1 Revised 1/09/2025
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made at Fairfield, California, as of ________________, 20____, by and between the City of Fairfield, a municipal corporation (the “CITY") and Bartle Wells Associates ("CONSULTANT"), who agree as follows:
1) SERVICES. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, CONSULTANT shall provide to the CITY the services described in Exhibit “A,” which consists of the proposal submitted by CONSULTANT. CONSULTANT shall provide said services at the time, place, and in the manner specified in Exhibit “A.”
2) PAYMENT. CITY shall pay CONSULTANT for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement at the times and in the manner set forth in Exhibit “B.” The payments specified in Exhibit “B” shall be the only payments to be made to CONSULTANT for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement.
CONSULTANT shall submit all billings for said services to the CITY in the manner specified in Exhibit “B.” 3) FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT . CONSULTANT shall, at its sole cost and expense, furnish all facilities and equipment which may be required for furnishing services pursuant to this Agreement. 4) GENERAL PROVISIONS . The general provisions set forth in Exhibit “C” are part of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between said general provisions and any other terms or conditions of this Agreement, the provisions set forth in Exhibit “C” shall control. 5) INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. The insurance requirements set forth in Exhibit “D” are part of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between said general provisions and any other terms or conditions of this Agreement, the requirements set forth in Exhibit “D” shall control. 6) BUSINESS LICENSE. The CONSULTANT shall obtain and keep current a business license for work within the City of Fairfield pursuant to Chapter 10B of the Fairfield City Code, with respect to the gross receipts received pursuant to this Agreement. No payments shall be made to any SERVICE PROVIDER until such business license has been obtained, and all fees paid therefore, by the CONSULTANT. Business license applications and information may be obtained from the Community Development Department, Fairfield City Hall, 1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA 94533-4883, (707-428- 7509) and online at
www.fairfield.ca.gov/biz.
7) EX
HIBITS. All exhibits referred to herein are attached hereto and are by this reference incorporated herein.
8) TERM. This agreement shall be in effect through June 30, 2027. 9) GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE. Should either Party to this Agreement bring legal action against the other, the validity, interpretation, and performance of this Contract shall be controlled by and construed under the laws of California, excluding California’s choice of law rules. Venue for any such action relating to this Agreement shall be in the Solano County Superior Court. 10) Where applicable, vehicles
with a GVWR greater than 8,500 lbs. and light-duty package delivery vehicles operated in California may be subject to the California Air Resources Board Advanced Clean Fleets regulations. Such vehicles may therefore be subject to requirements to reduce emissions of 2 Revised 1/09/2025
air pollutants. For more information, please visit the CARB Advanced Clean Fleets webpage at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-fleets 11) ENT
IRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, including any other documents incorporated herein by specific reference, represents the entire and integrated agreement between CITY and CONSULTANT.
This Agreement supersedes all prior oral or written negotiations, representations or agreements. This Agreement may not be modified or amended, nor any provision or breach waived, except in a writing signed by both parties which expressly refers to this Agreement. 12) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterpart originals, duplicate originals, or both, each of which is deemed to be an original for all purposes. 13) NOTICES. This Agreement is managed and administered on the CITY’s behalf by the individual named below. All invoices must be submitted and approved by this individual and all notices shall be given to the CITY using the following contact information:
CITY Contact: David Vong, Senior Civil Engineer
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: 1000 Webster Street, 3
rd Floor, Fairfield, CA 94533
Telephone: (707) 428-7784
Notices must be given to CONSULTANT at the following:
CONSULTANT Contact: Erik Helgeson, President
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: 2625 Alcatraz Ave, #602, Berkeley, CA 94705
Telephone: (510) 671-8669
EX
ECUTED as of the day first above-stated.
Cit
y of Fairfield, a municipal corporation
By
:__________________________________
CON
SULTANT
By
:___________________________________
Proposal to the Cities of Fairfield and
Vacaville for Financial Consulting
Services for the North Bay Regional
Water Treatment Plant Expansion
July 8, 2026
EXHIBIT “A”
June 17, 2026
David Vong, Senior Civil Engineer
c/o the Joint Powers Policy Committee
1000 Webster Street, 3rd Floor
Fairfield, CA 94534
Attn: David Vong, Senior Civil Engineer
Re: Financial Consulting Services
Bartle Wells Associates (BWA) is pleased to submit this proposal to provide financial consulting services to support the North Bay Regional Water Treatment Plant (NBRWTP) expansion project. BWA understands that the NBRWTP is a jointly owned regional facility between the Cities of Vacaville and Fairfield, governed through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) and administered through a Joint Powers Policy Committee. As outlined in the City's recent agenda materials, the expansion project represents a critical next step in addressing long -term water supply reliability, regulatory compliance, and future demand, with planning-level costs estimated at approximately $200 million.
BWA has over 60 years of experience serving California water and wastewater agencies and is uniquely positioned to provide financial consulting services to support this project . B WA has a deep understanding of both Cities. We recently completed the water rate study for the City of Fairfield, which included the NBRWTP project in its financial projections, and we have a long history of working with the City of Vacaville, most recently on the water and sewer capacity charge study. BWA is also one of a few firms that p rovides both financial advisory services for project financing and utility rate consulting services. We propose to assign Erik Helgeson, a principal and p resident of BWA, as project manager, and Alex Handlers, a BWA principal, as technical expert.
BWA is eager to continue our work with the Cities of Vacaville and Fai rfield. Please contact me at [email protected] or (510) 671-8669 with any questions.
Sincerely,
Erik Helgeson, MBA
President
2625 Alcatraz Ave, #602
Berkeley, CA 94705
Tel 510 653 3399
www.bartlewells.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUSINESS QUALIFICATIONS ............................................................................. 1 BARTLE WELLS ASSOCIATES .................................................................................................................. 1 PROJECT TEAM AND STAFFING ........................................................................ 3 RESUMES ............................................................................................................................................... 4 SCOPE OF SERVICES ......................................................................................... 9 Task 1. Financial Plan for the City of Vacaville ..................................................................................... 9 Task 2. Financing Support and Analysis ................................................................................................ 9 PROJECT BUDGET ........................................................................................... 10 PROJECT SCHEDULE ....................................................................................... 11 AVAILABILITY AND FEES ................................................................................. 12 MUNICIPAL ADVISOR DISCLOSURES ............................................................... 14 INSURANCE .................................................................................................... 15
BARTLE WELLS ASSOCIATES Page 1
Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
BUSINESS QUALIFICATIONS
BARTLE WELLS ASSOCIATES
Leaders in Water, Wastewater & Stormwater Rates and Finance Since 1964 Bartle Wells Associates (BWA) is an independent financial advisory firm with expertise in the areas of water, wastewater, and stormwater finance. BWA was established in 1964 and has over 60 years of experience advising cities, special districts, and other agencies on the complexities and challenges in public finance. We have advised over 600 public agency clients throughout California and the western United States. We have a diversity of abilities and experience to evaluate all types of financial issues faced by local governments and to recommend the best and most-practical solutions.
Bartle Wells Associates has a highly qualified professional team of consultants. Our educational backgrounds include finance, civil engineering, business, public administration, public policy, and economics.
BWA specializes in three professional services: utility cost -of-service rate and fee studies, financial plans, and project financing. We are one of the few independent financial advisors providing all three of these interrelated services to public agencies.
RATE AND FEE STUDIES Our rate studies employ a cost-of-service approach and are designed to maintain the long-term financial health of a utility enterprise while being fair to all customers. We develop practical recommendations that are easy to implement and often phase in rate adjustments over time to minimize the impact on ratepayers. We also have extensive experience developing impact fees that equitably recover the costs of infrastructure required to serve new development. BWA has completed hundreds of utility rate and fee studies. We have helped commu nities implement a wide range of rate structures and are knowledgeable about the legal requirements governing rates and impact fees. We develop clear, effective presentations and have represented public agencies at hundreds of public hearings to build consensus for our recommendations.
FINANCIAL PLANS Our financial plans provide agencies with a flexible roadmap for funding long-term operating and capital needs. We evaluate the wide range of financing options available, develop a plan that recommends the best financing approach, and clearly identify the sources of revenue for funding projects and repaying any debt. We also help agencies develop prudent financial policies, such as fund reserve targets, to support sound financial management. BWA has developed over 2,000 utility enterprise financial plans t o help public agencies fund their operating and capital programs, meet debt service requirements, and maintain long-term financial health.
BWA Key Services
Rate & Fee Studies
Financial Plans
Project Financing
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
PROJECT FINANCING Our project financing experience includes over 300 bond sales and numerous bank loans, lines of credit, and a range of state and federal grant and loan programs. We generally recommend issuing debt via a competitive sale process to achieve the lowest cost financing possible. To date, we have helped California agencies obtain over $5 billion of financing via bonds, bank loans/private placements, lines of credit, low-rate State Revolving Fund Loans, and other funding programs. We work only for public agencies; we are independent financial advisors and do not buy, trade, or resell bonds. Our work is concentrated on providing independent advice that enables our clients to finance their projects on the most favorable terms—lowest interest rates, smallest issue size, and greatest flexibility.
Bartle Wells Associates is a charter member of the National Association of Municipal Advisors (NAMA), which establishes strict criteria for independent advisory firms. All of our lead consultants are Certified Independent Professional Municipal Advisors and are Registered Municipal Advisors.
Bartle Wells Associates is committed to providing value and the best advice to our clients. Our strength is quality—the quality of advice, service, and work we do for all our clients.
EXPERIENCE BWA has extensive experience developing long - term financial plans, utility rates, and capacity fees for public agencies from all areas of California and the western U.S. In recent years, we have completed assignments for many agencies including:
Sample Water and Wastewater Districts Sample Cities Nevada Irrigation District City of Benicia
Castro Valley Sanitary District City of Arcata
Clean Water Services City of Davis
Cucamonga Valley Water District City of East Palo Alto East Bay Municipal Utility District City of Glendale Fallbrook Public Utility District City of Hemet
Helendale Community Services District City of Hesperia Helix Water District City of Imperial
Indian Wells Valley Water District City of Modesto
Joshua Basin Water District City of Monterey
Lake Arrowhead Community Services District City of Morro Bay Marin Municipal Water District City of Mountain View Patterson Irrigation District City of Paso Robles
Palmdale Water District City of Patterson
San Diego County Water Authority City of Port Hueneme San Francisco Public Utilities Commission City of Redwood City San Luis Water District City of San Bruno
San Miguel Community Services District City of San Carlos Santa Ynez River Water CD, ID#1 City of San Leandro Silicon Valley Clean Water City of Santa Cruz
BWA has served
over 600 public
agencies
throughout
California and
the western
United
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
PROJECT TEAM AND STAFFING
BWA uses a team approach for most projects, typically assigning two consultants to each assignment, including at least one principal consultant. 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.
Bartle Wells Associates has a highly qualified professional team. Our education and backgrounds include finance, civil engineering, business, public administration, public policy, and economics. Bartle Wells Associates has a long track record of completing projects on time and on or under budget.
Bartle Wells Associates will perform all work related to this assignment and does not plan to use any subcontractors for this project. Our consulting staff has availability to assist on this project as needed to ensure all project work and deliverables are completed on schedule.
Erik Helgeson, Project Manager
Erik Helgeson is a Principal and President of BWA with 15 years of experience. He specializes in developing long-term financial models and utility rates based on a cost- of-service approach. His experience includes working as a senior finance analyst for Denver Water in the rates and charges group and as a utility rate consultant in Colorado and California. His prior experience working for a utility gives him a unique perspective on the internal challenges a utility faces when implementing a study’s recommendations. He currently serves on the American Water Works Association Rates and Charges Committee.
Alex Handlers, Technical Expert
Alex Handlers is a principal of Bartle Wells Associates with expertise in utility rates, financial planning, and project financing. He has managed projects for over 150 cities, counties, and special districts and has helped public agencies obtain over $2 billion in financing through bonds, COPs, bank loans, State Revolving Fund loans, WIFIA , and other state and federal funding programs. Alex is an MSRB- Registered Municipal Advisor, a Certified Independent Professional Municipal Advisor (CIPMA), and a current Board Member of the National Association of Municipal Advisors.
Danielle Compton, Financial Analyst
Danielle Compton is a Financial Analyst for Bartle Wells and provides analytical support for utility rate and financial planning studies. She has experience working on water, wastewater, and solid waste rate studies. Danielle has a background in water utility operations through her work in Sour ce of Supply at Denver Water, where she developed an understanding of the back -end workings of a municipal water system.
She also has prior experience in public sector accounting and recreation services.
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
RESUMES
ERIK W. HELGESON, MBA
Principal Consultant
Erik Helgeson is a principal and president of Bartle Wells and Associates with fifteen years of utility finance experience. His areas of expertise include the development of financial plans, ratemaking, and policy solutions for water, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater and solid waste utilities. His experience includes both working for a utility as a senior finance analyst for Denver Water and now as a utility rate consultant helping agencies develop strong financial plans and equitable rates aligned with their objectives. Erik has extensive expertise in working with executive level staff and assisting in strategic decisions. He serves on the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Rates and Charges Committee and has presented at the Utility Management Conference.
Education
M.B.A., Entrepreneurship – University of Colorado, Denver B.A., Business Administration – Gonzaga University
Representative Projects
Marin Municipal Water District, Marin, CA: Project manager for 2022 water and recycled water rate study and 2025 capacity charge study. Analyst supporting the rate study update in 2016. Fallbrook PUD, CA: Project manager for a water, sewer and recycled water rate study Pico Water District, CA: Project manager for a water financial plan and cost-of-service rate study Big Bear City CSD, CA: Project manager for a water, sewer and solid waste cost-of-service rate studies
City of Modesto, CA: Project manager for water and wastewater financial plans and rate studies Madera County, CA: Project manager providing rate studies for twenty-three of the county’s water and sewer special service districts
Modesto Irrigation District: Designed an allocation methodology between the district’s domestic water, irrigation, and electric enterprises.
City of Hemet, CA: Water budget rate design and cost of service study City of Lindsay, CA: Project manager for water and sewer rate studies and infrastructure use fee study
City of Imperial, CA: Lead consultant providing water and wastewater financial plans and rate studies
City of Vacaville, CA: Water and wastewater capacity fee studies Union Sanitary District, CA: Wastewater capacity fee study City of Riverbank, CA: Project Manager for solid waste rate and sewer rate and connection fee studies
City of Placerville, CA: Analytical support for water financial plans and rate studies. San Luis Water District, CA: Prop. 218 Assessment Election Panoche Water District, CA: Prop. 218 Assessment Election
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
City of Patterson, CA: Solid waste rate study
San Miguel Community Services District, CA: Project manager providing water and wastewater financial plans and rate studies. The District was nearing insolvency and large rate increases were needed to save the District.
Alameda County, CA : Reviewed proposed wheeling charges on behalf of the local agency partners working on the Los Vaqueros Dam expansion project.
Carlsbad, CA: Played a key role in completing the 2016 water cost of service study. Created a supply- based cost allocation and supply layered, tiered, water rate design City of Paso Robles, CA: Water and wastewater rate studies King City, CA: Wastewater financial plan and rate study Castle Pines North Metropolitan District, CO: Lead consultant providing annual water and wastewater financial plans and rate study updates
City of Benicia, CA: Water and wastewater rate and connection fee studies Arapahoe Parks and Recreation District, CO: Reviewed water rates for fairness City of San Juan Bautista, CA: Water and Wastewater rate and capacity fee studies Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, CA: Support for annual budget process Tres Pinos CSD, CA: Project manager for water and sewer rate studies Leland Meadows CSD, CA: Project manager for water and sewer rate studies City of Willits, CA: Lead consultant providing water and wastewater financial plans and rate studies The Cities of Pinole and Hercules, CA: Assisted the cities with the co-financing of a wastewater project with SRF loans. This included the design of the payment and reimbursement process, the administration of the process, and navigating the State requirements. Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, CA: Lead consultant providing 10-year financial plan update Sacramento County Water Authority, Sacramento, CA: Lead analyst supporting water financial plan and rate study
Public Utility Experience
Denver Water, Denver, CO:
Senior Finance Analyst- Assisted with the annual cost of service study and financial plan, provided regular revenue reports, and oversaw the gathering and reporting of metrics to support Denver Water’s organizational improvement initiatives. As the lead analyst on the initiative to change the rate design he facilitated research (customer survey and affordability study), performed rate design analysis, and assisted with stakeholder outreach (municipalities, customers, business representatives, non-profits, and Denver Water executives and Board) which led to the adoption of new rate structures. He coordinated the implementation efforts between various business units to ensure a successful rollout of the new rates and rate structures.
Professional Memberships
American Water Works Association – Member of Rates and Charges Committee Certifications
MSRB-Registered Municipal Advisor (Series 50)
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
ALEX HANDLERS, MPA, CIPMA
Principal Consultant
Alex Handlers is a principal of Bartle Wells Associates with expertise in the areas of utility rates and finance. He has extensive experience assisting public agencies with development of long -term strategic financial plans, utility rate studies, and development impact fees for utility enterprises. Alex has helped agencies implement a wide variety of water and sewer rate and fee structures and is knowledgeable about the legal requirements of rates and fees. He has managed projects for over 150 cities, counties, and special districts and has extensive experience working with city councils, governing boards, and citizen advisory and community organizations to gain input and build consensus for recommendations.
Alex is also an independent financial advisor with expertise in evaluating financing alternatives for capital programs and helping agencies secure low -cost debt financing. He is an MSRB- Registered Municipal Advisor, a Certified Independent Professional Mun icipal Advisor, and a current Board Member of the National Association of Municipal Advisors. He has helped public agencies obtain over $2 billion in financing via issuance of bonds, COPs, bank loans/private placements, lines of credit, and a range of state and federal funding programs including California’s State Revolving Fund Loan Program, USDA, I -Bank, and WIFIA.
Education
M.P.A. - University of Washington
B.A. - Lehigh University
Certifications
Board Member – National Association of Municipal Advisors CIPMA – Certified Independent Professional Municipal Advisor MSRB-Registered Municipal Advisor (Series 50)
Representative Projects
• City of Paso Robles: Developed comprehensive water and sewer rate studies. Evaluated water and sewer rate structures including a range of fixed and usage-based residential rate alternatives. Final recommendations included multi -year rate increases and a phase -in of increased fixed service charges to improve financial stability and better reflect the cost of providing service. • City of Petaluma: Developed water and wastewater financial plans and rate studies designed to support escalating operating expenses and updated Master Plan capital improvement needs.
Recommendations included a 5 -year phase-in of gradual base City rate increases plus automatic future passthrough adjustments for wholesale water costs and inflation. Developed new Water Shortage Contingency Plan rate adjustments designed to support financial stability during droughts and water shortages.
• City of Benicia: Developed comprehensive water and wastewater financial plans and rate studies leading to adoption of a 5-year phase-in of rate increases and revisions to the water and sewer rate structures designed to reflect the cost of providing service. Evaluated rate impacts under a range of capital improvement funding scenarios. Updated water and wastewater capacity charges.
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
• San Francisco Public Utilities Commission: Developed financial projections supporting issuance of over $3 billion of bonds used to fund a $4.3 billion upgrade to the Hetch -Hetchy regional water system and improvements to the City’s wastewater system and Hetch-Hetchy power facilities. • City of San Mateo: Developed a financial plan and rate study supporting funding for a $900 million wastewater capital improvement program needed to improve wet weather capacity and rebuild the City’s aging wastewater treatment plant. Transitioned residential sewer rates from 100% volumetric rates (subject to a minimum charge) to a hybrid 50% fixed & 50% volumetric rate structure. • South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District: Developed a long -term financial plan and wastewater rate recommendations supporting the funding of a major capital upgrade to a regional wastewater treatment plant serving the Cities of Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, and the Oceano Community Services District. Serves as independent financial advisor on issuance of $27 million of wastewater revenue bonds and a low-interest rate USDA Loan. • City of Morro Bay: Developed 10 -year water and wastewater financial plans and rate studies supporting construction of a new $145 million Water Reclamation Facility and recycled water infrastructure. Evaluated water and sewer rate structures and recommended modifications bas ed on a cost-of-service analysis. Updated the City’s water and wastewater connection fees. Served as financial advisor assisting the City on securing roughly $130 million of low -interest rate financing through two WIFIA loans and a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan. • Monterey One Water: Developed a long-term financial plan, sewer rate study, capacity charge study, and update of miscellaneous fees.
• Arvin-Edison Water Storage District: Developed financial plan to support $60 million of projects to address Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance. Served as financial advisor on 5 private placement bank loans generating over $70 million for capital improvements, the District’s buyout of USBR water supply facilities, and various debt refinancings to achieve savings. • City of San Carlos: Developed a sewer enterprise financial plan and rate study designed to support sewer collection system capacity improvements, long -term pipeline replacements, and over $120 million for the City’s share of costs for rebuilding the regional wastewater treat ment plant.
Evaluated residential rate structure alternatives. Updated the sewer capacity charges levied on new development. Developed solid waste rate recommendations to support increased funding requirements and improve rate equity between customer classes and cart sizes. • City of North Miami Beach: Developed water and sewer financial plans and rate studies designed to support each utility’s updated capital improvement programs and a substantial increase in costs for wastewater treatment provided by Miami-Dade County. • South Tahoe Public Utility District: Serves as independent financial advisor on competitive and negotiated bonds sales and 5 competitively bid private placements generating over $50 million to fund water and sewer capital improvements and refinance outstanding debt to achieve savings. • Joshua Basin Water District: Developed long-term financial plans and water rate studies supporting increased capital needs and imported water supply water coupled with rate structure modifications to provide additional conservation incentive. Worked with a Citizens Advisory Council t o evaluate alternatives and develop final recommendations.
• City of Burlingame: Developed 10-year water and sewer enterprise financial projections and rate studies. Developed new water and sewer capacity charges levied on new development. • City of Santa Paula: Developed a wastewater financial plan to fund construction and operations of an Advanced Water Treatment Facility and assisted City with securing a $20 million low -interest- rate State Revolving Fund Loan.
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
DANIELLE COMPTON, MBA
Financial Analyst
Danielle Compton is a financial analyst with Bartle Wells Associates. She works closely with agency staff, engineers, lawyers, and other consultants to develop long-range financial plans, cost analyses and utility rate structures.
Education
B.S., Human Dimensions of Natural Resources – Colorado State University, Fort Collins M.B.A., Project Management – Colorado State University, Aurora Representative Projects
City of Patterson, CA: Supported solid waste rate study by analyzing cost of service, evaluating rate structures, and contributing to development of rate recommendations. Patterson Irrigation District, CA: Assisted in development of long-term financial plan and fee study, including revenue forecasting and financial modeling.
City of Castle Pines North Metro District, CO: Supported water and wastewater rate studies through data analysis, financial projections, and preparation of client deliverables. Nevada Irrigation District, CA: Contributed to water rate study by analyzing operational and capital costs and supporting rate design.
Grayson Community Services District, CA: Provided analytical support for sewer rate study, including data validation and cost allocation analysis.
Sonoma Water, CA: Assisted with customer Equivalent Single -Family Dwellings (ESD) update and sewer rate study through financial analysis and reporting support. City of Arcata, CA: Supported water and wastewater financial planning and rate studies, including revenue requirement analysis and model development.
City of Santa Cruz, CA: Contributed to water rate and capacity fee study, supporting fee calculations and long-term financial planning.
Public Agency Experience
Denver Water, Denver, CO:
Source of Supply, Facility Operator - Danielle is a consultant with a background in water utility operations, financial analysis, and public sector services. Prior to joining Bartle Wells, she worked in Source of Supply at Denver Water, where she gained a strong understanding of the operational and back-end workings of a large municipal water system. She supported the monitoring and operation of water supply and conveyance infrastructure to ensure reliable service delivery and regulatory compliance.
Danielle also has experience in public -facing roles in recreation, where she developed strong communication and customer service skills. In addition, she worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife , where she performed accounting functions for Roxborough State Park, supporting financial tracking and day-to-day operations. This combination of operational, financial, and public sector experience informs her work supporting water, wastewater, and solid waste utility clients.
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
SCOPE OF SERVICES
This section presents a draft scope of services that we believe provides a sound basis for completing this assignment. BWA will provide financial planning and financing support services for the Cities of Vacaville and Fairfield in support of the North Bay Regional Water Treatment Plant (NBRWTP) Expansion Project.
Bartle Wells Associates can work with the Cities to finalize a scope of services that meets their objectives and scheduling needs.
Task 1. Financial Plan for the City of Vacaville
BWA will develop a long -term financial model for the City of Vacaville's water enterprise. The financial plan will serve as a decision-support tool to evaluate the impacts of the NBRWTP expansion on the City's finances and to support the City's capital financing efforts. Key elements include:
• Data collection and coordination with City staff to confirm project assumptions, the cost-sharing structure under the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), and key financial inputs • Develop long -range revenue, expenditure, and cash flow projections incorporating operating costs, capital improvement needs, and reserve targets
• Initial e valuation of the impact of the NBRWTP expansion on rates, reserves, and long- term financial sustainability
• Initial review of capacity charge revenues and their role in funding the project.
Deliverables include:
• Excel-based financial planning model
• Memo summarizing assumptions and the projected financial position Task 2. Financing Support and Analysis
BWA will use the financial model developed in Task 1 for Vacaville and the water enterprise financial plan already developed for the City of Fairfield as part of BWA’s 2024 -2025 water rate study, to provide ongoing financing support and analysis to both agencies for the NBRWRP Expansion. This task is organized into three sub-tasks:
• Sub-Task 2a - City of Vacaville: BWA can use the model developed in Task 1 to evaluate alternative financing assumptions including project timing, and funding source combinations . Possible funding sources includ e State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans, WIFIA, grants, I -bank, bonds, bank loans, etc. BWA can also use the model to perform sensitivity analysis on variables including project cost and interest rates. BWA analysis will includ e reviewing impacts on rate revenue requirements, reserves, liquidity metrics and utilization of capacity/connection charges. BWA can also provide advice on the timing and size of funding sources, respond to requests from lenders, and ratings agencies, and other tasks as requested.
o Deliverables can include:
Report/Technical Memo(s) describing analysis and results. Presentation(s) describing analysis and results.
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
• Sub-Task 2b - City of Fairfield: BWA can use the financial plan it built for Fairfield as part of the 2024-2025 rate study, to perform the tasks described in Sub-Task 2a for the City of Fairfield. • Sub-Task 2c - Joint Financing Coordination: As requested, BWA will s upport both agencies in evaluating and coordinating financing options, including financing options , reimbursement structures, and other interagency financial arrangements as needed. BWA can also assist in coordinating between the two agencies , responding to requests from lenders and ratings agencies, and other items as requested . The scope of coordination support may expand as the financing process develops and additional needs are identified.
PROJECT BUDGET
Provided below is a draft breakdown of our budget by task. We remain available to work with the Cit ies to refine the scope and budget to meet objectives and expectations. The total fee is provided on a not-to- exceed basis and includes all labor and direct costs necessary to complete the work.
PROJECT TASK TOTAL COST
TASK 1. FINANCIAL PLAN FOR THE CITY OF VACAVILLE Not-to-exceed $30,000
1. Data collection and coordination with C ity staff (JPA cost-sharing, key inputs)
2. Develop 10-year revenue, expenditure, and cash flow projections
3. Evaluate NBRWTP impact on rates, reserves, and long-term sustainability
4. Assess capacity charge revenues and role in funding the project
5. Excel-based financial planning model
6. Memo summarizing assumptions and the projected financial position TASK 2. FINANCING SUPPORT AND ANALYSIS Initial not-to-exceed of $30,000 Sub-Task 2a — City of Vacaville
1. Evaluate sufficiency of current revenues, impact on reserves, and impact on future rates on funding the project
2. Evaluate utilization of capacity charges in funding the project
3. Advise on timing and size of funding source utilization (SRF, WIFIA, grants, IBank, bonds, etc.)
4. Respond to lender and agency requests on behalf of Vacaville as needed when seeking project financing
5. Scenario analysis (SRF, WIFIA, Ibank, grants, bonds; timing & funding mix) on financing the project
6. Additional services as requested
Sub-Task 2b — City of Fairfield
1. Leverage BWA's existing Fairfield pro forma to evaluate financing outcomes to support the plant expansion
2. Evaluate sufficiency of revenues, capacity/connection fees, reserve impacts, and future rate implications
3. Respond to lender and agency requests on behalf of Fairfield as needed when seeking project financing
4. Advise on timing and size of funding source utilization (SRF, WIFIA, grants, IBank, bonds, etc.)
5. Scenario analysis (SRF, WIFIA, Ibank, grants, bonds; timing & funding mix) on financing the project
6. Additional services as requested
Sub-Task 2c — Joint Financing Coordination
1. Evaluate combined versus separate debt issuances and reimbursement structures
2. Assist in coordinating interagency financial arrangements between Vacaville and Fairfield
3. Respond to requests from lenders, ratings agencies, and state and federal financing programs
4. Additional services as requested
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
PROJECT SCHEDULE
BWA will work with the Cities to determine the project schedule. Task 1 typically takes between three and six months to complete.
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Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
AVAILABILITY AND FEES
1. Bartle Wells Associates is prepared to begin work upon authorization to proceed.
2. During the project development period, Bartle Wells Associates will be available at all reasonable times and at reasonable notice for meetings and for consultation with staff, attorneys, consulting engineers, and others, as necessary.
3. Bartle Wells Associates will perform all work related to this assignment. Erik Helgeson, a firm principal and president, will be assigned as project manager on this assignment . He will serve as the lead contact person for BWA and will be involved with the project on a day-to-day basis. Erik will be assisted by Alex Handlers, a BWA principal consultant , and Danielle Compton , a BWA financial analyst. This project team may be assisted by other BWA staff as needed.
4. BWA recommends an initial not to exceed amount of $60,000 for Task 1 as outlined in this proposal and Task 2 services as requested. This is based on the following assumptions:
a. All necessary information will be provided by the Agency in a timely manner. b. The on-call services agreement will extend through June 30, 2027.
5. Progress payments and direct expenses are payable monthly on a time and materials basis as the work proceeds as provided in our Billing Rate Schedule 2026, which will remain in effect through the duration of this assignment.
6. Bartle Wells Associates will maintain in force, during the full term of the assignment, insurance as provided in the Certificate of Insurance attached.
7. If the project is terminated for any reason, we are to be reimbursed for professional services and direct expenses incurred up to the time we receive notification of such termination.
8. This proposal may be withdrawn or amended if not accepted within 90 days of its date.
9. We will not require a formal contract of employment and will consider a letter or e -mail from an appropriate official as sufficient authority to proceed.
BARTLE WELLS ASSOCIATES Page 13
Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
BARTLE WELLS ASSOCIATES
BILLING RATE SCHEDULE 2026
Rates Effective 1/1/2026
Professional Services
Financial Analyst I .......................................................................................... $135 per hour Financial Analyst II ......................................................................................... $155 per hour Associate Consultant ...................................................................................... $175 per hour Consultant ..................................................................................................... $200 per hour Senior Consultant ........................................................................................... $225 per hour Project Manager/Technical Expert ................................................................ $260 per hour Principal Consultant ...................................................................................... $290 per hour
The hourly rates for professional services include all overhead and indirect expenses. Bartle Wells Associates does not charge for administrative support services. Expert witness, legal testimony, or other special limited assignments will be billed at one and one-half times the consultant’s hourly rate.
The above rates will remain in effect through duration of the project.
Direct Expenses
Subconsultants will be billed at cost plus ten percent. Other reimbursable direct expenses incurred on behalf of the agency will be billed at cost plus ten percent. These reimbursable costs include, but are not limited to:
Travel, meals, lodging Automobile mileage
Printing and photocopying Messenger services and mailing costs Special statistical analysis Graphic design and photography Outside computer services Special legal services
Bond ratings Legal advertisements
Insurance
Bartle Wells Associates maintains insurance in the amounts and coverage as provided in the attached schedule of insurance. Additional or special insurance, licensing, or permit requirements beyond what is shown on the schedule of insurance are billed in addition to the contract amount.
Payment
Fees are typically billed monthly or bi -monthly on a time and materials basis as work proceeds.
Invoices are due and payable within 30 days of the date of the invoice. A late charge of 1.0 percent per month may be applied to balances unpaid after 60 days.
BARTLE WELLS ASSOCIATES Page 14
Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
MUNICIPAL ADVISOR DISCLOSURES
This section provides certain disclosures required by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) regarding our duties as a Municipal Advisor to the extent any such duties apply to this assignment. Bartle Wells Associates will provide advice and conduct activities with a “duty of care” and a “fiduciary duty” to the agencies we serve. Throughout the engagement, BWA will act in our client agency’s best interests and will provide independent, objective analysis and advice to help secure financing on the most favorable terms . Our role and responsibilities during this engagement will continue through the completion of the project.
Bartle Wells Associates is a registered Municipal Advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Registration No. 867 -00740) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB ID K0414).
Bartle Wells Associates has never been cited for any legal or disciplinary action regarding municipal advisory activities.
Bartle Wells Associates has not and will not receive any compensation from any third party seeking to provide services, municipal securities transactions, or municipal financial products related to this transaction. BWA or any of its employees will not eng age in any activities that would produce a direct or indirect financial gain for the firm other than compens ation for our services identified in this proposal.
Bartle Wells Associates is not aware of any conflicts of interest that would affect our ability to provide independent and objective advice and Municipal Advisory services in a manner consistent with the requirements of MSRB Rule G-42.
The website address for the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) is www.MSRB.org.
The MSRB’s website provides a municipal advisory client brochure that describes the protections that may be provided by the MSRB rules and how to file a complaint with an appropriate regulatory authority. The municipal advisory client brochure is accessible via a link on www.MSRB.org or can be downloaded from https://www.msrb.org/sites/default/files/MSRB-MA-Clients-Brochure.pdf
BARTLE WELLS ASSOCIATES Page 15
Cities of Fairfield and Vacaville – Financial Support Proposal
INSURANCE
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EXHIBIT “B”
PAYMENT
1) The total contract price for services rendered by CONSULTANT under this Agreement shall be based on the CONSULTANT’s currently hourly rates, attached with Exhibit “A”. Billing shall include the number of hours expended by each of the CONSULTANT’s employees, plus reimbursables such as postage, delivery, reproduction, etc. Reimbursables shall be itemized on the billings. Total payment for consulting services shall not exceed $60,000.
2) Payment shall be made to CONSULTANT on a time and materials basis, and CONSULTANT shall submit monthly invoices to the CITY , Public Works Department, Attention: [email protected]. 3) Any additional meetings or work required beyond that set forth in Exhibit “A” shall be mutually agreed to in writing by the CITY and CONSULTANT, and shall be billed on a time and materials basis to the CITY, Public Works Department, Attention: David Vong.
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EXHIBIT “C”
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1) INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT. At all times during the term of this Agreement, CONSULTANT shall be an independent contractor and shall not be an employee of CITY. CITY shall have the right to control CONSULTANT only insofar as the results of CONSULTANT's services rendered pursuant t o this Agreement; however, CITY shall not have the right to control the means by which CONSULTANT accomplishes services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. 2) LICENSES; PERMITS; ETC. CONSULTANT represents and warrants to CITY that CONSULTANT has all licenses, permits, qualifications, and approvals of whatsoever nature which are legally required for CONSULTANT to practice CONSULTANT's profession. CONSULTANT represents and warrants to CITY that CONSULTANT shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement, any licenses, permits, and approvals which are legally required for CONSULTANT to practice his profession.
3) TIME. CONSULTANT shall devote such services pursuant to this Agreement as may be reasonably necessary for satisfactory performance of CONSULTANT's obligations pursuant to this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall adhere to the Schedule of Activities as described in their Executive Summary.
4) CONSULTANT NOT AN 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.
5) ASSIGNMENT PROHIBITED. No party to this Agreement may assign any right or obligation pursuant to this Agreement. Any attempted or purported assignment of any right or obligation pursuant to this Agreement shall be void and of no effect.
6) PERSONNEL. CONSULTANT shall assign only competent personnel to perform services pursuant to this Agreement. In the event that CITY, in its sole discretion, at any time during the term of this Agreement, desires the removal of any person or persons assigned by CONS ULTANT to perform services pursuant to this Agreement, CONSULTANT shall remove any such person immediately upon receiving notice from CITY of the desire of CITY for the removal of such person or persons. 7) STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE. CONSULTANT shall perform all services required pursuant to this Agreement. Services shall be performed in the manner and according to the standards observed by a competent practitioner of the profession in which CONSULTANT is engaged in the geographical area in which CONSULTANT practices his profession. All products which CONSULTANT delivers to CITY pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in a workmanlike manner, and conform to the standards of quality normally observed by a person practicing in CONSULTANT's profession. CITY shall be the sole judge as to whether the product of the CONSULTANT is satisfactory.
8) CANCELLATION OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement may be canceled at any time by the CITY at its discretion upon written notification to CONSULTANT. CONSULTANT is entitled to receive full payment for all services performed and all costs incurred up to and including the date of receipt of written notice
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to cease work on the project. CONSULTANT shall be entitled to no further compensation for work performed after the date of receipt of written notice to cease work. All completed and incomplete products up to the date of receipt of written notice to cease work shall become the property of CITY. 9) PRODUCTS OF CONSULTING. All products of the CONSULTANT provided under this Agreement shall be the property of the CITY.
10) INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS.
a) If AGREEMENT is an agreement for design professional services subject to California Civil Code § 2782.8(a) and CONSULTANT is a design professional, as defined in California Civil Code § 2782.8(c)(2), to the fullest extent permitted by law, CONSULTANT shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless CITY and its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and designated volunteers (collectively “CITY Indemnitees”) from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees and costs, to the extent they arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the CONSULTANT. CONSULTANT’s duty to defend shall consist of reimbursement of defense costs incurred by CITY in direct proportion to the CONSULTANT’s proportionate percentage of fault. CONSULTANT’s percentage of fault shall be determined, as applicable, by a court of law, jury or arbitrator. In the event any loss, liability or damage is incurred by way of settlement or resolution without a court, jury or arbitrator having made a determination of the CONSULTANT’s percentage of fault, the parties agree to mediation with a third party neutral to determine the CONSULTANT’s proportionate percentage of fault for purposes of dete rmining the amount of indemnity and defense cost reimbursement owed to the CITY.
b) If AGREEMENT is not an agreement for design professional services subject to California Civil Code § 2782.8(a) or CONSULTANT is not a design professional as defined in California Civil Code § 2782.8(c)(2), to the fullest extent allowed by law, CONSULTANT shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the CITY Indemnitees from all claims, suits, or actions of every name, kind and description, brought forth on account of injuries to or death of any person or damage to property arising from or connected with the willful misconduct, negligent acts, errors or omissions, ultra- hazardous activities, activities giving rise to strict liability, or defects in design by CONSULTANT or any person directly or indirectly employed by or acting as agent for CONSULTANT in the pe rformance of this Agreement, including the concurrent or successive passive negligence of the CITY Indemnitees.
It is understood that the duty of CONSULTANT to indemnify and hold harmless includes the duty to defend as set forth in Section 2778 of the California Civil Code.
Acceptance of insurance certificates and endorsements required under this Agreement does not relieve CONSULTANT from liability under this indemnification and hold harmless clause. This indemnification and hold harmless clause shall apply whether or not such insurance policies are determined to be applicable to any such damages or claims for damages.
CONSULTANT’S responsibility for such defense and indemnity shall survive termination or completion of this agreement for the full period of time allowed by law. 11) PROHIBITED INTERESTS. No employee of the CITY shall have any direct financial interest in this agreement. This agreement shall be voidable at the option of the CITY if this provision is violated.
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12) LOCAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY . The CITY desires wherever possible, to hire qualified local residents to work on city projects. Local resident is defined as a person who resides in Solano County.
The CITY encourages an active affirmative action program on the part of its contractors, consultants, and developers. When local projects require, subcontractors, contractors, consultants and developers will solicit proposals from qualified local firms where possible.
As a way of responding to the provisions of the Davis -Bacon Act and this program, contractor, consultants, and developers will be asked, to provide no more frequently than monthly, a report which lists the employee's name, job class, hours worked, salary paid, city of residence, and ethnic origin. 13) CONSULTANT NOT A PUBLIC OFFICIAL. CONSULTANT is not a "public official" for purposes of Government Code §§ 87200 et seq. CONSULTANT conducts research and arrives at his or her conclusions, advice, recommendation, or counsel independent of the control and direction of the CITY or any CI TY official, other than normal contract monitoring. In addition, CONSULTANT possesses no authority with respect to any CITY decision beyond these conclusions, advice, recommendation, or counsel. 14) EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS . When the CITY executes an agreement for or makes payment to CONSULTANT in the amount of $600 (six hundred dollars) or more in any one calendar year, CONSULTANT shall provide the following information to CITY to comply with Employment Development Department (EDD) reporting requirements:
a) Whether CONSULTANT is doing business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, limited liability corporation, non -profit corporation or other form of organization.
b) If CONSULTANT is doing business as a sole proprietorship, CONSULTANT shall provide the full name, address and social security number of the sole proprietor. c) If CONSULTANT is doing business as other than a sole proprietorship, CONSULTANT shall provide CONSULTANT’S federal tax identification number.
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EXHIBIT “D”
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
CONSULTANT shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the CONSULTANT, its agents, representatives, or employees. 1) MINIMUM SCOPE AND LIMITS OF INSURANCE
a) Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence Form CG 00 01) with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, products and completed operations, and property damage. If Commercial General Liability or other form wit h a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.
b) Automobile Liability coverage (Form CA 00 01 with Code 1 – any auto) with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. c) Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California and Employers’ Liability insurance, each in the amount of $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease. 2) INDUSTRY SPECIFIC COVERAGES
If checked below, the following insurance is also required.
Professional Liability Insurance / Errors and Omissions Liability in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Pollution Liability Insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence Garage Keepers Insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence Fidelity / Crime / Dishonesty Bond in the minimum amount of $____________ MCS-90 Endorsement to Business Automobile insurance for transportation of hazardous materials and pollutants
Builder’s Risk / Course of Construction Insurance in the minimum amount of $__________.
3) INSURANCE PROVISIONS
a) DEDUCTIBLES AND SELF-INSURED RETENTIONS. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the CITY. At the option of the CITY, either the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the CITY, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers; or the CONSULTANT shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses. b) The general and automobile liability policies (and if applicable, pollution liability, garage keepers X
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liability and builder’s risk policies) are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:
i) The CITY, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers are to be covered as insureds as respects: liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the CONSULTANT; products and completed operations of the CONSULTANT; premises o wned, occupied or used by the CONSULTANT; and automobiles owned, leased, hired or borrowed by the CONSULTANT. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the CITY, its officers, officials, employees or volunteers. ii) For any claims related to this project, the CONSULTANT’S insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the CITY, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insured maintained by the CITY, its officers, officials, employees or volunteers shall be in excess of the CONSULTANT’S insurance and shall not contribute with it. iii) Any failure to comply with reporting or other provisions of the policies including breaches of warranties shall not affect coverage provided to the CITY, its officers, officials, employees or volunteers.
iv) The CONSULTANT’S insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability. v) Each insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be suspended, voided, canceled by either party, reduced in coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days’ prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the CITY.
vi) The policy limits of coverage shall be made available to the full limits of the policy. The minimum limits stated above shall not serve to reduce the CONSULTANT’S policy limits of coverage.
Therefore, the requirements for coverage and limits shall be (1) the minimum coverage and limits specified in this agreement, or (2) the broader coverage and maximum limits of coverage of any insurance policy or proceeds available to the named insured, whichever is greater. c) ACCEPTABILITY OF INSURER. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the CITY.
VERIFICATION OF COVERAGE. CONSULTANT shall furnish the CITY with original endorsements effecting coverage required by this Exhibit D. The endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf; on forms equivalent to CG 20 10 11 85, subject to CITY approval; and submitted electronically via email at [email protected]. All insurance certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the CITY before work commences. At the request of the CITY, CONSULTANT shall provide complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements affecting the coverage required by these specifications. d) SUB-CONTRACTORS. CONSULTANT shall require all subcontractors to procure and maintain insurance policies subject to the requirements of Exhibit D. Failure of CONSULTANT to verify existence of sub- contractor’s insurance shall not relieve CONSULTANT from any claim arising from sub-contractors work on behalf of CONSULTANT.