CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
AGREEMENT FOR GENERAL SERVICES
PARTIES AND DATE
This Agreement for Valve Exercising and On-Call Consulting Services (“Agreement”) 13th day of February, 2024 by and between the City of Signal Hill, a municipal corporation organized under the laws of the State of California with its principal place of business at 2175 Cherry Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755 (“City”) and Grace Environmental Services, Inc., with its principal place of business at 2060 E. Avenida De Los Arboles #327, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 (“Contractor”). City and Contractor are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties” in this Agreement.
RECITALS
Contractor.
Contractor desires to perform and assume responsibility for the provision of certain valve exercising and on-call consulting services required by City on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Contractor represents that it is experienced in providing valve exercising and on-call consulting services to public clients, is licensed in the State of California, and is familiar with the plans of City.
Project.
City desires to engage Contractor to render such services for the Valve Exercising Services project (“Project”) as set forth in this Agreement.
Incorporation of Documents.
If applicable, this Agreement includes and hereby incorporates in full by reference the following documents, including all exhibits, drawings, specifications, and documents therein, and attachments and addenda thereto: Notice Inviting Proposals, Request for Proposals, and Contractor’s Proposal.
TERMS
Scope of Services and Term.
General Scope of Services. Contractor promises and agrees to furnish to City all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and services necessary to supply the services and advice fully and adequately on various issues affecting the decisions of City regarding the Project and on other programs and matters affecting City (“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.
The term of this Agreement shall be from February 13, 2024, to February 13, 2026, unless earlier terminated as provided herein. The City shall have the unilateral option, at its sole discretion, to renew this Agreement annually for no more than three (3) additional one-year terms. The City reserves the right to review the Contractor’s performance at the end of each year and cancel all or part of the Agreement. Contractor shall perform its services in a prompt and timely manner and shall commence performance upon the effective date established in City’s notice to proceed. Contractor shall complete the services required hereunder within Responsibilities of Contractor.
Control and Payment of Subordinates; Independent Contractor. The Services shall be performed by Contractor or under its supervision. Contractor will determine the means, methods and details of performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. City retains Contractor on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee of City. Contractor retains the right to perform similar or different services for others during the term of this Agreement. Any additional personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of Contractor shall also not be employees of City and shall at all times be under Contractor's exclusive direction and control. Neither City, or any of its officials, officers, directors, employees or agents shall have control over the conduct of Contractor or any of Contractor’s officers, employees or agents, except as set forth in this Agreement. Contractor 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. Contractor 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.
Schedule of Services/Time for Performance.
Contractor 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. Contractor represents that it has the skilled personnel required to perform the Services in conformance with such conditions. In order to facilitate Contractor's conformance with the Schedule, City shall respond to Contractor's submittals in a timely manner. Upon request of City, Contractor shall provide a more detailed schedule of anticipated performance to meet the Schedule of Services.
Neither City nor Contractor shall be considered in default of this Agreement for delays in performance caused by circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the non-performing Party. For purposes of this Agreement, such circumstances include a Force Majeure Event. A Force Majeure Event shall mean an event that materially affects a Party’s performance and is one or more of the following: (1) Acts of God or other natural disasters; (2) terrorism or other acts of a public enemy; (3) orders of governmental authorities (including, without limitation, unreasonable and unforeseeable delay in the issuance of permits or approvals by governmental authorities that are required for the services); (4) strikes and other organized labor action occurring at the site and the effects thereof on the services, only to the extent such strikes and other organized labor action are beyond the control of Contractor and its subcontractors, and to the extent the effects thereof cannot be avoided by use of replacement workers; and (5) pandemics, epidemics or quarantine restrictions. For purposes of this section, “orders of governmental authorities,” includes ordinances, emergency proclamations and orders, rules to protect the public health, welfare and safety, and other actions of a public agency applicable to the services and Agreement. Should a Force Majeure Event occur, the non-performing Party shall, within a reasonable time of being prevented from performing, give written notice to the other Party describing the circumstances preventing continued performance and the efforts being made to resume performance of this Agreement. Force Majeure Events and/or delays, regardless of the Party responsible for the delay, shall not entitle Contractor to any additional compensation. Notwithstanding the foregoing in this section, the City may still terminate this Agreement in accordance with the termination provisions of this Agreement.
Conformance to Applicable Requirements. All work prepared by Contractor shall be subject to the approval of City.
Substitution of Key Personnel. Contractor 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, Contractor may substitute other personnel of at least equal competence and experience upon written approval of City. In the event that City and Contractor 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 City, or who are determined by 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 Contractor at the request of City. The key personnel for performance of this Agreement are as follows:
1. Eric Jensen, Regional Manager
2. Charles Grace, Project Manager
3. Michael Thompson, Data Collection
4. Revilla Hollands, Field Technician
5. Luis Gill, Field Technician
City's Representative. City hereby designates Thomas Bekele, Public Works Director or his or her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement (“City's Representative”). City's Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of City for all purposes under this Agreement. Contractor shall not accept direction or orders from any person other than City's Representative or his or her designee.
Contractor's Representative. Contractor hereby designates Eric Jensen, Regional Manager or his or her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement (“Contractor's Representative”). Contractor's Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of Contractor for all purposes under this Agreement. Contractor's Representative shall supervise and direct the Services, using his or 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.
Coordination of Services. Contractor agrees to work closely with City staff in the performance of Services and shall be available to City's staff, contractors and other staff at all reasonable times.
Standard of Care; Performance of Employees. Contractor shall perform all Services under this Agreement in a skillful and competent manner, consistent with the standards generally recognized as being employed by contractors in the same discipline in the State of California. Contractor represents and maintains that it is skilled in the calling necessary to perform the Services. Contractor warrants that all employees and subcontractors shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. Finally, Contractor represents that it, its employees and subcontractors have all licenses, permits, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to perform the Services, including any required business license, 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, Contractor shall perform, at its own cost and expense and without reimbursement from City, any services necessary to correct errors or omissions which are caused by Contractor's failure to comply with the standard of care provided for herein, and shall be fully responsible to City for all damages and other liabilities provided for in the indemnification provisions of this Agreement arising from the Contractor’s errors and omissions.. Any employee of Contractor or its subcontractors who is determined by 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 City, shall be promptly removed from the Project by Contractor and shall not be reemployed to perform any of the Services or to work on the Project.
Laws and Regulations. Contractor 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. Contractor shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in connection with Services. If Contractor performs any work knowing it to be contrary to such laws, rules and regulations and without giving written notice to City, Contractor shall be solely responsible for all costs arising therefrom. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, officers, employees and agents 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.
Labor
Prevailing Wage. Contractor is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code Sections 1720 et seq. and 1770 et seq., which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on certain “public works” and “maintenance” projects (“Prevailing Wage Laws”). 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, Contractor agrees to fully comply with such Prevailing Wage Laws. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claims, liabilities, costs, penalties or interest arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws. It shall be mandatory upon the Contractor and all subcontractors to comply with all California Labor Code provisions, which include but are not limited to prevailing wages (Labor Code Sections 1771, 1774 and 1775), employment of apprentices (Labor Code Section 1777.5), certified payroll records (Labor Code Sections 1771.4 and 1776), hours of labor (Labor Code Sections 1813 and 1815) and debarment of contractors and subcontractors (Labor Code Section 1777.1). The requirement to submit certified payroll records directly to the Labor Commissioner under Labor Code section 1771.4 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Section 1771.4.
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 Contractor and all subcontractors performing such Services must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Contractor shall maintain registration for the duration of the Project and require the same of any subcontractors, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the contractor registration requirements mandated by Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1.
Compliance Monitoring. This Agreement may also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. It shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility to comply with all applicable registration and labor compliance requirements. Any stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Contractor or any subcontractor that affect Contractor’s performance of Services, including any delay, shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility. Any delay arising out of or resulting from such stop orders shall be considered Contractor caused delay and shall not be compensable by the City. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Contractor or any subcontractor.
Acknowledgment of Employment Relationship. Contractor shall provide each of its employees who it assigns to provide the Services with a copy of the “ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP” attached hereto as Exhibit D (“Acknowledgment”). Each employee who provides the Services must execute the Acknowledgment before Contractor may permit the employee to provide Services for City. Contractor shall provide a copy of each executed Acknowledgment to City upon City’s request.
Labor Code Compliance; Audit Rights. City shall have the right to audit Contractor’s compliance with this Agreement and California Labor laws with respect to Contractor’s personnel, including, but not limited to, Contractor’s compliance with Sections 3.2.1, 3.2.10, and 3.6. Upon City’s request, Contractor shall provide within five (5) business days documents sufficient to demonstrate its compliance with this Agreement including, but not limited to, W4s, itemized wage statements, employee handbooks, and time cards for any of Contractor’s personnel who provide the Services.
Insurance.
Time for Compliance. Contractor shall, at its expense, procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Agreement by the Contractor, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. Contractor shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has provided evidence satisfactory to City that it has secured all insurance required under this section. In addition, Contractor shall not allow any subcontractor to commence work on any subcontract until it has provided evidence satisfactory to City that the subcontractor has secured all insurance required under this section.
Types of Required Coverages. 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, Contractor 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.
Commercial General Liability: Commercial General Liability Insurance which affords coverage at least as broad as the latest version of the Insurance Services Office “occurrence” form CG 0001, with minimum limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. Defense costs shall be paid in addition to the limits. The policy shall contain no endorsements or provisions limiting coverage for (1) products and completed operations; (2) contractual liability; (3) third party action over claims; or (4) cross liability exclusion for claims or suits by one insured against another.
Automobile Liability Insurance: Automobile Liability Insurance with coverage at least as broad as the latest version of Insurance Services Office Form CA 0001 covering “Any Auto” (Symbol 1) with minimum limits of $1,000,000 each accident.
Workers' Compensation and 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.
Contractors Pollution Liability: Contractors Pollution Liability Insurance covering all of Contractor's operations to include onsite and offsite coverage for bodily injury (including death and mental anguish), property damage, defense costs and cleanup costs with minimum limits of $1 million per loss and $2 million total all losses. Non-owned disposal site coverage shall be provided if handling, storing or generating hazardous materials or any material/substance otherwise regulated under environmental laws/regulations.
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.
Endorsements.
The policy or policies of insurance required by Section 3.2.11(b) (i) Commercial General Liability and (ii) Automobile Liability Insurance and (iv) Contractor's Pollution Liability shall be endorsed to provide the following:
(1) Additional Insured: City, its officials, officers, employees and agents shall be additional insureds with regard to liability and defense of suits or claims arising out of the performance of the Agreement. Endorsements shall be issued on a combination of ISO CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 or exact equivalents. Additional Insured Endorsements shall not (1) be restricted to “ongoing operations”; (2) exclude “contractual liability”; (3) restrict coverage to “sole” liability of Contractor; or (4) contain any other exclusions contrary to the Agreement. (2) Primary Insurance and Non-Contributing Insurance: This insurance shall be primary and any other insurance, deductible, or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents shall not contribute with this primary insurance. (3) Severability: In the event of one insured, whether named or additional, incurs liability to any other of the insureds, whether named or additional, the policy shall cover the insured against whom claim is or may be made in the same manner as if separate policies had been issued to each insured, except that the limits of insurance shall not be increased thereby. (4) Cancellation: The policy shall not be canceled or the coverage suspended, voided, reduced or allowed to expire until a thirty (30) day prior written notice of cancellation has been served upon City except ten (10) days prior written notice shall be allowed for non-payment of premium. (5) Waiver of Subrogation: A waiver of subrogation stating that the insurer waives all rights of subrogation against the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents. (6) Duties: Any failure by the named insured to comply with reporting provisions of the policy or breaches or violations of warranties shall not affect coverage provided to the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents. (7) Applicability: That the coverage provided therein shall apply to the obligations assumed by Contractor under the indemnity provisions of the Agreement, unless the policy or policies contain a blanket form of contractual liability coverage.
The policy or policies of insurance required by Section 3.2.11(b) (iii) Workers' Compensation shall be endorsed, as follows:
(1) Waiver of Subrogation: A waiver of subrogation stating that the insurer waives all rights of subrogation against the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents. (2) Cancellation: The policy shall not be canceled or the coverage suspended, voided, reduced or allowed to expire until a thirty (30) day prior written notice of cancellation has been served upon City except ten (10) days prior written notice shall be allowed for non-payment of premium.
Deductible. Any deductible or self-insured retention must be approved in writing by City and shall protect the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents 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.
Evidence of Insurance. Contractor, 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 and endorsements on forms approved by City. 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 City. If such coverage is cancelled or reduced, Contractor shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice of such cancellation or reduction of coverage, file with City evidence of insurance showing that the required insurance has been reinstated or has been provided through another insurance company or companies.
Failure to Maintain Coverage. Contractor agrees to suspend and cease all operations hereunder during such period of time as the required insurance coverage is not in effect and evidence of insurance has not been furnished to City. City shall have the right to withhold any payment due Contractor until Contractor has fully complied with the insurance provisions of this Agreement.
In the event that Contractor's operations are suspended for failure to maintain required insurance coverage, Contractor shall not be entitled to an extension of time for completion of the work because of production lost during suspension.
Acceptability 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 do business 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.
Insurance for Subcontractors. Contractor shall be responsible for causing subcontractors to purchase the appropriate insurance in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, including adding City as an Additional Insured to the subcontractor's policies.
Safety. Contractor shall execute and maintain its work so as to avoid injury or damage to any person or property. In carrying out its Services, Contractor 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 as applicable shall include, but shall not be limited to: (A) adequate life protection and life saving equipment and procedures; (B) instructions in accident prevention for all employees and subcontractors, 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.
Fees and Payments.
Compensation. Contractor 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 Two Hundred Twenty Thousand and Thirty-Four Dollars and Sixty-Six Cents ($220,034.66) without written approval of 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.
Payment of Compensation. Contractor shall submit to City a monthly itemized statement which indicates work completed and hours of Services rendered by Contractor. The statement shall describe the amount of Services and supplies provided since the initial commencement date, or since the start of the subsequent billing periods, as appropriate, through the date of the statement. City shall, within forty-five (45) days of receiving such statement, review the statement and pay all approved charges thereon.
Reimbursement for Expenses. Contractor shall not be reimbursed for any expenses unless authorized in writing by City.
Extra Work. At any time during the term of this Agreement, City may request that Contractor 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. Contractor shall not perform, nor be compensated for, Extra Work without written authorization from City's Representative.
Accounting Records.
Maintenance and Inspection. Contractor shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to all costs and expenses incurred and fees charged under this Agreement. All such records shall be clearly identifiable. Contractor 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. Contractor 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.
General Provisions.
Termination of Agreement.
Grounds for Termination. City may, by written notice to Contractor, terminate the whole or any part of this Agreement at any time and without cause by giving written notice to Contractor of such termination, and specifying the effective date thereof, at least seven (7) days before the effective date of such termination. Upon termination, Contractor shall be compensated only for those services which have been fully and adequately rendered to City through the effective date of the termination, and Contractor shall be entitled to no further compensation. Contractor may not terminate this Agreement except for cause.
Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, City may require Contractor to provide all finished or unfinished Documents and Data, as defined below, and other information of any kind prepared by Contractor in connection with the performance of Services under this Agreement. Contractor shall be required to provide such document and other information within fifteen (15) days of the request.
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.
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:
Contractor:
Grace Environmental Services, Inc.
2060 E. Avenida De Los Arboles #327
Thousand Oaks, 91362
ATTN: Eric Jensen, Regional Manager
City:
City of Signal Hill
2175 Cherry Avenue
Signal Hill, CA 90755
Attn: Gabino C. Luna, Deputy Director – Public Works
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.
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.
Attorneys’ 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 attorneys’ fees and all costs of such action.
Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, in any manner arising out of or incident to any alleged negligent acts, omissions or willful misconduct of Contractor, its officials, officers, employees, agents, subconsultants and subcontractors arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Services, the Project or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all damages, attorneys’ fees and other related costs and expenses. Contractor shall defend, at Contractor's own cost, expense and risk, any and all such aforesaid suits, actions or other legal proceedings of every kind that may be brought or instituted against City, its officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers. Contractor shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against City or its officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers, in any such suit, action or other legal proceeding. Contractor shall reimburse City and its officials, officers, employees, agents and/or volunteers, for any and all legal expenses and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided. Contractor's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by City or its officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers. This Section 3.5.5 shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.
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 supplemented, amended or modified by a writing signed by both Parties.
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Venue shall be in Orange County.
Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.
City's Right to Employ Other Contractors. City reserves the right to employ other Contractors in connection with this Project.
Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the parties.
Assignment or Transfer. Contractor 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 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.
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 Contractor include all personnel, employees, agents, and subcontractors of Contractor, 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.
Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties.
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.
No Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.
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.
Prohibited Interests. Contractor maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Contractor, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, Contractor 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 Contractor, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employment. Contractor represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate against any subcontractor, employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age. Such non-discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination. Contractor shall also comply with all relevant provisions of any minority business enterprise program, affirmative action plan or other related programs or guidelines currently in effect or hereinafter enacted.
Labor Certification. By its signature hereunder, Contractor 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 Workers’ 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.
Authority to Enter Agreement. Contractor 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.
Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.
Employment Adverse to City. Contractor shall notify City, and shall obtain City’s written consent, prior to accepting work to assist with or participate in a third-party lawsuit or other legal or administrative proceeding against City during the term of this Agreement.
Conflict of Employment. Employment by Contractor of personnel currently on the payroll of City shall not be permitted in the performance of this Agreement, even though such employment may occur outside of the employee’s regular working hours or on weekends, holidays or vacation time. Further, the employment by Contractor of personnel who have been on City’s payroll within one year prior to the date of execution of this Agreement, where this employment is caused by and or dependent upon Contractor securing this or related Agreements with City, is prohibited.
Survival. All rights and obligations hereunder that by their nature are to continue after any expiration or termination of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the indemnification and confidentiality obligations, and the obligations related to receipt of subpoenas or court orders, shall survive any such expiration or termination.
Independent Contractors and Subcontracting
Use of Contractors. Contractor is aware of statutory and case law regarding classification of workers as independent contractors, including California Labor Code Section 2750.3 and Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court, 4 Cal. 5th 903 (2018). To ensure that Contractor is in compliance with the California Labor Code, Contractor shall only utilize its employees to provide the Services. Contractor may not provide the services through any independent contractor, subcontractor or subconsultant (“Subcontractor(s)”) unless approved by the City as set forth in Section 3.6.2 below. Contractor represents and warrants that all personnel who perform the Services on Contractor’s behalf are Contractor’s employees, and that Contractor complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations governing its employees, including, but not limited to, the California Labor Code, Unemployment Insurance Code and all applicable Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Orders.
Prior Approval Required. Contractor shall not use any Subcontractor to provide the Services, or any portion of the work required by this Agreement, without prior written approval of City. If City authorizes Contractor to use a Subcontractor, Contractor shall enter into a written agreement with the Subcontractor, which must include all provisions of the Agreement, including a restriction on the Subcontractor’s use of further independent contractors, subcontractors or subconsultants without the City’s prior written consent.
Signature Page for Agreement
for GENERAL SERVICES
BETWEEN The City of SIGNAL HILL
and GRACE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Contract to be executed on the day and year first above written.
CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
[INSERT NAME OF CONTRACTOR]
By:
By:
Carlo Tomaino
City Manager
Charles Grace, President/CEO
By:
ATTEST:
Eric Jensen, Regional Manager
By:
Daritza Gonzalez
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
Matthew E. Richardson
City Attorney
EXHIBIT “A”
SCOPE OF SERVICES
GENERAL CONDITIONS
All operations will be conducted by the Contractor to provide maximum safety to the public. Contractor will obtain, at their own expense, and place signs, lights, barricades or other safety devices necessary to prevent accidents, injuries, or damage consistent with the Work Area Traffic Control Handbook (latest editions as published by Building News, Inc. – BNI) and shall meet all applicable requirements.
Contractor shall post “NO PARKING” signs (if applicable/as needed) with the date and time of parking restrictions clearly marked forty-eight (48) hours prior to working the location Contractor’s vehicles shall have Contractor’s identification, and employees are to wear identification badges which identify the Contractor and employee as providing water department maintenance services for the City of Signal Hill. The Contractor shall require each of their employees to adhere to basic public work dress standards (i.e. uniforms, proper shoes, other gear as required by local & state safety regulations). Shirts shall be worn at all times; such uniforms and badges are to be provided by the Contractor.
Contractor Shall be responsible to ensure training and supervision of all employees regarding proper safety practices. These include, but are not limited to, equipment operation, work area traffic control procedures, and general field safety practices.
All debris generated by services shall be disposed of off-site at the expense of the Contractor.
SCOPE OF WORK
Contractor shall provide the necessary requirements not limited to site supervision, project management, traffic control, valve exercising, inspection, documentation/permits (as needed).
VALVE MAINTENANCE
Contractor shall be responsible for preparing a work plan or work route for the maintenance of City valves. Valve maintenance activities will consist of the following:
Locate each valve utilizing the City’s e-atlas through InfraMAP, the City’s collection and maintenance software. It is also the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain a license to use the software for the collection of data for valve maintenance. InfraMAP will serve as the primary method of establishing a database and a backup excel sheet may be required as unilaterally decided by the City. A laptop or tablet running Microsoft OS is required to use City software. InfraMAP also has the capability of directly connecting to Wachs Utility Products (valve turners). For information on applicability a cut sheet will need to provided to City for review and approval.
Locate and clean valve cans to remove debris from risers. Each valve can must be cleaned thoroughly to expose the operating nut. In the event a blocked, crushed, or rotted riser is found, the Contractor must report back to City its findings and log pertinent information on InfraMAP.
Document and map each valve operated using InfraMAP’s valve log tool. The information required for capture shall be the following:
Date and time of each exercise operation
ID Number (City Atlas)
Street Address (nearest address)
Cross Street (nearest if not near an intersection)
Location (in relation to street centerlines. City will provide paper copy of Atlas along with InfraMAP e-atlas). A photo will also need to be uploaded directly to InfraMAP.
Size
Type (i.e. gate valve, main line/hydrant valve, butterfly valve) Number of turns
Torque value
Condition (i.e. inoperable, poor, fair, good)
Depth
Operating comments (if applicable, i.e. leaks, broken nuts, sheared nuts, frozen valves, blocked, etc.) Valve exercising and functionality tests are to be conducted per AWWA Standards in accordance with AWWA Manual M44 (2015)– Distribution Valves: Selection, Installation Field Testing and Maintenance. The City has two (2) primary types of valves which include gate valves and butterfly valves. It is the Contactor’s responsibility to exercise each valve as recommended in the standard. In general, the AWWA operating formula for opening/closing valves are as follows:
Valve Type
Valve Diameter (in)
Number of Turns (Full revolution 360 degrees)
Recommended Tool
Gate Valve
6 20-23
Wachs turning machine
Gate Valve
8 25-28
Wachs turning machine
Gate Valve
10 31-34
Wachs turning machine
Butterfly Valve
6 18
Wachs turning machine
Butterfly Valve
8 24
Wachs turning machine
Butterfly Valve
10 30
Wachs turning machine
Paint inner valve covers using the following legend for easy identification of valves. The colors are as follows:
Color
Type
Blue ____
In-line valves
White ____
Hydrant valves
Red ____
Inoperable valves*
*Red is do not operate. A 4” x 4” block shall be marked “do not operate” and inserted in the event of an inoperable valve.
COORDINATION OF WORK
The work shall generally be performed between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Some weekends, after hours (night operations), or extended work (evening work) may be required for safety reasons. Any deviation in work performance during regular business hours must be approved by the City with a formal schedule request change done in writing.
A work plan or route schedule is required prior to any valve exercising. An encroachment permit (no-fee) and Traffic Control Plan (TCP) may be required contingent upon work area location(s).
All work products are subject to review and acceptance by the City and must be revised by the Contractor without additional charge to the City until found satisfactory and acceptable.
DELIVERABLES
The project will require the logging of information on spreadsheets and/or the City’s Valve Maintenance software InfraMAP. Additionally, the Contractor will be required to provide the following reports:
a. Daily count of quantities completed.
b. Work Plan/Route will need to be submitted for City review and approval prior to starting work. c. Job closeout report for all valve exercising tasks orders. A spreadsheet generated through InfraMAP is required for City review and approval. d. Work on valve exercising shall be suspended during inclement weather. Should inclement weather or other acts of God prohibit the contractor from working, the Contractor’s work schedule will be adjusted to compensate for the suspended work time such that the schedule maintenance is completed in an agreed upon manner. e. All schedule changes must be approved in advance by the City Contract Representative.
MEETINGS/ /NOTIFICATIONS
In addition to the deliverables required as noted in this agreement, during the performance of services, the Contractor shall keep the City updated of the status of performance by delivering the following status reports:
a. Regular e-mail updates regarding the status, progress, issues, concerns of the work b. Verbal updates by phone or in person, as requested by City. c. Contractor will immediately report to the City any damage to equipment or property encountered during the course of its work.
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL
Contractor will utilize the following personnel to accomplish the Services:
a. Eric Jensen, Regional Manager
b. Michael Thompson, Database, documentation & mapping
c. Charles Grace, Project Oversight
d. Revilla Hollands, Field Operator
e. Luis Gill, Maintenance Technician II
EXHIBIT “B”
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Contractor shall perform all services timely in accordance with the following schedule:
a. Task #1 - Valve Maintenance Exercising Services. Services under this task shall be performed on a zone/area basis as designated below:
Table 1 – Task #1 Services
Area #
Number of Valves
Start Date
Completion Deadline
Area #1 - Year one (1) Maintenance
Cherry Ave.
87 As Directed by City
90** Working Days
Willow St.
124
As Directed by City
Spring St.
56 As Directed by City
Orange Ave.
49 As Directed by City
California Ave.
48 As Directed by City
Walnut Ave.
69 As Directed by City
Area #2 - Year two (2) Maintenance
Zone 4*
Per Work Plan
As Directed by City
130** Working Days
Area #3 - Year three (3) Maintenance
Zone 1-3*
Per Work Plan
As Directed by City
180** Working Days
Total Valves Exercised
1,597
*Valves exercised in Year one (1) will not require additional exercising in Year two (2) – Year three (3). Quantities shall be adjusted, and a work plan/route will need to include total quantities for City approval. **Working Days subject to change or adjusted per the work plan. b. Additional services shall be provided per Exhibit “C” as directed by the City. d. The Contract Officer may approve extensions for performance of the services in accordance with Section 3.1.2.
EXHIBIT “C”
COMPENSATION
Contractor shall perform the following tasks at the following rates:
Description
Unit of Measurement (UOM)
Unit Cost
Valve Exercising
Each
$137.78
Data Processing, Reporting, and Administrative work
Man Hour
$159.60
a. If this Agreement is renewed pursuant to Section 3.1.2, the rates set forth above shall 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-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA. b. Line items for all personnel describing the work performed, the number of hours worked, and the hourly rate. c. Line items for all materials and equipment properly charged for the services (if applicable). d. Line items for all other approved reimbursable expenses claimed, with supporting documentation. e. Line items for all approved subcontractor labor, supplies, equipment, materials, and travel property charged for the services.
The total compensation for the services shall not exceed Contract Sum as provided in Section 3.3.1 of this agreement.
The maximum annual contract cost for each fiscal year is as follows:
Fiscal Year
Area #/Description of Services
Total Cost (Sub-budget)
Year 1 – FY 2023-24
Area #1
$59,658.74
Year 2 – FY 2024-25
Area #2
$118,678.20
Year 3 – FY 2025-26
Area #3
$41,697.72
Within the budgeted amounts identified in the Table above and with the approval of the Contract Officer, funds may be shifted from one sub-budget to another so long as the Contract Sum is not exceeded per Section 3.3.1, unless Additional Services are approved per Section 3.1.2.
Contractor shall provide a Performance Bond and Payment Bond pursuant to Sections 3.2.12.1 and 3.2.12.2 of this Agreement, executed by a surety meeting the qualifications described in Section 3.2.12.4 EXHIBIT “D”
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP
Grace Environmental Services, Inc. (GES) provides Valve exercising services for its public agency clients. One of GES’s clients is the City of Signal Hill (“City”). GES and the City are parties to a General Services Agreement (“Agreement”), pursuant to which GES provides a variety of services to the City as called for in the Agreement (“Services”).
In connection with GES’s performance of the Agreement, it assigns its employees to provide the Services. Because GES has assigned you as one of its employees who will provide the Services, which may include working out of the City’s offices or utilizing the City’s resources, it is important that you understand that you are an employee of GES, and not an employee of the City.
By signing below, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
You are an employee of GES. GES will set your working days and hours, set your assignments (which may be with entities other than City), evaluate your performance, handle disciplinary matters, pay your wages, and provide any required or offered benefits.
You are not an employee of the City. The City does not set your working days or hours, evaluate your performance, handle disciplinary matters, pay your wages, or provide any benefits of any kind.
By providing the Services on behalf GES, neither you or the City intend to create an employment relationship as between you and the City.
The City may provide general instructions to you regarding the results or objectives it wants achieved in connection with the Services. However, only GES may instruct you on the manner or means by which you provide such Services.
If you believe the City is attempting to control the manner or means by which you provide the Services, or otherwise exercise control over you beyond the setting of objectives, goals or deadlines, you must immediately notify GES.
Signature:
Print:
Date:
9 AGREEMENT FOR GENERAL SERVICES
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18 EXHIBIT D ACKNOWLEDGMENT
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17 EXHIBIT D
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
2 AGREEMENT
SIGNATURE PAGE
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14 Valve Maintenance & On-Call Consulting Services
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15 EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
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14 AGREEMENT
SIGNATURE PAGE
16 EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
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SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
17 EXHIBIT C
COMPENSATION
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15 EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES