
3.3.1 Compensation. Consultant shall receive compensation, including authorized reimbursements, for all Services rendered under this Agreement at the rates set forth in Exhibit "C" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The total compensation shall not exceed FORTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAS ($45,000.00) without written approval of the City Council or City Manager as applicable. Extra Work may be authorized, as described below, and if authorized, will be compensated at the rates and manner set forth in this Agreement.
3.3.2 Payment of Compensation. Consultant shall submit to City a monthly invoice which indicates work completed and hours of Services rendered by Consultant. The invoice shall describe the amount of Services provided since the initial commencement date, or since the start of the subsequent billing periods, as appropriate, through the date of the invoice. City shall, within 30 days of receiving such invoice, review the invoice and pay all non-disputed and approved charges thereon. If the City disputes any of Consultant's fees, the City shall give written notice to Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice of any disputed fees set forth therein.
3.3.3 Reimbursement for Expenses. Consultant shall not be reimbursed for any expenses unless authorized in writing by City, or included in Exhibit "C" of this Agreement.
3.3.4 Extra Work. At any time during the term of this Agreement, City may request that Consultant perform Extra Work. As used herein, "Extra Work" means any work which is determined by City to be necessary for the proper completion of the Project, but which the Parties did not reasonably anticipate would be necessary at the execution of this Agreement. Consultant shall not perform, nor be compensated for, Extra Work without written authorization from the City.
3.3.5 Rate Increases. In the event that this Agreement is renewed pursuant to Section
3.1.2, the rate set forth in Exhibit “C” may be adjusted each year at the time of renewal as set forth in Exhibit “C.”
3.4 California Labor Code Provisions.
3.4.1 Prevailing Wage Law. Consultant is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code Section 1720, et seq., and 1770, et seq., as well as California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 16000, et seq., ("Prevailing Wage Laws"), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on "public works" and "maintenance" projects. If the Services are being performed as part of an applicable "public works" or "maintenance" project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and if the total compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant agrees to fully comply with such Prevailing Wage Laws. Consultant shall obtain a copy of the prevailing rates of per diem wages in effect at the commencement of this Agreement from the website of the Division of Labor Statistics and Research of the Department of Industrial Relations located at www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/. In the alternative, Consultant may view a copy of the prevailing rates of per diem wages at the City. Consultant shall make copies of the prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the Services available to interested parties upon request, and shall post copies at the Consultant's principal place of business and at the project site. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws.
3.4.2 Registration. If the services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, then pursuant to Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, the Consultant and all subconsultants must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Consultant shall November 30, 2023 12 - 22
maintain registration for the duration of the project and require the same of any subconsultants. This project may also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.
It shall be Consultant’s sole responsibility to comply with all applicable registration and labor compliance requirements.
3.5 Accounting Records.
3.5.1 Maintenance and Inspection. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to all costs and expenses incurred under this Agreement. All such records shall be clearly identifiable. Consultant shall allow a representative of City during normal business hours to examine, audit, and make transcripts or copies of such records and any other documents created pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to the Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date of final payment under this Agreement.
3.6 General Provisions.
3.6.1 Termination of Agreement.
3.6.1.1 Grounds for Termination. City may, by written notice to Consultant, terminate the whole or any part of this Agreement at any time and without cause by giving written notice to Consultant of such termination, and specifying the effective date thereof, at least seven (7) days before the effective date of such termination. Upon termination, Consultant shall be compensated only for those services which have been adequately rendered to City, and Consultant shall be entitled to no further compensation. Consultant may not terminate this Agreement except for cause.
3.6.1.2 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, City may require Consultant to provide all finished or unfinished Documents and Data and other information of any kind prepared by Consultant in connection with the performance of Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall be required to provide such document and other information within fifteen (15) days of the request.
3.6.1.3 Additional Services. In the event this Agreement is terminated in whole or in part as provided herein, City may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it may determine appropriate, services similar to those terminated. City agrees that each of Consultant’s associates and/or sub contractors will only be able to obtain a direct contract or professional services agreement with the City, only after the expiration of the contract or professional services agreement with Consultant AND only after 2 years from the expiration date of the contract or professional services agreement with Consultant.
City agrees to hire one of Consultant’s associates and/or sub contractors as a full time, permanent, fully benefited employee of the City, only after City has performed a recruitment AND the associate and/or sub contractor has billed 960 hours to the City. City agrees to hire one of Consultant’s associates and/or sub contractors as a part time, non benefited employee on the City’s payroll only after the associate and/or sub contractor has billed 960 hours to the City and the City pays a fee of 5% of the associate and/or sub contractor’s annualized wages based on the hourly rate charged, to Consultant. If City employs Consultant’s associates and/or sub contractors through another temporary service or staffing agency, City agrees to pay a fee of 10% of the associate and/or sub contractor’s annualized wages based on the hourly rate charged, to Consultant.
3.6.1.4 Delivery of Notices. All notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be given to the respective parties at the following address, or at such other address as the respective parties may provide in writing for this purpose:
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Consultant: MV Cheng & Associates, Inc.
102 W 24th St.
Upland, CA 917847
ATTN: Misty Cheng, President & CEO
City: City of California City
21000 Hacienda Blvd.
California City, California 93505
ATTN: City Manager
Such notice shall be deemed made when personally delivered or when mailed, forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the U.S. Mail, first class postage prepaid and addressed to the party at its applicable address.
Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice occurred, regardless of the method of service.
3.6.2 Ownership of Materials and Confidentiality.
3.6.2.1 Documents & Data; Licensing of Intellectual Property. This Agreement creates a non-exclusive and perpetual license for City to copy, use, modify, reuse, or sublicense any and all copyrights, designs, and other intellectual property embodied in plans, specifications, studies, drawings, estimates, and other documents or works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, including but not limited to, physical drawings or data magnetically or otherwise recorded on computer diskettes, which are prepared or caused to be prepared by Consultant under this Agreement ("Documents & Data"). Consultant shall require all subconsultants to agree in writing that City is granted a non-exclusive and perpetual license for any Documents & Data the subconsultant prepares under this Agreement.
Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant has the legal right to license any and all Documents & Data. Consultant makes no such representation and warranty in regard to Documents & Data which were prepared by design professionals other than Consultant or provided to Consultant by the City. City shall not be limited in any way in its use of the Documents & Data at any time, provided that any such use not within the purposes intended by this Agreement shall be at City's sole risk.
3.6.2.2 Confidentiality. All ideas, memoranda, specifications, plans, procedures, drawings, descriptions, computer program data, input record data, written information, and other Documents & Data either created by or provided to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Agreement shall be held confidential by Consultant. Such materials shall not, without the prior written consent of City, be used by Consultant for any purposes other than the performance of the Services. Nor shall such materials be disclosed to any person or entity not connected with the performance of the Services or the Project. Nothing furnished to Consultant which is otherwise known to Consultant or is generally known, or has become known, to the related industry shall be deemed confidential. Consultant shall not use City's name or insignia, photographs of the Project, or any publicity pertaining to the Services or the Project in any magazine, trade paper, newspaper, television or radio production or other similar medium without the prior written consent of City.
3.6.2.3 Confidential Information. The City shall refrain from releasing Consultant’s proprietary information ("Proprietary Information") unless the City's legal counsel determines that the release of the Proprietary Information is required by the California Public Records Act or other applicable state or federal law, or order of a court of competent jurisdiction, in which case the City shall notify Consultant of its intention to release Proprietary Information. Consultant shall have five (5) working days after receipt of the Release Notice to give City written notice of Consultant's objection to the City's release of Proprietary Information. Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against all liability, loss, cost or expense (including November 30, 2023 14 - 22
attorney’s fees) arising out of a legal action brought to compel the release of Proprietary Information. City shall not release the Proprietary Information after receipt of the Objection Notice unless either: (1) Consultant fails to fully indemnify, defend (with City's choice of legal counsel), and hold City harmless from any legal action brought to compel such release; and/or (2) a final and non-appealable order by a court of competent jurisdiction requires that City release such information.
3.6.3 Cooperation; Further Acts. The Parties shall fully cooperate with one another, and shall take any additional acts or sign any additional documents as may be necessary, appropriate or convenient to attain the purposes of this Agreement.
3.6.4 Attorney's Fees. If either party commences an action against the other party, either legal, administrative or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to have and recover from the losing party reasonable attorney's fees and all other costs of such action.
3.6.5 Indemnification.
3.6.5.1 Scope of Indemnity. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall defend (with counsel reasonably approved by the City), indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, suits, actions, proceedings, costs, expenses, liability, judgments, awards, decrees, settlements, loss, damage or injury of any kind, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, (collectively, “Claims’) in any manner arising out of, pertaining to, or incident to any alleged acts, errors or omissions, or willful misconduct of Consultant, its officials, officers, employees, subcontractors, consultants or agents in connection with the performance of the Consultant’s services, the Project or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all consequential damages, expert witness fees and attorneys’ fees and other related costs and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Consultant’s services are subject to Civil Code Section 2782.8, the above indemnity shall be limited, to the extent required by Civil Code Section 2782.8, to Claims that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the Consultant. Consultant's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers.
3.6.5.2 Additional Indemnity Obligations. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall defend, with counsel of City’s choosing and at Consultant’s own cost, expense and risk, any and all claims, suits, actions or other proceedings of every kind covered by Section 3.6.5.1 that may be brought or instituted against City or its directors, officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents. Consultant shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against City or its directors, officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents as part of any such claim, suit, action or other proceeding. Consultant shall also reimburse City for the cost of any settlement paid by City or its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers as part of any such claim, suit, action or other proceeding. Such reimbursement shall include payment for City's attorney's fees and costs, including expert witness fees. Consultant shall reimburse City and its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents, and/or volunteers, for any and all legal expenses and costs incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided. Consultant's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by the City, its directors, officials officers, employees, agents, or volunteers.
3.6.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire Agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings or agreements. This Agreement may only be modified by a writing signed by both parties.
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3.6.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Venue shall be in Kern County.
3.6.8 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.
3.6.9 City's Right to Employ Other Consultants. City reserves right to employ other consultants in connection with this Project.
3.6.10 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the parties.
3.6.11 Assignment or Transfer. Consultant shall not assign, hypothecate, or transfer, either directly or by operation of law, this Agreement or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the City. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void, and any assignees, hypothecates or transferees shall acquire no right or interest by reason of such attempted assignment, hypothecation or transfer.
3.6.12 Construction; References; Captions. Since the Parties or their agents have participated fully in the preparation of this Agreement, the language of this Agreement shall be construed simply, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any Party. Any term referencing time, days or period for performance shall be deemed calendar days and not work days. All references to Consultant include all personnel, employees, agents, and subconsultants of Consultant, except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. All references to City include its elected officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. The captions of the various articles and paragraphs are for convenience and ease of reference only, and do not define, limit, augment, or describe the scope, content, or intent of this Agreement.
3.6.13 Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties.
3.6.14 Waiver. No waiver of any default shall constitute a waiver of any other default or breach, whether of the same or other covenant or condition. No waiver, benefit, privilege, or service voluntarily given or performed by a Party shall give the other Party any contractual rights by custom, estoppel, or otherwise.
3.6.15 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.
3.6.16 Invalidity; Severability. If any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
3.6.17 Prohibited Interests. Consultant maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, Consultant warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. For breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the right to rescind this Agreement without liability. For the term of this Agreement, no member, officer or employee of City, during the term of his or her service with City, shall have any direct interest in this Agreement, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom.
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3.6.18 Equal Opportunity Employment. Consultant represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate against any subconsultant, employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age. Such nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination. Consultant shall also comply with all relevant provisions of City's Minority Business Enterprise program, Affirmative Action Plan or other related programs or guidelines currently in effect or hereinafter enacted.
3.6.19 Labor Certification. By its signature hereunder, Consultant certifies that it is aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for Worker's Compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that Code, and agrees to comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Services.
3.6.20 Authority to Enter Agreement. Consultant has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business and to execute, deliver, and perform the Agreement. Each Party warrants that the individuals who have signed this Agreement have the legal power, right, and authority to make this Agreement and bind each respective Party.
3.6.21 Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.
3.7 Subcontracting.
3.7.1 Prior Approval Required. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the work required by this Agreement, except as expressly stated herein, without prior written approval of City.
Subcontracts, if any, shall contain a provision making them subject to all provisions stipulated in this Agreement.
CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY MV CHENG & ASSOCIATES
By: By:
Michele Martinez
Interim City Manager
Misty Cheng, President & CEO
ATTEST:
By:
Socorro Chavez
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
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Victor Ponto
City Attorney
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EXHIBIT "A"
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Preparation of annual budget/CIP budget, budget stabilization plan, 5 year budget forecast, preparation of annual audit.
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EXHIBIT "A-I"
FEDERALLY REQUIRED PROVISIONS FOR SERVICES
[INSERT FEDERALLY REQUIRED PROVISIONS TRIGGERED BY RECEIPT OF FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE SERVICES; OTHERWISE
ALWAYS DELETE ENTIRE EXHIBIT “A-I”]
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EXHIBIT "B"
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
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EXHIBIT "C"
COMPENSATION
[INSERT THE FOLLOWING PROVISION IF THE AGREEMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY RENEW: In the event that this Agreement is renewed pursuant to Section 3.1.2, the rates set forth above may be increased or reduced each year at the time of renewal, but any increase shall not exceed the Consumer Price Index, All Urban Consumers, Los Angeles-Riverside-San Bernardino Counties.] November 30, 2023 22 - 22