HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGMT - NBS (PSA Water and Sewer Rate Study) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
for
Water and Sewer Rate Study
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City of Seal Beach
211 - 8th Street
Seal Beach, CA 90740
NBS
32605 Temecula Parkway
Temecula, CA 92562
This Professional Service Agreement ("the Agreement") is made as of February 23,
2015 (the "Effective Date"), by and between NBS ("Consultant"), a California
Corporation, and the City of Seal Beach ("City"), a California charter city, (collectively,
"the Parties").
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RECITALS
A. City desires certain professional services.
B. Consultant represents that it is qualified and able to provide City with such
services.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the Parties' performance of the
promises, covenants, and conditions stated herein, the Parties hereto agree as
follows.
AGREEMENT
1.0 Scope of Services
1.1. Consultant shall provide those services ("Services") set forth in the
attached Exhibit A, which is hereby incorporated by this reference. To the extent
that there is any conflict between Exhibit A and this Agreement, this Agreement
shall control.
1.2. Consultant shall perform all Services under this Agreement in
accordance with the standard of care generally exercised by like professionals
under similar circumstances and in a manner reasonably satisfactory to City.
1.3. In performing this Agreement, Consultant shall comply with all
applicable provisions of federal, state, and local law.
1.4. Consultant will not be compensated for any work performed not
specified in the Scope of Services unless the City authorizes such work in
advance and in writing. The City Manger may authorize extra work to fund
unforeseen conditions up to the amount approved at the time of award by the
City Council. Payment for additional work in excess of this amount requires prior
City Council authorization.
2.0 Term
This term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall
continue for a term of 1 year unless previously terminated as provided by this
Agreement.
3.0 Consultant's Compensation
City will pay Consultant in accordance with the hourly rates shown on the fee
schedule set forth in Exhibit B for Services but in no event will the City pay more
than $ 67,925. Any additional work authorized by the City pursuant to Section
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1.4 will be compensated in accordance with the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit
B.
4.0 Method of Payment
4.1. Consultant shall submit to City monthly invoices for all services
rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Such invoices shall be submitted within 15
days of the end of the month during which the services were rendered and shall
describe in detail the services rendered during the period, the days worked,
number of hours worked, the hourly rates charged, and the services performed
for each day in the period. City will pay Consultant within 30 days of receiving
Consultant's invoice. City will not withhold any applicable federal or state payroll
and other required taxes, or other authorized deductions from payments made to
Consultant.
4.2. Upon 24-hour notice from City, Consultant shall allow City or City's
agents or representatives to inspect at Consultant's offices during reasonable
business hours all records, invoices, time cards, cost control sheets and other
records maintained by Consultant in connection with this Agreement. City's
rights under this Section 4.2 shall survive for two years following the termination
of this Agreement.
5.0 Termination
5.1. This Agreement may be terminated by City, without cause, or by
Consultant based on reasonable cause, upon giving the other party written notice
thereof not less than 30 days prior to the date of termination.
5.2. This Agreement may be terminated by City upon 10 days' notice to
Consultant if Consultant fails to provide satisfactory evidence of renewal or
replacement of comprehensive general liability insurance as required by this
Agreement at least 20 days before the expiration date of the previous policy.
6.0 Party Representatives
6.1. The City Manager is the City's representative for purposes of this
Agreement.
6.2. Greg Crumpler is the Consultant's primary representative for
purposes of this Agreement.
7.0 Notices
7.1. All notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be
deemed made when personally delivered or when mailed 48 hours after deposit
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in the United States Mail, first class postage prepaid and addressed to the party
at the following addresses:
To City: City of Seal Beach
211-8th Street
Seal Beach, California 90740
Attn: City Manager
To Consultant: NBS
32605 Temecula Parkway, Suite 100
Temecula, CA 92592
Attn: Michael Rentner, President & CEO
7.2. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual
notice occurred, regardless of the method of service.
8.0 Independent Contractor
8.1. Consultant is an independent contractor and not an employee of
the City. All services provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be performed by
Consultant or under its supervision. Consultant will determine the means,
methods, and details of performing the services. Any additional personnel
performing services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall also not
be employees of City and shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive
direction and control. Consultant shall pay all wages, salaries, and other
amounts due such personnel in connection with their performance of services
under this Agreement and as required by law. Consultant shall be responsible
for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but
not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment
insurance, disability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.
8.2. Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless City and its elected
officials, officers, employees, servants, designated volunteers, and agents
serving as independent contractors in the role of City officials, from any and all
liability, damages, claims, costs and expenses of any nature to the extent arising
from Consultant's personnel practices. City shall have the right to offset against
the amount of any fees due to Consultant under this Agreement any amount due
to City from Consultant as a result of Consultant's failure to promptly pay to City
any reimbursement or indemnification arising under this Section.
9.0 Subcontractors
No portion of this Agreement shall be subcontracted without the prior written
approval of the City. Consultant is fully responsible to City for the performance of
any and all subcontractors.
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10.0 Assignment
Consultant shall not assign or transfer any interest in this Agreement whether by
assignment or novation, without the prior written consent of City. Any purported
assignment without such consent shall be void and without effect.
11.0 Insurance
11.1. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until it
has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that Consultant has secured all
insurance required under this Section. Consultant shall furnish City with original
certificates of insurance and endorsements effecting coverage required by this
Agreement on forms satisfactory to the 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, and shall be on forms provided by the City if
requested. All certificates and endorsements shall be received and approved by
the City before work commences. The City reserves the right to require
complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any time.
11.2. Consultant shall, at its expense, procure and maintain for the
duration of the Agreement, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or
damages to property that may arise from or in connection with the performance
of this Agreement. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M.
Best's rating no less than A:VIII, licensed to do business in California, and
satisfactory to the City. Coverage shall be at least as broad as the latest version
of the following: (1) General Liability: Insurance Services Office Commercial
General Liability coverage (occurrence form CG 0001); (2) Automobile Liability:
Insurance Services Office Business Auto Coverage form number CA 0001, code
1 (any auto); and, if required by the City, (3) Professional Liability. Consultant
shall maintain limits no less than: (1) General Liability: $2,000,000 per
occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage and if
Commercial General Liability Insurance or other form with a general aggregate
limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this
Agreement/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required
occurrence limit; (2) Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury
and property damage; and (3) Professional Liability: $1,000,000 per
claim/aggregate.
11.3. The insurance policies shall contain the following provisions, or
Consultant shall provide endorsements on forms supplied or approved by the
City to state: (1) coverage shall not be suspended, voided, reduced or canceled
except after 30 days prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt
requested, has been given to the City; (2) 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 directors, officials, officers, (3) coverage shall
be primary insurance as respects the City, its directors, officials, officers,
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employees, agents and volunteers, or if excess, shall stand in an unbroken chain
of coverage excess of the Consultant's scheduled underlying coverage and that
any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its directors, officials,
officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be excess of the Consultant's
insurance and shall not be called upon to contribute with it; (4) for general liability
insurance, that the City, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and
volunteers shall be covered as additional insureds with respect to the services or
operations performed by or on behalf of the Consultant, including materials, parts
or equipment furnished in connection with such work; and (5) for automobile
liability, that the City, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and
volunteers shall be covered as additional insureds with respect to the ownership,
operation, maintenance, use, loading or unloading of any auto owned, leased,
hired or borrowed by the Consultant or for which the Consultant is responsible.
11.4. All insurance required by this Section shall contain standard
separation of insureds provisions and shall not contain any special limitations on
the scope of protection afforded to the City, its directors, officials, officers,
employees, agents, and volunteers.
11.5. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions shall be declared to and
approved by the City. Consultant guarantees that, at the option of the City,
either: (1) the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured
retentions as respects the City, its directors, officials, officers, employees,
agents, and volunteers; or (2) the Consultant shall procure a bond guaranteeing
payment of losses and related investigation costs, claims and administrative and
defense expenses.
12.0 Indemnification, Hold Harmless, and Duty to Defend
Consultant shall defend, indemnify, and hold the City, its officials, officers,
employees, volunteers and agents serving as independent contractors in the role
of city officials (collectively "Indemnitees") 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 acts or omissions of Consultant, its
employees, or its agents in connection with the performance of this Agreement,
including without limitation the payment of all consequential damages and
attorneys' fees and other related costs and expenses, except for such loss or
damage arising from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. With
respect to any and all such aforesaid suits, actions, or other legal proceedings of
every kind that may be brought or instituted against Indemnitees, Consultant
shall defend Indemnitees, at Consultant's own cost, expense, and risk, and shall
pay and satisfy any judgment, award, or decree that may be rendered against
Indemnitees. Consultant shall reimburse City and its directors, officials, officers,
employees, agents and/or volunteers, for any and all legal expenses and costs
incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity
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herein provided. Consultant's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to
insurance proceeds, if any, received by Consultant, the City, its directors,
officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers. All duties of Consultant
under this Section shall survive termination of this Agreement.
13.0 Equal Opportunity
Consultant affirmatively represents that it is an equal opportunity employer.
Consultant shall not discriminate against any subcontractor, employee, or
applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin,
handicap, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, or age. Such non-discrimination
includes, but is not limited to, all activities related to initial employment,
upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff, or
termination.
14.0 Labor Certification
By its signature hereunder, Consultant certifies that it is aware of the provisions
of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code that 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.
15.0 Entire Agreement
This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, or
agreements. This Agreement may only be modified by a writing signed by both
parties.
16.0 Severability
The invalidity in whole or in part of any provisions of this Agreement shall not
void or affect the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement.
17.0 Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of California.
18.0 No Third Party Rights
No third party shall be deemed to have any rights hereunder against either party
as a result of this Agreement.
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19.0 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.
20.0 Prohibited Interests; Conflict of Interest
20.1. Consultant covenants that it presently has no interest and shall not
acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which may be affected by the Services, or
which would conflict in any manner with the performance of the Services.
Consultant further covenants that, in performance of this Agreement, no person
having any such interest shall be employed by it. Furthermore, Consultant shall
avoid the appearance of having any interest, which would conflict in any manner
with the performance of the Services. Consultant shall not accept any
employment or representation during the term of this Agreement which is or may
likely make Consultant "financially interested" (as provided in California
Government Code §§1090 and 87100) in any decision made by City on any
matter in connection with which Consultant has been retained.
20.2. Consultant further warrants and maintains that it has not employed
or retained any person or entity, other than a bona fide employee working
exclusively for Consultant, to solicit or obtain this Agreement. Nor has
Consultant paid or agreed to pay any person or entity, other than a bona fide
employee working exclusively for Consultant, any fee, commission, gift,
percentage, or any other consideration contingent upon the execution of this
Agreement. Upon any breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the
right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to terminate this Agreement without
further liability, or to deduct from any sums payable to Consultant hereunder the
full amount or value of any such fee, commission, percentage or gift.
20.3. Consultant warrants and maintains that it has no knowledge that
any officer or employee of City has any interest, whether contractual, non-
contractual, financial, proprietary, or otherwise, in this transaction or in the
business of Consultant, and that if any such interest comes to the knowledge of
Consultant at any time during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall
immediately make a complete, written disclosure of such interest to City, even if
such interest would not be deemed a prohibited "conflict of interest" under
applicable laws as described in this subsection.
21.0 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
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the losing party all of its attorneys' fees and other costs incurred in connection
therewith.
22.0 Exhibits
All exhibits referenced in this Agreement are hereby incorporated into the
Agreement as if set forth in full herein. In the event of any material discrepancy
between the terms of any exhibit so incorporated and the terms of this
Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
23.0 Corporate Authority
The person executing this Agreement on behalf of Consultant warrants that he or
she is duly authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf of said Party and that
by his or her execution, the Consultant is formally bound to the provisions of this
Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto, through their respective authorized
representatives have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first
above written.
CITY OF SEAL BEACH CONSULTANT
� I
BY �, _, �_ J . � %���_ BY 5LF--
CR. Ingram, City a ager
Name: Michael Rentner
Attest: Its: President
irt
By: FINAL] Ka it By:
Tina Knapp, City Clerk
Name: Michael Rentner
Approved as to Form: Its: Secretary
By:
Ste a. Flowe , City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A - SCOPE OF SERVICES
We plan on providing the leadership in helping City staff, City Council members and the public
understand the various options, key issues, and how other California communities are addressing similar
problems. Ultimately, we want the City to be confident that it is taking reasonable and prudent steps and
developing rates and fees that best meet the needs of the City's customers.
This section details NBS' proposed methodology and scope of work. These tasks serve as the basis for
the proposed budget and can be incorporated into the formal agreement to perform this rate study.
TASK 1. KICKOFF MEETING AND DATA COLLECTION
Task Objectives: Clearly communicate and work with City staff to obtain necessary data and review study
objectives, tasks, and schedule.
•
Task Deliverables:
• Data request to City staff prior to the kick-off meeting.
• Review of initial data provided.
• Kick-off meeting with City staff.
• Preliminary plan for Public Outreach workshops and City Council presentations.
The kick-off meeting will be used to review and discuss the data from the City's billing and accounting system
and data requirements in general. The data the City will need to provide includes customer accounts, meter
sizes, monthly consumption records for each customer, total rate revenue collected, and financial data
typically reported in financial statements.
TASK 2. REVIEW OF CURRENT RATES AND POLICIES
Task Objectives: Work with City staff to review and evaluate the City's current rate structures, reserve
funds, and related policies at the beginning of the study. This will help set the direction for the study with a
greater degree of clarity and avoid unnecessary complications when the final results are presented to the
Council and public. For example, policies related to basic equity and fairness, revenue stability vs. water
conservation, drought-related supply reductions, reserve fund targets and the level of funding for capital
and repair and replacement costs.
Task Deliverables:
• Assessment of current reserve funds and target year-end balances.
• Assessment of current rate structures(pros and cons, areas for improvement, etc.)
• Assessment of equity of the rates for the various customer classes
• Assessment of conservation impacts(current rates and potential new rate designs)
• Assessment of current rate-related policies compared to industry practices and how they may
relate to possible rate alternatives.
• Summary of pros &cons of current and alternative policies.
• Recommendations for changes to and/or additional policies for the Council to consider adopting,
as well as a greater degree of direction on rate alternatives for further evaluation.
TASK 3. FINANCIAL PLAN AND REVENUE REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS
Task Objectives: Prepare a detailed financial plan that details the City's revenues, expenditures, reserves,
debt coverage ratios, capital improvement costs, repair and replacement costs and net revenue
requirements. Based on our review of reserve fund policies, those changes will be incorporated into the
financial plans in order to better evaluate the City's current financial management concerns.
Task Deliverables:
• 20-year financial projection models that will serve as a financial "roadmaps" for the City's water
and sewer utilities.
• Summary of current and projected net revenue requirements.
• Establish reserve fund policies and targets, such as operating, rate stabilization, capital repair
and replacement and debt service.
• Projected year-end reserve fund levels.
• Calculated debt service coverage ratios.
These financial plans will lay the groundwork for the cost-of-service and rate design analyses addressed
in Tasks 4 and 5. The following subtasks are anticipated:
• Projected Revenues and Expenditures — Using a cash-basis reflecting the City's system of
accounts for the water and sewer utilities, NBS will prepare a 20-year projection of revenues and
expenses for each utility, and increases in rate revenue needed to meet all obligations. This will
provide the City with the financial planning tools needed for smoothing out future rate increases and
maintaining appropriate reserve fund levels in light of revised budget projections.
• Evaluate Reserve Fund Sufficiency — NBS will evaluate the sufficiency of existing reserve funds
and related issues such as debt service coverage ratios. We will provide recommendations for target
balances for reserves such as operating, capital rehabilitation/replacement and rate stabilization.
• Review Capital Improvement Funding — NBS will incorporate the capital improvement plans, and
evaluate the timing, costs, and available reserves used to fund various projects. We will work with
City staff to develop a well-conceived approach to funding these capital needs
Figures 2, 3 and 4 are generic examples of the types of charts and tables we use to summarize these results
(the City's chart of accounts will serve as the basis for the actual analysis and tables).
Figure 2. Summary of Five-Year Revenue Requirements and Rate Increases
Summary of Sources and Uses of Funds Budget Projected
and Net Revenue Requirements _ _. FY 2013/14. _ FY 2014/15 1 2015/16 I FY 2016/17 ,1, FY 2017/18I_FY2018/19_
Sources of Water Funds
Rate Revenue Under Prevailing Rates $ 15,203,655 $15,315,705 $ 15,429,586 $15,546,465 $15,685,153 $15,828,338
Non-Rate Revenues 599,330 635,770 600,769 575,976 571,953 571,970
Total Sources of Funds $ 15,802,985 $15,951,475 $ 16,030,355 $16,122,441 $16,257,107 $16,400,308
Uses of Water Funds
Operating Expenses $ 12,791,032 $ 13,197,960 $ 13,312,000 $13,813,880 $14,928,296 $15,546,000
Debt Service 498,608 489,138 488,652 490,108 492,153 463,855
Rate-Funded Capital Expenses - 3,515,232 7,310,656 5,620,544 5,217,171 4,346,899
Total Use of Funds $ 13,289,640 $ 17,202,330 $ 21,111,308 $19,924,532 $20,637,620 $20,356,754
Additional Revenue from Rate Increases - 765,785 1,581,533 2,450,511 3,561,824 4,565,472
'Surplus/(Deficiency)after Rate Increase ' $ 2,513,346 :$ (485,070) •$ (3,499,420) $(1,351,580) $ - (818,690) ,$ 609,026
Pro'ected Annual jjr' - - 0.00% rr'3 taG93 e3C23 6.00% :r'.
Debt Coverage After Rate Increase' 4.25 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30
Net Revenue Requirement' _.. I $ 12,690,3101$16,566,5601 $ 20,510,539 I $19,348,5561 $20,065,6671.$19,784,784',
1.Includes use of cash reserves for coverage calculation purposes only.
2. Total Use of Funds less non-rate revenues and interest earnings. This is the annual amount needed from eater rates.
Figure 3. Summary of Five-Year Reserve Fund Balances
Ending Reserve Fund Balances and Budget Projected
Recommended Reserve Targets I FY 2013/14 FY 2014115 I FY 2015116 I FY 2016/17 I FY 2017/18 I FY 2018/19
Operating Reserve $ 1,708,000 $ 1,586,173 $ 1,781,660 $ 1,938,000 $ 1,605,258 $ 2,095,000
Recommended Minimum Target 1,708,000 1,781,000 1,858,000 1,938,000 2,015,000 2,095,000
Capital Rehab&Replacement Reserve $ 1,726,922 $ 1,426,100 $ 1,372,500 $ 1,952,055 $ 1,336,200 $ 1,777,507
Recommended Minimum Target 1,565,400 1,426,100 1,372,500 1,320,100 1,336,200 1,249,300
Debt Reserve $ 536,949 $ 536,949 $ 536,949 $ 536,949 $ 536,949 $ 536,949
Recommended Minimum Target 536,949 536,949 536,949 536,949 536,949 536,949
Endin l 3 971 871 3 3 549 223 3 glCalaiE B 4 427 004 f3 3 478 408 3 4 409 456
Total Recommended Minimum Target $ 3,810,349 $ 3,744,049 $ 3,767,449 $ 3,795,049 $ 3,888,149 $ 3,881,249
Surplus/(Deficit) I $ 161,522I $ (194,827)1 $ (76,340)1 $ 631,9551 $ (409,742)1 $ 528,207.
Figure 4. Summary of Revenue Requirements and Existing vs. Proposed Rates
Water Revenue Requirements vs.
Revenue Under Existing and Increased Rates
$16,000,000 ------- -- -
$14,000,000 I - . . • • • • • • . • • • • • y-•
$12,000,000 - - •-•-• • • • - -- - - -
$10,000,000 -
1—
$6,000,000 - - -
=Rate&Reserve Funded Capital Expenses _
$a,000,000 - — Debt Service
i■O&M Expenses
$2,000,000 - —Revenues under Existing Rates —
. ..Revenues under Increased Rates In
T
2013 2014 r 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
TASK 4. COST OF SERVICE ANALYSIS
Task Objectives: Equitably allocate the revenue requirements to each customer class and determine the
cost of providing water service to each of these classes.
Task Deliverables: Cost of service summary tables, to be incorporated into the rate design and rate study
report. This analysis provides a critical component necessary for establishing a defensible administrative
record for cost-based water rates.
4.1 Cost of Service Analysis (Water)
The revenue requirements will be equitably allocated to individual customer classes based on industry
standard methodologies. We will review the City's existing customer classes and analyze the historical
characteristic of each customer class to determine if any changes should be made, in order to comply with
industry.standards. If there are any changes to the customer classes resulting from the review of the current
rate structures and customer characteristics (i.e., incorporating differential rates for single-, multi-family and
commercial, etc.), these changes will be incorporated into this analysis. The main components of the cost-of-
service analysis are as follows:
Functionalization/Classification of Expenses — Functionalizing the expenses means arranging costs into
basic categories, such as source of supply, treatment, transmission, and distribution, as well as administrative
and overhead costs. Once the costs have been functionalized, they are then classified to their various cost
components, such as fixed capacity, variable (commodity), or customer related costs, as illustrated in
Figure 5.
Figure 5. Classification of Water Revenue Requirements
Total Revenue
Commodity Capacity Customer %Allocation
Budget Categories Requirements
2013/14_ __. _ (COM) (CAP) (CA) - _ (COM) I. (CAP) I (CA)_
Operating Expenses
Administration $ 1,623,270 $ 600,610 $ 762,937 $ 259,723 37% 47% 16%
Purchased Water $ 704,330 $ 704,330 $ - $ - 100% 0% 0%
Water Treatment $ 5,919,390 $ 3,788,410 $ 2,130,980 $ - 64% 36% 0%
Water Distribution $ 4,950,970 $ 1,584,310 $ 1,584,310 $ 1,782,349 32% 32% 36%
Subtotal:Operating Expenses .$ 13,197,960 $ 6,677,660 $ 4,478,228 $ 2,042,072 . 51% 34% 15%
Other Expenses
Debt Service $ 489,138 $ 244,569 $ 244,569 $ - 50% 50% 0%
Rate Funded Capital $ 3,515,232 $ 1,757,616 $ 1,757,616 $ - 50% 50% 0%
TOTAL REVENUE REQUIREMENTS 1 $ 17,202,330 I $ 8,679,8451$ 6,480,412 1$ 2,042,072 I. -50% I-. 38% I. 12%
Less: Non-Rate Revenues $ (476,925) $ (240,644) $ (179,666) $ (56,615) 50% 38% 12%
Net Revenue Requirements $ 16,725,404 $ 8,439,201 $ 6,300,747 $ 1,985,457
Allocation of Revenue Requirements 100% 50% 38% 12%
Allocation of Costs to Customer Classes — These costs are then allocated to individual customer
classes based on allocation factors specific to each cost classification, producing fixed and variable
revenue requirements for each customer class. These allocations will be used for the actual rate
calculations. Figure 6 describes the allocation factors that will be developed in this phase of the analysis •
and used to allocate costs.
Figure 6. Example of Allocation Factors
Cost Classification Commodity Capacity Customer
Category
Allocation Factors � Water Consumption by P' Peak Water Use Number of Accounts
Customer Class by Customer Class
Costs associated with the maximum
li Costs associated with the Ih!demand required at one point in time Costs associated with having
Types of Costs .l
consumption of water over time. or the maximum size of facilities 1 customers connected to the system.
1, i
required to meet this demand
•Variable Cost of Purchased Water J •Meter Reading
Examples of Costs i •Electricity •Primarily capital facilities •Customer Billing
•Chemicals •Fixed cost of purchased water •Customer Service
As a result of applying the allocation factors to the cost classifications, the revenue required from each
customer class is accumulated by customer class, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Allocation of Revenue Requirements to Customer Classes
Classification Components
Customer Class Total
Commodity .I Capacity I Customer_
Net Revenue Requirements $ 9,730,242 $ 4,823,021 $ 1,528,227 $ 16,081,490
61% 30% 10% 100%
Single-Family Residential $ 6,251,321 $ 3,230,845 $ 1,284,960 $ 10,767,126
Multi-Family Residential $ 490,683 $ 206,841 $ 57,405 $ 754,929
Commercial $ 2,988,238 $ 1,385,335 $ 185,862 $ 4,559,436
Total $ 9;730,242 $ 4,823,021 $ 1,528,227 $ 16;081,490
4.2 Cost of Service Analysis (Sewer)
This task identifies some of the differences in the technical analysis necessary for equitably allocating sewer
revenue requirements to each of the customer classes.
Sewer Classification of Expenses - Classifying expenses involves arranging costs into basic categories,
including flow and strength characteristics (i.e., BOD and TSS), as well as customer costs. Figure 8
illustrates this process NBS used for the City of Culver City.
Figure 8. Classification of Sewer Revenue Requirements
iClassification of Expenses
Total Revenue
Budget Categories Requirements Flow Strength Customer Basis of Classification
2013 (VOL) (BOO) (T55) (CA) (VOL) (BOD) (TSS) (CA),
Personnel Services . --- _
Regular Salaries $ 846,544 $ 338,618 $ 126,982 $ 126,982 $ 253,963 40% 15% 15% 30%
Retirement $ 134,715 $ 53,886 $ 20,207 $ 20,207 $ 40,415 40% 15% 15% 300/
Group Insurance $ 151,154 $ 60,462 $ 22.673 $ 22,673 $ 45,346 40% 15% 15% 30%
Longevity Pay $ 234,957 $ 93,983 $ 35.244 $ 35,244 $ 70,487 40% 15% 15% 30%
Total Personnel Services $ 1,367,370 $ 546,948 $ 205,106 $ 205,106 $ 410,211
Maintenance 8 Operations,
•
Utilities $ 76,000 $ 68,400 $ - $ - $ 7,600 90% 0% 0% 10%
Contributions to Agencies(1) $ 2,272,000 $ 1,272,320 $ 522,560 $ 477,120 $ - 56% 23% 21% 0%
Rental of Land $ 360,000 $ 324,000 $ - $ - $ 36,000 90% 0% 0% 10%
Other Contractual Services $ 733,316 $ 659,984 $ - $ - $ 73,332 90% 0% 0% 10%
lase.Other Expenses $ 394,305 $ 196,403 $ 27,450 $ 27,450 $ 143,002 50% 7% 7% 36%
Administrative Charges $ 655,484 $ 65,548 $ - $ - $ 589,936 10% 0% - 0% 90%
Total Maintenance 8 Operations $ 4,491,105 $ 2,586,656 $ 550,010 $ 504,570 $ 849,869
Total Operating Expenses $ 5,858,475 $ 3,133,604 $ 755,116 $ 709,676 $ 1,260,080
Allocation of Operating Expenses 100% 53% 13% 12% 22%
Debt Service Payments - ..
2009 Series A Revenue Bonds: $ 1,606.800 $ 803,400 $ 401.700 $ 401,700 $ - . 50% 25% 25% 0%
TOTAL USES OF SEWER FUNDS $ , 7,465,275 $ 3,937,004 $ 1,156,816 $ 1,111,376 $ 1,260,080 53% 15% 15% 17%
Less Non-Rate Revenues
(less)Industrial Waste Inspection Fees $ (70,000) $ (37,442) $ (9,022) $ (8,480) $ (15,056) 53% 13% 12% 22%
(less)Interest Earnings $ (202,000) $ (108,047) $ (26,036) $ (24,470) $ (43,448) 53% 13% 12% 22%
NET REVENUE REOTS(Uhad'usted) $ 7,193,275 $ 3,791,516 $ 1,121,757 $ '1,078,426 $ 1,201,576
-q.[s $ 7,545,151 $ 3,976,986- -- --_ , - 9 $ 1
,176,630 $ 1
I Adj usted Net Revenue Re ,131,180 $ 1,260,354 i
(Allocation of Revenue Requirements 100% 53% 16% 15% 17%
Allocations to Sewer Customer Classes - The next step in the cost-of-service analysis is allocating the
sewer costs to each of the customer classes using the allocation factors for each of the classes of costs,
which are shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Example of Allocation Factors (Sewer)
Cost Classification Strength Factors
Category Flow/Effluent Volume BOD TSS Customer
Allocation Factors I Water Consumption by 1! BOD Effluent TSS Effluent Number of Accounts
Customer Class levels(in Mg/L) levels On Mg/L) by Customer Class
Amount of Effluent generated by BOD-Related TSS-Related Costs associated with having
Types of Costs WWTP WWTP customers connected to the
each Customer Class Processing Processing system.
•Hydraulic Capacity of WWTP SOD-Related TSS-Related •Meter Reading
Examples of Costs •Effluent Pumping Stations :WWTP 'WWTP •Customer Billing
•Collection System Costs :Equipment Equipment •Customer Service
Sludge Handling
As a result of applying the allocation factors to the cost classifications (i.e., the Volume, BOD, TSS, and
Customer costs), the revenue required from each customer class is accumulated by customer class, as
shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10. Allocation of Revenue Requirements to Customer Classes (Sewer)
Classification Components
Customer Class Treatment Customer Total
Volume
BOD TSS Related
Net Revenue Requirements $ 3,976,986 $ 1,176,630 $ 1,131,180 $ 1,260,354 $ 7,545,150
53% 16% 15% 17% 100%
Single-Family Residential $ 962,013 $ 246,676 $ 239,608 $ 544,013 $ 1,992,310
Multi-Family Residential $ 1,522,095 $ 390,290 $ 379,107 $ 587,925 $ 2,879,417
Commercial -Business $ 888,087 $ 227,720 $ 221,195 $ 102,998 $ 1,440,000
• Commercial -Restaurants $ 225,777 $ 188,523 $ 202,890 $ 15,649 $ 632,839
Commercial - Hotels $ 258,430 $ 84,956 $ 71,316 $ 3,319 $ 418,021
Institutional $ 113,140 $ 37,194 $ 16,011 $ 5,406 $ 171,751
Schools $ 7,444 $ 1,273 $ 1,053 $ 1,043 $ 10,813
Total • $ 3,976,986.''$ 1;176,632 $ 1,131,180 $ 1,260,353 $ 7,545,151
TASK 5. RATE DESIGN ANALYSIS
Task Objectives: NBS will work with City staff to develop the best suited alternative rate structures for
the water and sewer utilities by incorporating the City's broader rate design goals and objectives.
Task Deliverables: Rates for the three rate structures for water and sewer, including the evaluation of
the pros and cons of various rate structure alternatives.
Develop Rate Design Recommendations - While we believe rate design is more applicable to water
rates, we will also review the sewer rate design. We will include a discussion of the relative merits (pros
and cons) of the City's current rate structures and the new alternatives. This discussion and analysis may
include issues such as the amount of revenue collected from fixed vs. volumetric charges, the percentage
rate increases between tiers, total quantities of water included in each tier, and amount of revenue
collected in each tier.
Criteria for Improving the Rate Design - There are a number of criteria that NBS will discuss with City
staff in considering new rate structures, including:
• How costs allocated to fixed and volumetric rates affect revenue stability.
• How summer peaking patterns are reflected in water rate design.
• How meter sizes are used in calculating fixed charges.
• The number of tiers that should be implemented.
• The amount of revenue that should be collected within each tier.
• How to address"price elasticity" reductions in water use in response to rate increases.
• Impacts on customer monthly bills.
The rate structure alternative selected will, in the end, provide the basis for comparing monthly customer
bills under both the current and new rate structure. However, all rate structures will be "revenue neutral"
because they will all collect the same amount of revenue from each customer class.
Evaluation of Consumption Patterns - NBS will perform a detailed analysis that will identify the number
of customers at various levels of consumption and the total water use that occurs within each tier. The
City's most recent water consumption data will be used for this analysis.
This type of data analysis ensures an accurate projection of the revenue that will be collected within each
tier, and allows for testing various rate structure alternatives (e.g., changing tier breakpoints and rates) in
order to accurately design water rate tiers and recover sufficient revenues. Figure 11 illustrates the type
of distribution curve that summarizes the number of customers by consumption level.
Figure 11. Consumption Distribution Analysis
Single-Family Water Consumption and Tier Breakpoints
90 —
-� Y -. • - r iP" A ` 'i
- - w tx ea - -tostt II r'I,r.;.p,,4'd �J6 11 i
zt iPr µ 's+d"r • '� �I S.I t19n3a� �.
_-x ��e-��o.�> ug all °1n,1�`iKl jaIa..
70--- - Winter Avg. "4 m *-� it 't Ave Summer
Use=8.4 ccf t 3a `� "`. '� s« 6 r ron Use=24.3 ccf
E50-
Tier 1 Tier 3
0
�InhG11;�;' �k iE
I'N ,
ao
Tier 2 y't` p y,l�'.
30
w.F iw r j
_ g c a��ell
116j11,
10
I '
I 4 5 8 10 12 14 15 ifi N 22 2a 26 20 30 32 Bd Y 30 dE 12 dd <E 40 ED 52 5/4 si SC 60
Water Consumption(ccf/month)
Calculate Fixed and Volumetric Charges - Fixed costs consider the number of accounts, equivalent
meters, and the number and size of meters. In contrast, variable costs are typically allocated in proportion
to consumption.
We note that although a strict cost-of-service methodology would determine the percentages of rate
revenue collected from fixed and variable rates, other factors are typically considered in this process.
Other factors include revenue stability, water conservation goals, ease of understanding, and ease of
administration. NBS will recommend a rate structure that provides a balance between fixed and variable
charges, with the goal of recovering all or a significant portion of fixed costs from fixed charges and
variable costs from variable charges, while also encouraging water conservation.
Figures 12, 13 and 14 illustrate how the rate-design analysis recovers customer costs based on the total
number of meters, capacity costs from each meter size based on the hydraulic capacity, and how
commodity costs are recovered from customers based on water consumption.
Figure 12. Example of Fixed Charges Calculations
i Fixed Service Charges
Number of Hydraulic Total
• Customer Total Fixed j Meter Size Capacity Equivalent Capacity Costs
Factor' Meters Costs ($/Acct/ service
• ($/Acc
($/AccU mo.) Charge 1
5/8 x 3/4 inch 34 0.67 23 $4.50 $6.51 $11.01
3/4 inch 30,207 1.00 30,207 $4.50 $9.76 $14.26
1 inch 14,295 1.67 23,825 $4.50 $16.27 $20.77
1 1/2 inch 1,280 3.33 4,267 $4.50 $32.55 $37.05
2 inch 2,314 5.33 12,341 $4.50 $52.07 $56.57
3 inch 190 10.00 1,900 $4.50 $97.64 $102.14
4 inch 96 16.67 1,600 $4.50 $162.73 $167.23
6 inch 30 33.33 1,000 $4.50 $32546 $329.96
8 inch 62 53.33 3,307 $4.50 $520.73 $525.23
10 inch 8 80.00 640 $4.50 $781.10 $785.60
Total 48,516 -- 79,109 -- -- --
Figure 13. Example of Commodity Rate Calculations
Number of Projected Water Target Uniform Proposed
Customer Classes .1 Revenue Commodity Rate
Accounts Consumption Requirement Rates($/hcf) Structure
Single-Family Residential 23,257 6,396,362 $ 6,251,321 $0.977 Tiered
Multi-Family Residential 1,039 502,068 $ 490,683 $0.977 Uniform
Commercial 3,364 3,057,570 $ 2,988,238 $0.977 Uniform
Total 27,660 9,956,000 $ 9,730,242 -- --
1. Assumes all customer classes will consume 5%less water than in FY 2012/13 due to conservation efforts.
Figure 14. Example of Single-Family Residential, Three-Tier Rate Calculations
Price Projected Proposed
Water Customer Class Single-Family Upper Tier Differential Water Commodity Tier Revenue
Tiers Breakpoint Between Generated
Consumption Rates($/hcf)
Tiers
Tier 1 11.0 hcf/mo. -- 2,686,499 $0.416 $1,118,250
Single Family Residential Tier 2 36.0 hcf/mo. 50% 2,443,475 $1.281 $3,129,777
Tier 3 - 24% 1,266,388 $1.582 $2,003,294
Total -- -- -- 6,396,362 - $6,251,321
Comparison of Monthly Water Bills - We will prepare an analysis of monthly water bills for various
types of customers, such as single-family customers with low-, average-, and high-water usage under
each rate alternative evaluated in the study. This analysis is useful when evaluating the effects of different
rate structures on customers, as illustrated in Figure 15.
Figure 15. Example of Monthly Bill Comparison
•
Single-Family Residential Bill Comparison
Current vs. Proposed 2014/15 Rates(3/4"meter)
$100
Average
SUMMERQIII
$90 . 132 Hnrmo.l
Average d
$80 ANNUAL Bill w c >
(22 hcllmcl
oa w
$70 . Average + w r
WINTER Bill
(14 hCY/me.) M n
0.1 co$60 a �� m w w
to ° c .
$50
g$40
°m - m
w
n m w w
$30 ry
•Curtent Rates
o Proposed Rates
$20
6 10 14 18 20 22 24 28 30 32 34
Monthly Water Consumption(HCF)
Five-Year Rate Schedule—We will provide the City with a rate schedule that includes proposed rates for
the next five years and a projection of the typical bill for the five year period, as illustrated in Figure 16.
Figure 16. Example of Monthly Bill Projection
Single Family Residential Bill Projection
Current vs. Proposed Rates for Five-Year Period •
Assumes 22 hcf Consumption
$80
- $70.35
$70 -
$65.75
$61.45
$60 - $57.43 -
$52.12 $53.67
$50 -... _
$40 - --
$30 - - -
$20 .---- .- -
$10 - --
$o
Current Bill Year 1 Bill Year 2 Bill Year 3 Bill Year 4 Bill Year 5 Bill
•
TASK 6. PREPARE A WRITTEN STUDY REPORT
Task Objectives: Prepare draft and final reports.
Task Deliverables: Draft and Final Reports for review by City Staff that include our final
recommendations for the financial plans, reserve policies and rate structures. Sufficient information will be
provided in the report for staff, the Council and the public to review and understand the study.
NBS will prepare draft and final rate study reports that include proposed rates for the next five years, although
the financial models will cover a 20-year period. An executive summary and introduction will present the
purpose of the report and results of the study. The report will summarize the findings and recommendations,
including proposed rates, and present appropriate customer bill comparisons using tables, graphs, and charts
as needed. The emphasis will be on providing a clear, concise, and understandable report.
Preliminary study results will be forwarded to City staff well ahead of the draft report, and then to the City
Council once City staff is comfortable with the results. We typically will review initial results (e.g., revenue
requirements, financial plans, cost-of-service analysis, and rate design results) with staff at the time they are
developed. This helps ensure that City staff are "on-board" with the results before moving ahead with
presenting any materials to the City Council or public. The City's comments' will be incorporated into the final
report.
TASK 7. MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS
7.1 Meetings With City Staff
Task Objectives: Facilitate study progress, communication of results, and meet with City staff.
Task Deliverables: Provide up to two (2) on-site meetings with Staff to review work products and study
progress.
NBS proposes to have two on-site progress meetings with City staff to review initial work products and gain
input from Staff on the direction of the study, in addition to the kick-off meeting in Task 1. We also expect to
have regular phone conversations with City staff to discuss how the study is proceeding, get input from
Staff, and prior to the public meetings to review and discuss the study's initial results and work products.
7.2 City Council Presentations and Public Workshops
Task Objectives: Effectively communicate with the City Council and the public as needed to successfully
complete the study.
Task Deliverables: Provide on-site presentations with the City Council and public as requested.
NBS will plan to meet with the City Council and the public to successfully adopt and implement the
recommended rate study results. Additional meetings/presentations can be provided as needed. We propose
the following meetings/presentations for this task, however if selected for this study, we would like to refine
our approach, in order to best meet the City's needs.
City Council Presentations— NBS proposes four(4) City Council presentations: (1) to present an overview
of the study objectives, best practices for utility fund management, and solicit input on rate-related policies
and rate design, (2) to review and discuss preliminary rate study results, recommendations, proposed rates,
and receive general input and answer questions from the Council, (3) to review and discuss final rate study
results and the study report which will include proposed rates and seek approval to begin the Prop 218
process, and; (4)attend and present at a Prop 218-related public hearing.
Public Outreach Workshops — NBS proposes two (2) public outreach workshops: the first will take place
after the second City Council presentation to present preliminary findings made in the rate study, answer
' We assume City staff comments will be in an electronic Microsoft Word file using track-changes mode to
incorporate all City comments.
questions from and solicit input from the public on the development of new water and sewer rates. The
second workshop will take place after the Prop 218 notices for any proposed rate adjustment is mailed, to
review the results of the rate study with attendees and explain the need for any proposed rate increase.
These activities will better prepare City staff and the Council by helping them more clearly understand the
public's reaction to possible rate increases and what they should expect at the public hearing.
If the City would like a more extensive public engagement process than what is described here, such as
implementing a Citizen's Advisory Group, we have the expertise in handling these types of programs and can
assist the City in designing executing that plan and meeting with the public.
We will also prepare all presentation material required for the adoption of new water and sewer rates,
including a PowerPoint presentation and any additional worksheets or handouts.
7.3 Informational Mailers
Task Objectives: Distribute information about the rate study and any proposed adjustments to
water and/or sewer rates.
Task Deliverables: Create two (2) informational mailers that will be mailed to the public in order to
distribute information about the rate study and any proposed rate adjustment.
NBS Staff will provide the whole range of services for such increases, including: Design of the
announcement (such as a customized postcard within City branding standards) as well as mailing
coordination with a third party mailing house. An example of a postcard we designed and mailed
announcing an adjustment in sewer rates for a similar project is included in Appendix. We will work •
with City staff to finalize the content and format of these two mailers.
MANAGING TIMELINES AND PROJECT COSTS
We understand that budgets and timelines are critical to the success of this study, and our commitment to
the City is that our proposed tasks will not cost more than budgeted or take longer than originally planned
(to the extent that NBS has control over the schedule). If additional funds are needed due to tasks not
included in the proposal, we will discuss this with the City and propose options for revising the budget
and/or the scope of work. No additional work will be undertaken prior to approval by the City's project
manager.
NBS has standard consulting-industry accounting systems and practices that track consulting hours by
task, by team member, and by client. We provide monthly detailed reports and invoicing, but will discuss
any particular needs the City may have with regard to invoicing and tracking of costs. Our projects are
performed on a time-and-materials basis with not-to-exceed limits, thus guaranteeing that we will not
exceed the proposed costs.
EXHIBIT B - COST PROPOSAL
Our detailed project budget is shown below. We express this honestly and transparently through our price
proposal. Additional services requested, such as additional community meetings or additional rate
alternatives, can be provided based on the hourly labor rates shown in the budget table below. All tasks
would be mutually agreed upon by NBS and the City prior to proceeding.
'REVISED PROJECT BUDGET-City of Seal Beach Water 8 Wastewater Rate Study
• Consultant Labor(Hours) Grand Totals ,
i •
Senior project Senior • --
Rate Study Tasks Technical Manager Consultant Marketing Consultant Consultant
• .Adsor (BceMer) (Narayanan) Coordinator Labor(Hrs.) Costs(5)
(Clumpner) '(Reyes)
•- 'ow -ate -MD ". OM • CID
•Task 1 -Kick-off Meeting&Data Collection 1 2.0 8.0 16.0 - 26.0 53,730
Task 2-Review of Current Rates&Policies 1 4.0 8.0 - - 12.0 52,180
Task 3-Financial Plan and Rexenue Requirements I -�-
3.1-Prepare Financial Plans 6.0 16.0 24.0 - 46.0 $6,910
Task 4-Cost-of-SeMce Analysis(COSA)
4.1-COSA:Water Utility 4.0 16.0 22.0 - 42.0 $6,210
4.2-COSA: Sewer Utility 4.0 16.0 22.0 - 42.0 $6,210
Task 5-Rate Design Analysis
5.1-Develop Rate Design Recommendations 6.0 1 8.0 4.0 - 18.0 $3,130
5.2-Evaluation of Consumption Patterns 2.0 8.0 24.0 - 34.0 $4,730
5.3-Calculate Fixed&Volumetnc Charges 4.0 10.0 16.0 - 30.0 $4,500
5.4-Monthly Bill Comparisons 1.0 4.0 6.0 - 11.0 $1,615
Task 6-Prepare A Written Study Report 8.0 16.0 8.0 - 32.0 $5,360
Task 7-Meetings and Presentations
7.1-Meetings with City Staff(two) 4.0 12.0 4.0 - 20.0 $3,320
7.2-Pubic Presentations/Meetings(six) 6.0 48.0 -I - 54.0 $9,030
7.3-Informational Mailers' 1 (as needed) (as ) -I (asreetle]) -I $110,,000
L�n QtL . WM TEND o MO MO
' Reimbursable Expenses? I $1,000
_-
GRAND TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED I -- -- 367.0 I- $67,925- 51.0 I - _ 170.0 I 146.0
1. Cost for labor for designing and mailing informational mailers is$5,000 per mailer, plus direct expenses if necessary
(e.g., printing, mailing,postage). Primary staff will be Geralin Reyes, Senior Marketing Coordinator($90/hour labor rate).
2. Estimated travel and printing expenses for Boehler to attend eight(8)on-site meetings/presentations.
•