Agreement - Municipal Water District of Orange County - 2024-08-1555401.00000\42564077.1
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AGREEMENT FOR SHARING CONSULTANT COSTS FOR COMPLETION OF
ORANGE COUNTY WATER AND WASTEWATER MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN AND AMERICA WATER INFRASTRUCTURE ACT
OF 2018 PROJECTS
This Agreement for Sharing Consultant Costs for Completion of Joint Hazard Mitigation Plans
and the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) Update Projects (“Agreement”) is
made and entered into as of August 15, 2024, by and between the Costa Mesa Sanitary District
(“Participating Agency”) and the Municipal Water District of Orange County (“MWDOC”). The
Participating Agency and MWDOC are collectively referred to as “Parties.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS, MWDOC is the administrator of the Water Emergency Response Organization of
Orange County (WEROC), providing countywide emergency preparedness for water and
wastewater agencies, which includes essential resources, trainings, and exercises to member
agencies and coordination partners throughout Orange County;
WHEREAS, as WEROC administrator, MWDOC ensures compliance with America’s Water
Infrastructure Act (AWIA) and managing the Orange County Multi-Jurisdictional Water and
Wastewater Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP);
WHEREAS, numerous retail and wholesale agencies in Orange County that share infrastructure
and are similarly situated with regard to emergency preparedness, including the Participating
Agency (collectively “Participating Agencies”), enter into cost-sharing agreements with
MWDOC;
WHEREAS, the Participating Agencies and MWDOC have a successful history of collaboration
and cost sharing and now desire to coordinate in the preparation of Orange County Multi-
Jurisdictional Water and Wastewater Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) and the AWIA Update
Projects to ensure consistency and obtain economies of scale thereby reducing preparation time
and costs for each the Participating Agency; and
WHEREAS, a Scope of Orange County Multi-Jurisdictional Water and Wastewater Hazard
Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) and AWIA of 2018 Required Components (Risk/Resiliency
Assessment (RRA) and Emergency Response Plans (ERP) was incorporated into a Request for
Proposals. Partner agencies assisted with the development of the scope of work. In response,
consulting firms submitted proposals, which resulted in the selection of HSG, LLC (d/b/a (Herndon
Solutions Group) (“HSG” or “Consultant”) as the consultant to prepare Orange County Multi-
Jurisdictional Water and Wastewater Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) and the AWIA Update
Projects for the Participating Agencies (the “Work”);
WHEREAS, the Work will consist of an update to a regional hazard mitigation assessment and
consequently develop an Orange County Multi-Jurisdictional Water and Wastewater Hazard
Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) that meets the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
guidelines for approval with the goal of updating each Participating Agency’s vulnerabilities and
apply those to a regional concept of emergency mitigation, in order to have a regional water &
wastewater utilities plan;
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WHEREAS, each participating water utility has conducted security threat vulnerability
assessments and have a general emergency plans that are compliant with California’s Standardized
Emergency Management System, the National Incident Management System, and the AWIA;
WHEREAS, AWIA requires community water systems that serve more than 3,300 people to
identify, manage, and minimize organizational risks and update their RRAs and ERPs at least
every five years;
WHEREAS, to maximize resources, MWDOC included the update of agency MJHMPs, as
required by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which will ensure alignment of these planning
processes by leveraging the same data sets and collaboration activities, such as hazard
identification and mitigation workshops;
WHEREAS, HSG previously supported MWDOC with its initial AWIA compliance submittal,
completing 23 RRAs and ERPs from 2019 through 2021, which included coordination with
MWDOC’s HMP and Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) planning teams;
WHEREAS, MWDOC and its staff are willing to coordinate this process, including the preparation
and administration of a professional services agreement with the Consultant; and the
administration of the cost sharing provisions of this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the payment of money as set forth below and the mutual
promises of the Parties hereto, it is agreed:
1. Engagement of Consultant and Administration of Consultant Agreement
1.1 MWDOC shall award a professional services agreement for the work identified in
the Request for Proposals (“Consultant Agreement”) to HSG. MWDOC shall use
its standard professional services agreement form for the Consultant Agreement,
including any minor negotiated deviations approved by MWDOC General Manager
and Legal Counsel, and require appropriate types and limits of insurance coverage
and indemnification as required by this Agreement. Each CGL policy shall identify
MWDOC, the Participating Agency, and their directors, officers, agents,
employees, attorneys, consultants and volunteers as additional insureds, or be
endorsed to identify these parties as additional insureds using a form acceptable to
MWDOC. The Consultant Agreement will require the Consultant's insurer(s) to
waive all rights of subrogation against MWDOC, the Participating Agency, and
their directors, officers, agents, employees, attorneys, consultants and volunteers.
The Consultant Agreement will further require the Consultant to indemnify, defend
and hold harmless MWDOC, the Participating Agency, and its elected officials,
officers and employees, and each of them from and against all third party actions,
proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, penalties or liabilities, in law or equity, of
every kind or nature whatsoever, including reasonable legal fees and costs, arising
out of, resulting from, or on account of Consultant’s negligent acts or willful
misconduct in the performance of the work under this agreement, provided,
however, that Consultant’s liability under this indemnity shall not apply to the
extent of the contributory negligence of the MWDOC, the Participating Agency, its
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employees and contractors. The Consultant Agreement will require Consultant to
ensure that its sub-consultants, if any, provide similar insurance coverage.
1.2 MWDOC shall coordinate all aspects of the proposed work with the selected
Consultant and communicate with the Participating Agency, and upon request of
the Participating Agency, regarding the status and substance of completion and
submission of the MJHMP and AWIA Update Projects.
1.3 HSG has organized participating agencies into three groups: (1) Participating
Agencies that need only MJHMP support, (2) Participating Agencies that need both
MJHMP and AWIA RRA and ERP support, and (3) Participating Agencies that
need only AWIA RRA and ERP support.
1.4 Following notice to proceed, HSG will further group the Participating Agencies
based on geography, agency-specific due dates, and previously assigned assistant
project managers.
1.5 The Participating Agency shall, within a reasonable timeframe, provide all
documents, information, and assistance requested by the selected Consultant during
the performance of the Consultant Agreement.
2. Cost Sharing Obligations
2.1 MWDOC shall:
2.1.1 Track the Participating Agency’s costs for each plan (HMP, RRA, and
ERP) as described in Exhibit A (“2025 MJHMP and AWIA Participating
Agency Cost Worksheet”), which includes the Participating Agency’s
estimated base cost for each plan and is attached hereto and incorporated
herein by this reference;
2.1.2 Be responsible for receiving Consultant invoices by the 10th day of the
month pursuant to the Consultant Agreement;
2.1.3 Be responsible for billing the Participating Agency for the costs due on
the payment date as described in Exhibit A, including additional amounts
owed for any approved changes to the Work;
2.1.4 Be responsible for making payments directly to Consultant from funds
paid to MWDOC by the Participating Agency;
2.1.5 Inform the Participating Agency of any proposed changes to the
estimated costs in Exhibit A that would result in an increase or decrease
in that Participating Agency's payment under this Agreement and seek
the Participating Agency’s approval for such changes before notifying
the Consultant to proceed with the work;
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2.1.6 Prepare a final accounting at the end of each fiscal year and either
distribute any remaining funds collected from the Participating Agency
back to the Participating Agency or issue a final bill to Participating
Agency where there are funds due;
2.1.7 Share information relative to adjustments in costs with Participating
Agency on a periodic basis if decisions to participate by the various
Participating Agencies affect the costs in Exhibit A.
2.2 Each Participating Agency shall:
2.2.1 Pay to MWDOC the costs due for each plan on each payment date as
described in Exhibit A;
2.2.2 Within 60 days of each invoice date, pay to MWDOC the amount
invoiced in accordance with , Exhibit A;
2.2.3 If the Participating Agency requests or requires additional work that was
not included in the cost calculation in Exhibit A, MWDOC will assist
with coordination with the Consultant and develop the change order for
any contract changes if both Participating Agency and Consultant
approves such work. Participating Agency agrees to pay to MWDOC,
the full amount owed for the additional work within 60 days of the
invoice date;
2.2.4 Acknowledge that costs may vary as Participating Agencies decide
whether or not to participate and/or as additional work is completed
with the Participating Agency’s approval.
3. Accounting
3.1 Upon request of the Participating Agency, MWDOC will provide copies of the
selected Consultant's invoices and MWDOC's payment records.
4. Non-Appropriation of Funds
4.1 Payments to be made by the Participating Agency under Section 2.2 to MWDOC
for any Work performed by the selected Consultant within the current fiscal year
are within the current fiscal budget and within an available, unexhausted fund. In
the event that the Participating Agency does not appropriate sufficient funds for
payment of the selected Contractor’s Work beyond the current fiscal year, this
Agreement shall cover payment for such Work only to the conclusion of the last
fiscal year in which the Participating Agency appropriates sufficient funds and shall
automatically terminate at the conclusion of such fiscal year.
4.2 The Participating Agency agrees to use reasonable efforts to ensure appropriated
funds are available and acknowledge that MWDOC is facilitating payment to the
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Consultant under this Agreement for benefit of and cost-savings for the
Participating Agency.
5. Independent Contractor
5.1 Any consultant engaged by MWDOC on behalf of the Participating Agency as
contemplated in this Agreement will not be a party to this Agreement and will not
be an employee or agent of MWDOC or the Participating Agency, either as a result
of this Agreement or as a result of a professional services agreement between
MWDOC and the Consultant. Any consultant engaged as contemplated in this
Agreement will be an independent contractor to MWDOC.
6. Warranty, Indemnification, and Defense
6.1 MWDOC shall use its best efforts in administering the Consultant Agreement, but
makes no representations, guarantees or warranties to the Participating Agency as
to the quality or timeliness of work product provided by Consultant pursuant to the
Consultant Agreement.
6.2 All losses or liabilities resulting from any and all actions, claims, penalties,
obligations or liabilities, in law or in equity, of every kind or nature whatsoever,
that may be asserted or claimed by any person, firm, entity, corporation, political
subdivision or other organization arising out of or in any manner directly or
indirectly connected with any work contemplated by this Agreement shall be
subject to the indemnification described in this Section 6.3.
6.3 Subject to Sections 6.1, 6.2, and 6.4, each of the Parties hereto shall fully indemnify
and hold each of the other Parties, their officers, board members, employees, and
agents, harmless from any claim, expense or cost, damage or liability imposed or
occurring by reason of the negligent acts or omissions or willful misconduct of the
indemnifying party, its officers, board members, employees or agents, under or in
connection with or arising out of any work, authority or jurisdiction delegated to
such party under this Agreement. No party, nor any officer, board member,
employee or agent thereof, shall be responsible for any damage or liability
occurring by reason of the negligent acts or omissions or willful misconduct of the
other Parties hereto, their officers, board members employees, or agents, under or
in connection with or arising out of any work authority or jurisdiction delegated to
any other Parties under this Agreement.
6.4 As between Participating Agencies, any costs associated with the defense and
indemnity obligations set forth in Section 6.3 shall be the financial responsibility
of each Participating Agency based on their proportionate share of fault, as
determined by final arbitration or court decision or by the agreement of the
Participating Agencies.
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7. Notice
7.1 Any notice or communication required to be given under this Agreement shall be
in writing and effective when deposited, first class postage prepaid with the United
States Postal Service addressed to the contracting Parties as follows:
Notice to Parties
1. MWDOC Harvey De La Torre, General Manager
Municipal Water District of Orange County
18700 Ward St.
P.O. Box 20895 Fountain Valley, CA 92728 With copy to: Vicki Osborn Director of Emergency Management Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County (WEROC) VOsborn@mwdoc.com
2. Costa Mesa Sanitary District Scott Carroll, General Manager
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
290 Paularino Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92606
8. Jurisdiction and Venue
8.1 In all matters concerning the validity, interpretation, performance, or effect of this
Agreement, the laws of the State of California shall govern and be applicable. The
Parties hereby agree and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the
State of California and that venue of any action brought hereunder shall be in
Orange County, California.
9. Counterparts and Facsimile
9.1 This Agreement may be executed by the Parties in counterparts, which counterparts
shall be construed together and have the same effect as if all the Parties had
executed the same instrument. Counterpart signatures may be transmitted by
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facsimile, email, or other electronic means and have the same force and effect as if
they were original signatures. All parties have participated in the drafting of this
Agreement.
10. Severability
10.1 If any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid, or unenforceable,
in whole or in part, the legality, validity, and enforceability of the remaining
provisions shall not be affected thereby.
11. Term
11.1 This Agreement shall commence upon the date of execution by the Participating
Agency below and shall extend thereafter through the completion of all work
product generated by the Consultant and delivered to MWDOC and to the
Participating Agency.
11.2 MWDOC shall issue a Notice of Completion to all Participating Agencies upon
close-out of the Consultant Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Section 11, this Agreement may be terminated earlier by MWDOC in its
discretion upon or after termination of the Consultant Agreement.
12. Entire Agreement
12.1 This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the subject
matter hereof; and the Parties have made no agreements, representations, or
warranties, either written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof that are not
set forth herein. Except as provided herein, this Agreement may not be modified or
altered without prior written approval from both parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto affixed their names as of the day
and year thereinafter written, which shall be and is the effective date of This Agreement.
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Execution of Agreement by the Parties
MWDOC Date: __________________________________
By:__________________________________
Harvey De La Torre, General Manager
Municipal Water District of Orange County
Approved as to Form:
Date:__________________________________
By: __________________________________
Joseph P. Byrne, Partner
Best Best & Krieger LLP
Costa Mesa Sanitary District Date: __________________________________
By:__________________________________
Scott Carroll, General Manager
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
Approved as to Form:
Date:__________________________________
By: ___________________________________
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8/19/2024 | 10:15 AM PDT
8/19/2024 | 10:30 AM PDT
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8/21/2024
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Orange County Water and Wastewater Jurisdictions Tier
Hazard
Mitigation Plan
3/9/25
Population
Served
AWIA RRA Deadline
** Note each agency
deadline date is different
based on when they
submitted last cycle
^^ERPs are due 6
months after RRA
Submittal
Risk and Resilience
Assessment
Emergency
Response
Plans
Project
Installation Total
Letter of
Commitment
Received
Signed
Contract
Received
Payment HMP
** Payment
Invoice 100%
Payment
RRA Due
Payment
ERP Due
Anaheim (City) *Tier I 345940 3/31/2025 89700 17250 106950 Y 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
Brea (City)Tier III 47589 6/30/2026 32200 17250 49450 Y 12/15/2025 12/15/2026
Buena Park (City)Tier II
83011 12/31/2025 49450 17250 66700
Y
Total Amount
Allocated to
FY 24/25
**Billing Date
3/31/25
Costa Mesa Sanitary District 11800 11800 Y
60 days following
contract signature
El Toro WD Tier II 9300 51800 12/31/2025 32200 17250 58750 Y
60 days following
contract signature 6/15/2025 6/15/2026
Emerald Bay **
EOCWD ***
Fountain Valley (City)Tier II 56495 12/31/2025 49450 17250 66700 Y 6/15/2025 6/15/2026
Fullerton (City)Tier I 141874 3/31/2025 72450 17250 89700 Y 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
Garden Grove (City)Tier I 170488 3/31/2025 72450 17250 89700 Y 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
Golden State **
Huntington Beach (City)Tier I 196652 3/31/2025 72450 17250 89700 Y 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
Irvine Ranch WD Tier I 8900 412933 3/31/2025 72450 N/A 81350 Y
60 days following
contract signature 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
La Habra (City)Tier II 62609 12/31/2025 49450 17250 66700 Y 6/15/2025 6/15/2026
La Palma (City) **
Laguna Beach (City) **
Laguna Beach County WD Tier III 9300 23000 6/30/2026 32200 63250 104750 Y
60 days following
contract signature 12/15/2025 12/15/2026
Mesa WD 11800 11800 Y
60 days following
contract signature
Midway City Sanitary District **
Moulton Niguel WD Tier I 8900 171856 3/31/2025 72450 17250 98600 Y
60 days following
contract signature 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
MWDOC/WEROC #Tier I 8900 2300000 3/31/2025 72450 17250 75000 173600 60 days following
contract signature 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
Newport Beach (City) Tier II 84792 12/31/2025 49450 17250 66700 Y 3/1/2025 6/15/2026
Orange (City) Tier I 137263 3/31/2025 72450 17250 89700 Y 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
Orange County Sanitation District 11800 11800 Y
60 days following
contract signature
Orange County Water District 11800 11800 Y
60 days following
contract signature
San Clemente (City) Tier II 63896 12/31/2025 49450 17250 66700 Y 10/15/2024 7/1/2026
Santa Ana (City)Tier I 309441 3/31/2025 72450 17250 89700 Y 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
Santa Margarita WD Tier I 8900 47442 3/31/2025 72450 17250 98600 Y
60 days following
contract signature 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
Seal Beach (City)Tier III 24937 6/30/2026 32200 17250 49450 Y 12/15/2025 12/15/2026
Serrano WD Tier III 9300 6641 6/30/2026 32200 17250 58750 y
60 days following
contract signature 12/15/2025 12/15/2026
South Coast Water District Tier I 8900 257386 3/31/2025 72450 17250 98600 Y
60 days following
contract signature 10/15/2024 9/15/2025
South Orange County Waste Water Authority 11800 11800 Y
60 days following
contract signature
Trabuco Canyon WD Tier III 9300 12712 6/30/2026 32200 17250 58750 Y
60 days following
contract signature 12/15/2025 12/15/2026
Tustin (City) Tier II 79430 12/31/2025 49450 17250 66700 Y 6/15/2025 6/15/2026
Westminster (City) Tier II 90195 12/31/2025 49450 17250 66700 Y 6/15/2025 6/15/2026
Yorba Linda WD Tier II 9300 67989 12/31/2025 60950 63250 133500 Y
60 days following
contract signature 6/15/2025 6/15/2026
Totals 150000 1414500 506000 75000 2145500
* New in 2025
** Not Participating
*** Has own HMP and opted to seek own bids (1/31/24 email)
# One time cost for project installation and management (WEROC Reserves Covering)
2025 MJHMP and AWIA Participating Agency Cost Worksheet
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