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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-371ORDINANCE NO o OOL— 11 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS APPROVING A WHOLESALE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AND THE LAKE CITIES MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY ("LCMUA"), WHEREIN DENTON AGREES TO PROVIDE WHOLESALE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SERVICES TO LCMUA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT, AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFOR, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS SECTION 1 That the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City, a Wholesale Wastewater Treatment Services Contract between the City of Denton, Texas and the Lake Cities Municipal Utility Authority ("LCMUA") for wholesale wastewater treatment services to LCMUA, substantially in accordance with the Contract which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein SECTION 2 That the expenditure of funds as set forth in the Contract Agreement is hereby authorized SECTION 3 That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval �/ PASSED AND APPROVED this the ,�S &day of , 2001 4hh ATTEST JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY By AP OVED AS TO LEGAL FORM HERBERT L PROUTY, CITY ATTORNEY S \Our Documents\Ordinances\01\Wholesale Wastewater Treatment Contract LCMUA doc STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF DENTON § WHOLESALE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DENTON AND THE LAKE CITIES MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY /Cd day of A� l 2001, between the THIS AGREEMENT made this �i _—_ City of Denton, Texas, a municipal corporation, and Home -Rule City, acting herein by and through its City Manager, hereinafter referred to as "Denton," and the Lake Cities Municipal Utility Authority, a Texas acting herein by and through its General Manager, hereinafter referred to as "LCMUA" and WHEREAS, Denton owns and operates a wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system in Denton County, Texas, and of their respective systems, both the City of Denton and the LCMUA desire to avoid duplication of services through coordination for the collection, treatment, and reclamation of the wastewater, and WHEREAS, Denton and LCMUA desire to enter into a Contract for Denton to treat wastewater on a wholesale basis for LCMUA for the proposed sixty-seven (67) single-family homes in the Orchards Addition development in the City of Shady Shores, and also in adjacent properties thereto, not to exceed one -hundred total single-family residences, and WHEREAS, the public health, welfare, and safety of the residents of Denton and LCMUA require the development of adequate systems of sewage collection and disposal, the elimination of water pollution, and the preservation of the water resources of the area, and WHEREAS, Denton and LCMUA are required to comply with standards and treatment methods for wastewater as set forth in federal, state and local, laws and regulations and permits, and, M WHEREAS, Denton and LCMUA have an interest in maintaining and restoring the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of waters and water resources, especially those being used by Denton and LCMUA, and insuring the reduction of pollution in said waters and water resources, and planning the use, development, restoration, preservation and enhancement of said waters and water resources, and WHEREAS, LCMUA desires to contract for wastewater treatment service on behalf of Customers of LCMUA, and Denton desires to provide wastewater treatment service on a wholesale basis to LCMUA, and WHEREAS, the LCMUA is duly-authonzed to enter into this Contract with Denton, and NOW, THERFORE, Denton and LCMUA, in consideration of the terms, covenants, and conditions herein contained, hereby AGREE as follows CONTRACT Adoption of Preamble. All matters stated in the preamble of this Contract are true and body of this Contract as though fully set forth In and are hereby incorporated into the their entirety herein 10 Whatilus When used in this Contract, these terms shall be defined as follows 101 Aet or "the Act". The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act ("CWA" ), as amended (33 US C 1251, et seq ) 102 i ch mical Oaveen Demand (BODI The quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter specified by procedure in Standard Methods, and results expressed in terms of weight and concentration [milligrams per liter (mg/1)] 103 Calibration. Verification of meter accuracy utilizing standard primary device procedures and calibration signals and/or a separate flow measurement instrument 2 104 Capital Imarovements. Any of the following facilities which provide utility services and benefits common to all wholesale and retail Customers, and that have a life expectancy of one or more years located within the Jurisdictional limits of Denton or the LCMUA wastewater treatment facilities, metering and sampling facilities, control systems and appurtenances, all major collectors and interceptors that are twelve inches (12") and greater in diameter and lift stations associated therewith, 105 Categorical Industrial User (CIU). An industrial user that is subject to Categorical Pretreatment Standards according to 40 CFR Section 403 6 and 40 CFR Chapter I, subchapter N, which are technology -based standards developed by EPA setting industry -specific effluent limits 106 LCMUA Depending on the context, may refer to the LCMUA or to LCMUA's Customer or other Customers of LCMUA being provided service pursuant to this Contract 107 ►.CMUA Systems. The facilities of LCMUA used for the treatment, collection, and transportation of wastewater to City of Denton from the Orchards Addition and adjacent area 108 Delivery Facilities. All facilities necessary for the transmission of wastewater from LCMUA System to the Denton System that are on the LCMUA's side of the Point of Entry that are constructed specifically to allow Denton to serve LCMUA 109 Director. The Denton Water/Wastewater Utilities Director or the designee 1 10 Ire t st. Costs directly assignable to the wholesale customer 1 11 Domestic Accounts Single family and residential duplex dwellings served by one in the context of determining billing on a per - water meter This definition is used only connection basis 1 12 Denton Expense. Expenses incurred by Denton related to wholesale wastewater service, such expenses to be allocated as a System Cost In future cost -of -service studies 3 1 13 Denton Denton's wastewater collection and treatment system, including the Point of Entry provided for herein 1 14 L�MUA Representative. General Manager of the LCMUA or designee. 1 15 Fog ilit r E%panalon. The expansion of the capacity of an existing facility that serves the same �mctron as an otherwise necessary new Capital Improvement, in order that the existing term does not include the repair, facility may serve new or expanded development The t maintenance, modernization, or an expansion of an existing facility to better serve existing development 1 16 Glener� al Ilw Caortal Facilities. Wastewater facilities that provide utility services retail and Denton wholesale Customers, including and benefits common to both Denton wastewater treatment facilities, metering and sampling facilities, control systems and appurtenances, and all collectors and interceptors that are twelve inches (12") and greater in diameter 1 17 Indirect Discharee. The discharge or the introduction of industrial wastes from any source regulated under Section 307(b) or (c) of the Act (33 U S C 1317), into the Denton System (including holding tank waste discharged into the system) 1 18 Indnst� s1 User. A source of Indirect Discharge, which does not constitute a "discharge of pollutants" under regulations, issued pursuant to Section 402, of the Act (33 U S C 1342) astes. All water -borne solids, liquids or gaseous substances resulting from I 19 jnft!�i" , or from the development of a natural industrial, manufacturing or food processing operations resource, or any mixture of these with water or domestic sewage 120 In on Water that has migrated from the ground into the wastewater system 121 InfloV. Water, other than wastewater that enters a sewerage system (including sewer service connections) from sources such as, but not limited to, roof drains, cellar drains, yard 4 drams, area drams, drams from springs and swampy areas, manhole covers, cross connections between storm sewers and sanitary catch basins, cooling towers, storm waters, surface runoff, street wash waters or drainage Inflow does not include, and is distinguished from infiltration water 122 Liauid Waste. The water -borne solids, liquids, and gaseous substances derived from certain sources including, but not limited to, a grease trap, septic tank, chemical toilet waste and sand trap waste 123 Moterine and Samuline Facility The meter, meter vault, and all metering and telemetry equipment required to measure and/or sample wastewater flows of LCMUA at Point of Entry(s) or into Denton's System 124 Non -domestic Acco nt. Commercial, industrial, multifamily or other accounts that are not considered Domestic Accounts This definition is used only in the context of determining billing on a per -connection basis 125 Non -Metered Area. Areas within LCMUA's certificated boundaries that generate wastewater that do not dram into a part of the LCMUA system for which wastewater flow is measured by an approved metering and sampling facility 126 Non-Cateeorical Industrial User an. Any non -domestic Industrial User, other than a CIU, which introduces Wastewater into a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) 127 Pnint� _ o�fwEntrv_ The point of connection to the Denton System 128 Pretreatment. The reduction of the amount of pollutants, the elimination of pollutants, or the alteration of the nature of pollutant properties in wastewater to a less harmful state prior to or in lieu of discharging or otherwise introducing such pollutants into a Publicly Owned Treatment Works Physical, chemical or biological processes can obtain the reduction or alteration, or process changes by other means, except as prohibited by 40 CFR Section 403 6(d) 5 129 PE" eatment Reauirements. Pollutant concentration discharge limitation and reporting requirements stipulated in Denton's Sewer Use Ordinance No 93-112 and any amendments thereto, LCMUA's ordinance or other document, and Federal Pretreatment Standards promulgated by the U S Environmental Protection Agency 130 SiaWfiU nt Industrial User (SIUI. Any industry, which discharges industrial wastes, directly or indirectly into the LCMUA's System and/or Denton's System • Discharges 25,000 gallons per day or more of regulated industrial wastewater • Is subject to the National Pretreatment Standards or Categorical Standards of the U S Environmental Protection Agency, or, • Has a reasonable potential, in the opinion of the Director, to adversely affect the Denton System due to discharge of wastewater with abnormally high strength or containing limited or prohibited substances 131 a$Lq&rd Methods. Those testing or analysis procedures as prescribed in the current edition of "Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater," published by the American Public Health Association and/or the U S Environmental Protection Agency "Manual of Methodologies for the Examination of Water and Wastewater," or will otherwise comply with procedures specified in state and federal discharge permits held by Denton 132 §ystem Costs. Operating expenses and capital related costs incurred by Denton in the provision of wastewater collection and treatment service to the wholesale class of wastewater customers Such costs are to be specifically identified by Denton as a component of the annual cost of providing wholesale wastewater treatment service 133 Total Susaended Soh ds (TSSI. Solids, measured in mg/I, that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in, water, wastewater or other liquids, and which are largely removable by a laboratory filtration device 134 Wastewater. All liquid or water -carried waste products from whatever source derived, whether treated or untreated, which are discharged into or permitted to enter into the Denton System The words "wastewater" and "sewage" are interchangeable 0 135 Wastewater Svstem Imuact Fee, A capital contribution or recouping of the costs of General Benefit facilities, capital improvements or Facility Expansion necessitated by and attributable to new growth and development, and/or expanded growth and development of existing Customers 20 Connection to the Denton System 21 Denton hereby grants to LCMUA, upon compliance with the terms and conditions contained herein, permission to connect the proposed sixty-seven (67) single-family homes in the Orchards Addition subdivision, and in the adjacent area for a total, not to exceed one -hundred (100) single-family homes to the Denton System LCMUA shall deliver and cscharge wastewater into the Denton System, and, Denton shall transport, treat, and dispose of the wastewater received from the LCMUA, in accordance with this Contract, unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing The LCMUA shall provide all lines, metering station(s), lift stations, and associated facilities and shall acquire all property, interests, licenses, and permits that are necessary to collect and transport Wastewater from the LCMUA to the Denton System 22 It shall be the sole responsibility of LCMUA to convey and deliver the Wastewater to the Point of Entry approved by Denton and designated in Exhibit I Denton agrees to accept all Wastewater from LCMUA at the Point of Entry as designated on Exhibit I, attached hereto and incorporated herein A Point of Entry may be changed, or additional Points of Entry added upon mutual agreement, signed by an authorized representative of each Party LCMUA shall pay for Denton's capital operational and administrative costs incurred due to any change in the location of a Point of Entry, if the change was requested by LCMUA, or necessitated by the LCMUA discharge characteristics Provided however, that if such change is necessitated by LCMUA's discharge characteristics, Denton shall notify LCMUA of such need by providing written notice to LCMUA at least sixty- (60) days prior to taking any action on such relocation The notice shall specify the total cost for which LCMUA shall be responsible 23 The cost of all Delivery Facilities necessary to convey Wastewater to the designated Points of Entry, whether shown on Exhibit I, or mutually agreed upon at a later date, together 7 with the cost of connection of the LCMUA System to the Denton System including metering and sampling facilities, shall be borne by LCMUA in accordance with the provisions of this Contract 24 Unless mutually agreed to in writing by Denton and LCMUA, LCMUA shall be responsible for the design, contracting, construction and financing of Delivery Facilities and acquisition of any necessary rights -of -way and easements for such facilities All designs, materials and specifications within the corporate limits of the City of Denton, shall conform to Denton's requirements as a nummum standard Plans and specifications for Delivery Facilities, which are within the Denton System, shall be submitted to the Director for written approval No construction shall begin until such approval has been given Approval by Denton shall not be unreasonably withheld, if the plans and specifications satisfy or exceed Denton's mimmum standards LCMUA agrees that Denton has the right to make periodic inspections during the construction phase of the Delivery Facilities Final acceptance of such facilities within the Denton System and the sampling and metering facilities is subject to the inspection and written approval of the City of Denton Wastewater Director, or his designee 25 Service Reauir@ments At such time in the future, should service requirements become an issue, then Denton and LCMUA shall immediately discuss, and if resolution of the problem is not susceptible to remediation, then to mediation on a good faith basis 30 Maintenance of Denton and Customer Svsteins 3 1 LCMUA agrees to maintain its wastewater system(s) in good condition and to make repairs in a timely manner and to require its customers to maintain and repair their respective systems Denton shall have the right to refuse to accept Wastewater for treatment if LCMUA's System(s) is not being maintained to those generally accepted standards set forth in TNRCC rules and regulations, Chapter 317 Denton shall not have any responsibility or liability now or ever for the operation of the LCMUA's System(s), except as agreed to in writing by the parties hereto 32 Denton agrees to maintain its system in good condition and to make repairs in a timely manner LCMUA shall not have any responsibility or liability now or ever for the operation of 93 the Denton System, except as specifically provided herein, or under separate written modification or Agreement 40 Meteriou and Samr/hn8 Eaclllties 41 Beginning on the effective date of this Contract, Denton shall have the exclusive right to operate and maintain LCMUA metering and sampling facilities at all Points of Entry, and Denton shall become solely responsible for the operation and maintenance associated use only facilities LCMUA shall have access to the metering facilities for inspection pure y LCMUA shall not adjust or calibrate the meter and will continuously provide a route of ingress and egress to said metering and sampling facilities for Denton Denton shall have the discretion to construct improvements, expansions, and replacements to said facilities as a System Cost, subject to review and approval by LCMUA of all proposed construction, expansion, and replacement plans and costs Approval by LCMUA shall not be unreasonably delayed or withheld LCMUA will also grant and provide to Denton such permits or easements as are necessary for the continuous operation and maintenance of all metering and sampling facilities All such costs incurred by Denton for operation, maintenance, construction, expansion, and replacement of LCMUA metering and sampling facilities shall be considered System Costs Such System Costs shall be specifically identified by Denton as a component of the annual cost of providing wholesale wastewater treatment service 42 Expenses incurred by Denton for the operation and maintenance of LCMUAe metering and sampling facilities shall be System Costs and shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following A Cost of electricity at the facility B Cost of the Installation of the telemetry service at the facility and to the control center and cost of monthly lease charge for the telephone line C Cost of meter calibration, including cost of insert meter, twice per year D Cost of parts, materials and supplies required for repairs, calibrations and upgrading of the facilities, E Normal labor cost plus fringe benefits and indirect costs for repairs, calibrations and upgrading of the facilities �J F Maintenance of ingress and egress and meter facility site G Meter reading costs 43 Replacement of Metering and Sampling Facilities or components thereof as may be occasioned by obsolescence due to age, excessive maintenance, growth or other reasons as determined by the Director shall be a System Cost 44 Upon expiration or termination of this Contract, Denton shall transfer to LCMUA the ownership of any property easements, metering and sampling facilities and nghts-of-way conveyed to Denton pursuant to the terms of this Section in the event the contract is transferred to another entity and Denton continues to treat wastewater from LCMUA, ownership of the aforementioned items shall remain with Denton 5 o Meter ,;, �^d Samalins 5 1 All flow discharged into the Denton System by LCMUA shall be metered, unless specifically agreed to by both parties in writing Should both parties agree in writing that metering is not possible, the agreed upon method for determining the volume shall include an adjustment for infiltration and inflow 52 LCMUA shall have access to the metering and sampling facilities at all reasonable times, provided however, that any reading, calibration, or adjustment to such metering equipment shall be done by employees or agents of Denton, or by other mutually approved third party Calibration agent, in the presence of representatives of LCMUA and Denton, if so requested by LCMUA Notification of any proposed tests shall be provided to LCMUA at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to such test being conducted 53 All readings of meters will be entered in ink upon bound journals maintained by Denton LCMUA shall have access to such records during reasonable business hours and shall be furnished with monthly "totalizer" readings for each Point of Entry metering and sampling facility MI 54 Denton shall calibrate and routinely service the meters at least once during each six- (6) month period Copies of the results of such Calibration and all related information shall be promptly provided to LCMUA Denton shall notify the LCMUA at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the date and time for any Calibration, and LCMUA may observe if so desired 5 5 Upon any Calibration, if it is determined that the accuracy envelope of such meter is found to be lower than ninety-five percent (95%), or higher than one hundred five percent (1051/6) expressed as a percentage of the full scale of the meter, the registration of the flow (and billings related thereto) as determined by such defective meter shall be corrected for a period extending back to the time such inaccuracy began If such time is ascertainable, or, if such time is not ascertainable, then for a period extending back one-half (1/2) of the time elapsed since the date of the last calibration, but in no event further back than a period of six (6) months 56 If additional meter Calibrations are requested by LCMUA over the normal Calibration frequency, then the following payment procedure will be used Corrections to meter Calibrations that are inside the plus or minus 5% range will be paid for by LCMUA and will be added to the LCMUA's next monthly bill for receipt of payment Corrections outside the plus or minus 5% range will be paid to LCMUA by Denton 57 If any meter used to determine volume from LCMUA is out of service or out of repair so that the amount of Wastewater delivered through the period cannot be ascertained or computed, within five percent (5%) accuracy, Wastewater volume shall be estimated and agreed upon by the parties hereto upon the basis of the best data available If a meter is determined to be reading inaccurately by more than five percent (5%), a correction to the billing shall be made as follows (a) Take the number of gallons measured by the meter for a period extending back '/2 of the time elapsed since the date of the last calibration of the meter, (b) Multiply that amount by the percentage of inaccuracy to obtain the total number of gallons not properly registered, (c) Multiply the gallons by the applicable rate during the time of the inaccuracy to get the amount to be debited or credited, as appropriate If a meter completely fails, a correction shall be made by using the average of the gallons of wastewater billed for the prior three months, or some other mutually agreeable method, to obtain 11 a daily average, winch shall be applied to the days for which the meter was not working In the event that the parties hereto cannot agree on the estimate of Wastewater volume delivered, agreement on the flow volume will be determined by a committee composed of the Director (or his designee) the LCMUA Representative (or his designee) and a third person to be mutually agreed upon and the cost of the reconciliation process will be equally shared Any adjustments in billing provided in this Section, whether a credit or debit, may be satisfied immediately, or may be made in equal installments over the time equal to the time for which the failure or Inaccuracy was calculated 58 Denton shall obtain samples three (3) times per year to determine the quality of the wastewater for billing for the extra strength of the wastewater Each set of samples will apply to a four -month period for billing purposes These samples shall be obtained at the designated metering and sampling facilities or other mutually agreed upon sampling points for the purposes of billing for the strength of the wastewater To determine the quality of the wastewater for each of the three (3) sampling periods, Denton shall collect twenty-four (24) hour flow -weighted composite samples for five (5) consecutive days In case of a malfunction of the sampling equipment for whatever reason for one or more days, additional days shall be added to obtain five (5) samples The five (5) samples will be averaged to determine the wastewater strength for billing purposes Unless the BOD or TSS exceeds 250 mg/l, no fee for extra strength shall be applicable or charged Denton will provide LCMUA with a minimum of seven (7) day advance notification of intent to sample If, at the request of LCMUA or at the request of the Director, more extensive monitoring is desired, such additional monitoring shall be paid for by the party making the request and shall be done in compliance and in accordance with Section 6 5 If LCMUA requests such additional monitoring, Denton shall invoice LCMUA for the operational and administrative costs and payment shall be made within (30) thirty days after receipt of invoice The notification required in this section shall include the planned dates, times, and locations(s) of sampling Denton shall analyze the samples collected in accordance with Standard Methods LCMUA may be present during the initial set-up of sampling equipment and at the time of pick up for each twenty-four (24) hour composite sample Denton agrees, if requested, to split said wastewater samples with LCMUA for independent analyses 12 59 If, in the opinion of the Director, compliance monitoring is required, the Director may order that additional monitoring be performed with or without prior notice to LCMUA Said compliance monitoring is to be in addition to the periodic sampling set forth in Section 5 8 All information obtained because of such compliance momtonng shall be provided to LCMUA Denton will provide notice of the results of such compliance monitoring to LCMUA within a reasonable time thereafter Denton shall pay all costs for additional monitoring ordered at the Director's discretion, pursuant to this paragraph 5 10 Costs incurred by Denton under this Section 5 will be considered a System Cost 6 0 B92 wod Cliar> e—s 61 Wholesale wastewater rates will be based upon generally accepted cost -of -service rate methodologies developed by independent utility rate consultants as described herein The Director shall select the independent utility rate consultant The cost of such studies will be a Direct System Cost All cost -of -service studies shall be conducted utilizing the utility cost basis of determining revenue requirements applicable to the wholesale Wastewater class The last rate study was completed during 1999 by an independent consultant Rate studies by an independent utility rate consultant will be conducted at least every six (6) years Internal rate reviews will be conducted annually, based upon consultant rate study methodology, to review rates and charges, to recover allocated costs LCMUA shall have access to all data used to calculate the proposed rate to be charged, and LCMUA will be provided at least sixty- (60) days advance notice with opportunity to review and comment on any proposed rate changes 62 The cost -of -service for the wholesale class shall include allocated reasonable and necessary operation and maintenance expense, depreciation expenses, administrative expenses, a fair and reasonable return on allocated capital facilities, and a street rental fee To determine the allocation, including inflow and infiltration of costs to LCMUA, the following factors shall be considered total volume, rate of flow, wastewater quality, metering, and LCMUA related costs (such as accounting, billing, monitoring and LCMUA service) 13 "Capital -related costs" consists of depreciation expenses and return on the original cost rate base "Depreciation expense" will be based upon the original cost of all capital facilities, both Invested and contributed capital, which facilities are expected to be replaced by Denton at a future date in order to maintain service Costs to transport the wastewater will be based on interceptor lines twelve inches (12") in diameter and greater A street rental fee equal to four percent (4%) of total wastewater operation and maintenance costs will also be charged by Denton On a periodic basis as determined by the Director, the depreciation rates on all General Benefit Capital Facilities shall be studied, and new salvage values, useful lives, and annual rates of depreciation shall be developed from such studies The "net -book" rate base shall consist of all allocated capital facilities (net of accumulated depreciation and less contributions to the Denton System), and shall include construction work in progress, a reasonable allowance for working capital, and a reasonable inventory of materials and supplies necessary for the efficient operation of the Denton System Working capital shall be based on one -eighth (forty-five days) of annual wastewater operation and maintenance costs Records of the original cost, the accumulated depreciation on all capital facilities, and contributions to the Denton System shall be maintained in the Denton fixed asset -tracking system These records shall be available for inspection at the Denton Utilities Financial Department during reasonable business hours upon request by LCMUA 63 Denton shall be allowed an adequate opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investment The rate of return shall be sufficient to assure confidence in the financial soundness of the utility, adequate to maintain and support its credit, enable it to raise the money necessary for the proper discharge of its public duties, and shall be equal to the weighted average imbedded rate of interest on all outstanding wastewater system revenue bonds plus one -and -one-half percent (1 5%) 64 Not more frequently than every six (6) years, a detailed wholesale revenue requirement shall be developed on an actual historical cost, test -year basis, allowing for reasonable and necessary expenses of providing such wastewater service, and allowing for known and measurable changes in costs Such changes shall allow the spreading of non -recurring expenses over an appropriate benefit period The first test year occurred October 1, 1997, through September 30, 1998 On a not more frequently than every six (6) year basis thereafter, a complete, detailed rate study will be performed with the same methodology used in the previous 14 rate study by an independent utility rate consultant Thereafter, changes in the methodology will be allowed if recommended by the independent consultant In the interim between complete detailed rate studies, wholesale wastewater rates shall be adjusted by Denton using the same methodology adopted at the same time, of the last complete detailed rate study utilizing the actual operating data for the twelve month period ending September 30th of the prior year, adjusted for known and measurable changes in cost data which may have occurred since the last audited statement 65 The initial rates for this Contract shall be those adopted by the Denton City Council in Ordinance No 2000-295, finalized in September 2000, effective October 1, 2000, as follows Volume Charge $2 00 per 1,000 gallons BOD Strength Charges $0 004228 mg/l of BOD above 250 mg/1 TSS Strength Charges $0 002317 mg/l of TSS above 250 mg/l Facility Charges $180 00/30 days Sampling Charge $35 00 Analysis Charge $15 00 66 Amendment of Rate The rate charged LCMUA shall Increase or decrease in accordance with any amendment to the Rate Schedule applicable to LCMUA, as approved by Ordinance of the City Council of Denton, and normal and reasonable increases in cost of service At least sixty- (60) days prior to the effective date of any proposed amendment of the rate charged to LCMUA, Denton shall send written notice of the proposed rate amendment to LCMUA If Denton falls to give written notice at least sixty- (60) days prior to the effective date of the amended rate, the amended rate shall become effective, as it applies to LCMUA, on the sixty — first (61 st) day after the written notice is sent 67 Denton shall render bills for Wastewater treatment and disposal service to LCMUA All such bills shall be due and payable by LCMUA not more than thirty- (30) days from the billing date The bills will show current charges, as well as past -due charges Current charges shall be the amount due for Wastewater collection, treatment and disposal service provided since the prior billing period Past -due charges shall be the total amount unpaid from all prior billings as 15 of the current billing date Payments received shall first be applied to the past due charges, if any, and thereafter to the current charges For late payments, a finance charge of ten percent (10%) per annum may be calculated from the date when the payment was due until paid 68 If LCMUA disputes a bill and is unable to resolve the difference informally, LCMUA shall notify the Director in writing Dispute of a bill is not grounds for nonpayment If LCMUA at any time disputes the amount to be paid to Denton, LCMUA should nonetheless promptly make such payment, but, if it is subsequently determined by agreement or court decision that such disputed payment should have been less, or more, Denton shall promptly correct the charges All such amounts due and owing to Denton by LCMUA, or due and owing to LCMUA by Denton, shall be paid plus ten (10%) percent per annum from the date when due until paid 69 The parties agree that services obtained pursuant to this Contract are essential and necessary to the operation of LCMUA's wastewater facilities, and that all payments made by LCMUA shall constitute reasonable and necessary operating expenses of wastewater systems within the meaning of Article 1113, Vernon's Annotated Texas Statutes, with the effect that the obligation to make such payments shall have priority over any obligation to make any payments from such revenue, with respect to all bonds or other debt obligations heretofore or hereafter issued by LCMUA 610 LCMUA agrees, throughout the term of this Contract, to fix and collect such rates and charges for wastewater service in its system as will produce revenues in an amount equal to at least (I) All of the operation and maintenance expenses of such system, including specifically, its payments under this Contract (II) All other amounts as required by law and the provisions of the ordinances or resolutions authorizing its revenue bonds or other obligations now or hereafter outstanding, including the amounts required to pay all principal of, and interest on such bonds and other obligations 70 LCMUA Concerns and Disputes 16 71 LCMUA shall notify the Director regarding any concern or dispute related to the wholesale Customer volumes billed and/or wholesale rates charged Denton shall provide explanations and/or documentation which outlines the processes used by Denton in order for LCMUA to fully understand how the monthly volumes and billings were determined and/or wholesale rates were calculated 72 If LCMUA disputes the monthly billing and/or rates, LCMUA must continue to make prompt monthly payments as required by this Contract If, after a thorough review, LCMUA's concern or dispute is determined to have ment and justification, the area of concern or dispute shall be promptly adjusted and corrected Unless otherwise specified in this Contract, the determination or settlement in areas of dispute, will generally be judged in accordance with standard practices used in the wastewater treatment and collection industry, while considering fairness to both parties 80 Industrial Connection and Monitoring 81 LCMUA agrees that it will not permit any Significant Industrial User within its jurisdiction to connect directly or Indirectly, either to its system, without at least thirty- (30) days prior written notification to the Director of such intent to connect LCMUA shall provide the Director with such information pertaining to volume and composition of expected flow as may be requested After a review of the submitted data, the Director has the right to refuse the permit only if such SIU would cause Wastewater discharged by LCMUA at the Point of Entry to be in violation of this Contract 82 LCMUA agrees to conduct any and all monitoring, sampling and inspection of LCMUA System and Industrial Users as necessary to Insure that industrial waste introduced into the LCMUA System meets the quality standards set out in Section 9 2 hereof Upon request to LCMUA, a representative of Denton will be permitted to observe LCMUA's collection of samples from Industrial Users, and LCMUA agrees to furmsh Denton separate duplicate samples for independent testing, and, upon request, to provide the Director sample analysis results and Pretreatment records 17 83 LCMUA agrees that Denton shall have the right to sample wastewater at all Points of Entry and at such other locations as may be mutually agreed to in writing by both parties, for the purpose of determining the volume and quality of wastewater entering the Denton System LCMUA agrees to disconnect from Its system any Industrial User found to be in violation of allowable discharges or who refuses access to its facilities for the purpose of sampling wastewater being discharged into the LCMUA System, provided, however, that said disconnected Industrial User shall be afforded the same rights and privileges of appeal as Industrial Users operating within Denton's jurisdiction Provided, however, Denton may not require such Industrial User to disconnect from LCMUA's System, if the quality of the wastewater delivered to the Point of Entry is in compliance with this Contract 84 Following reasonable notice to LCMUA by Denton, Denton may enter LCMUA's jurisdiction if Denton determines that questionable discharges or prohibited discharges are entering the Denton System through the Point of Entry LCMUA agrees to assist Denton and to coordinate with its Customers in locating and eliminating such prohibited discharges within the LCMUA System 85 The Director shall send written notice to the LCMUA if it is determined that a Customer is failing to provide a satisfactory Pretreatment program, or a discharge by the LCMUA is in violation of the SUO or this Contract The notice shall contain the following (a) the nature and description of the violation, (b) the provision of the SUO or of this Contract being violated, (c) the corrective action that must be taken, and (d) the time in which the corrective action must be taken Denton and LCMUA shall cooperate to determine the source of any wastewater discharge violation and agree to cooperate in remedying the violation, but, LCMUA shall be responsible for insuring that the violation is properly and timely corrected LCMUA's failure to take reasonable efforts to have the violation corrected in the time specified shall be a breach of this Contract for which Denton may terminate service to the particular Customer wherein the offending violation is taking place 18 90 Wastewater Ouslity 91 LCMUA agrees that it shall enact operating policies and enforce an ordinance governing industrial waste that are at least as stringent as the provisions of the current Denton Sewer Use Ordinance No 93-112 (SUO) 92 The parties recognize that federal and state laws and regulations concerning Wastewater treatment and discharges may periodically change during the term of this Contract, requiring revisions in the SUO It is the Intent of this Contract that the SUO be reviewed periodically by Denton and revised in accordance with the latest laws and regulations of federal and state agencies having jurisdiction over wastewater treatment and discharges LCMUA agrees, upon reasonable notice, to enact and enforce ordinances or any amendments to the SUO, or any future ordinances relating to industrial discharges, prohibited or controlled wastes, or Pretreatment Requirements 93 Denton shall give written notice to LCMUA at least ninety- (90) days prior to consideration by the Denton City Council of any amendment of the SUO that amends a provision of the SUO that applies to this Contract, or that adds a new provision to the SUO that Denton is required to apply to wastewater received by Denton under this Contract 94 LCMUA shall be responsible for giving notice of the proposed amendment to any of its Customers affected by the amendment Upon the effective date of the amendment to the SUO, it shall be considered an amendment to this Contract and shall be attached hereto, showing the amendment made LCMUA shall adopt and enforce such proposed ordinances or amendments as soon as reasonably practicable after the effective date of the Denton ordinance or amendment, provided that LCMUA is properly notified of the ordinance or amendment required herein 95 LCMUA agrees that the quality of the wastewater discharged into the Denton System shall be equal to or better than the quality standards established by Denton Ordinance No 93- 112, or to any amendment thereto adopted pursuant to Section 9 1 M 96 LCMUA shall require all Significant Industrial Users within its jurisdiction that ultimately discharge into the Denton System to apply for and obtain a permit from LCMUA allowing such discharge Such permit shall require inaustria' usc'D LU substances from their discharge as a condition to discharging wastewater into the LCMUA System The permit application shall contain, as a minimum, the following I Name and address of discharger 2 Agent for discharger 3 Type of industry 4 Products produced or services rendered 5 Chemicals being stored and/or used 6 Anticipated daily wastewater flow rates LCMUA shall provide Denton a copy of such application and permit, if issued, within fourteen (14) days after issuance 100 Title to and Liability for Damages and Responsibility for Treatment and Disposal of Wastewater Liability for damages arising from the transportation, delivery, reception, treatment, and/or disposal of all wastewater discharged into the Denton System hereunder shall remain with LCMUA to the Point of Entry, and upon passing through Point of Entry, title to such wastewater and liability for such damages shall pass to Denton As between Denton and LCMUA, each party agrees to indemnify the other to the extent permitted by law and to save and hold the other party harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, costs, fines, and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, which may anse or be asserted by anyone at any time on account of the transportation, delivery, reception, treatment, and/or disposal while title to the wastewater is in such party, or on account of a prohibited discharge by the LCMUA Denton has the responsibility for the proper reception, transportation, treatment and disposal of all wastewater discharged into the Denton System, but not for prohibited discharges by any party at any Point of Entry Denton may, after treatment of such wastewater, reclaim, use or sell the water, sludge or any other product for reuse Wastewater entering the Denton system becomes the property of Denton O 110 inFil�n and Inflow LCMUA agrees that it has an obligation to prevent infiltration and inflow into its system and then into the Denton System LCMUA further agrees that all sewer connections within its jurisdiction, which ultimately enter the Denton System, will be constructed in accordance with applicable specifications and standards at least equal to those of the Denton System Further, LCMUA covenants and agrees to maintain strict supervision and maintenance of its system to reasonably prevent connections through which surface drainage can enter the Denton System LCMUA shall not make, nor shall it permit to be made, any connection, which will contribute storm water run-off from rainwater, spouts, drainage areas, streets, gutter drain or other source of rainwater into LCMUA's System 120 Assistance 121 In the event, LCMUA requests assistance with the LCMUA System, Denton may, at its option, assist LCMUA LCMUA agrees to pay Denton its actual costs incurred, including, but not limited to, administration, labor and material expended, as documented by Denton Nothing herein shall be construed to require Denton to assist LCMUA Such costs will be invoiced to LCMUA and payment made within thirty- (30) days after receipt of invoice Should the LCMUA request a long term Operations and Maintenance Contract for the LCMUA system, then, in that event, a separate contract can be prepared 12 2 In the event, Denton requests assistance with the Denton system, LCMUA may, at its option, assist Denton Denton agrees to pay LCMUA its actual costs incurred, including, but not limited to, administration, labor and material expended, as documented by LCMUA Nothing herein shall be construed to require LCMUA to assist Denton Such costs will be invoiced to Denton and payment made within thirty- (30) days after receipt of invoice 13 0 Reports and RCCOrde If requested by the Director, LCMUA, shall provide the following data on an annual basis A Actual number of Customer accounts discharging into the Denton point of entry 21 B Classification of Domestic and Non -Domestic Accounts within its service area by number and percentage of accounts discharging into the LCMUA System C Additional data which may assist Denton and/or LCMUA in developing methodology for cost of service studies, planning studies for analyzing federal grants, and wholesale system Impact Fees, provided, however that Denton shall not request data that will require LCMUA to incur unreasonable expenses in providing such data 140 Notices Any notice, communication, request, reply or advice herein provided or permitted to be given, made or accepted by either party to the other party must be in writing to City of Denton City Manager City of Denton, Texas 215 East McKinney Denton, Texas 76201 LCMUA General Manager Lake Cities Municipal Utility Authority P O Box 355 Lake Dallas, Texas 75065 The parties hereto shall provide notice in writing of any change that may occur in their respective addresses from time to time 15 0 Inspection and Audit Complete records and accounts required by each party hereto shall be kept for a period of five (5) years Each party shall at all times, upon notice, have the right at reasonable times to examine and inspect said records and accounts during normal business hours, and further, if required by any law, rule or regulation, make said records and accounts available to federal and/or state auditors Whenever, under the terms of this agreement, Denton is permitted to give its written consent or approval, Denton may give or may refuse such written consent or approval and, if given, may restrict, limit or condition such consent or approval in any manner it shall deem advisable, however, consent will not be unreasonably withheld 22 16 0 Waiver Remedy, Severabil 161 No waiver by either parry hereto of any term or condition of this Contract shall be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any other term, or condition, or subsequent waiver of the same term or condition 16 2 In addition to any other remedy as may be provided by law, this Contract shall be specifically enforceable by the parties hereto Venue for any action shall be in Denton County, Texas This Contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas 163 It is agreed that, in the event any term or provision herein contained is held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such term or provision shall in no way affect any other term or provision contained herein, further, this Contract shall then continue in full force and effect as if such invalid term or provision had not been contained herein 17 0 Ownership and Liability 171 Except as expressly provided herein, this Contract shall not be construed to create any type of joint or equity ownership of any property, any partnership or joint venture, nor create any other property rights or liabilities LCMUA payments (whether past, present, or future) will not be construed as grantmg to LCMUA any partial ownership of, prepaid capacity in, or equity in the Denton System Provided however, LCMUA shall have the continuing right to receive the services provided for herein under the terms of this Contract 17 2 Contracts made and entered into by either LCMUA or Denton for the construction, reconstruction or repair of any Delivery Facility shall include the requirement that the independent contractor(s) must provide adequate insurance protecting both the LCMUA and Denton as insured Such contract must also provide that the independent contractor(s) covenant to indemnify, hold harmless and defend both the LCMUA and Denton against any and all suits or claims for damages of any nature ansing out of the performance of such contract 23 180 Comahauce with Permit Conditions LCMUA acknowledges that Denton is the holder of discharge permits issued by the United States of America and the State of Texas LCMUA agrees that it will comply with all permit conditions in any way relating to its collection system and any discharge into the Denton System LCMUA agrees that in the event, a fine is assessed against Denton for any violation of any permit condition, and the violation is attributable to any act of omission or commission by LCMUA, LCMUA will pay to Denton the amount of such fine If such fine is not attributable to LCMUA, such fine shall be paid by Denton 19 0 Term of Contract/Effective Date The initial term of this Contract shall be for twenty (20) years, and it shall be thereafter extended in ten (10) year increments LCMUA may elect to terminate this Contract by providing Denton with a six (6) month advance written notice, provided that such termination shall not be effective until the end of Denton's fiscal year Denton may elect to terminate this Contract by providing LCMUA with a six (6) month advance written notice, provided that LCMUA has extended its sewerage collection system to the Orchards Addition and is able to transport the wastewater to the Upper Trinity Regional Reclamation Facility 200 Force Maleure No party hereto shall be considered to be in default in the performance of any of the obligations hereunder (other than obligations of either party to pay costs and expenses), if such failure of performance shall be due to an uncontrollable force beyond the control of the parties, including but not limited to failure of facilities, flood, earthquake, tornado, storm, fire, lightning, epidemic, war, not, civil disturbance or disobedience, labor dispute, and action or non -action by a failure to obtain the necessary authorizations and approvals from any governmental agency or authority or the electorate, labor or material shortage, sabotage, or restraint by a court order or public authority, which by the exercise of due diligence and foresight such parry could not have reasonably been expected to avoid and which by exercise of due diligence it shall be unable to 24 overcome Either party rendered unable to fulfill any such obligation shall exercise due diligence to remove such Inability with all reasonable dispatch In the event the proper operation of the Denton System, as a result of the above, requires Denton to temporarily interrupt all or part of the services to LCMUA, no claims for damage shall be made by LCMUA against Denton Denton will exercise its best efforts to insure that such interruptions will not adversely affect the health and welfare of the LCMUA's residents In the event the proper operation of the LCMUA System, as a result of the above, requires LCMUA to temporarily interrupt, reduce or increase flow to the Denton System, no claims shall be made by Denton against LCMUA 210 Wastewater Impact Fees The Denton City Council has adopted "Impact Fees" by amending Chapter 26 "Utilities" of the Code of Ordinances, Ordinance No 98-301, providing for the Assessment of Such "Impact Fees " 21 1 On a quarterly basis, LCMUA agrees to pay to Denton a Wastewater System Impact Fee for each new or enlarged connection for Wastewater service made within LCMUA's service area served by the General Benefit Capital Facilities of the Denton System LCMUA agrees to place quarterly impact fees received in an interest -bearing account and remit to Denton on a quarterly basis the impact fees plus interest earned The Wastewater System Impact Fee to LCMUA for each such connection shall be based upon the size of water meter and shall be equal to the Wastewater System Impact Fee collected for the same size water meter made within the retail service area of Denton, except as provided in subparagraph 216 of this Section Water meters installed solely for irrigation purposes shall not be assessed a wastewater Impact Fee The calculation of the Wastewater System Impact Fee shall be consistent with all applicable state and federal regulations, including Chapter 395, Texas Local Government Code, or any amendment or successor statute It shall include only those costs associated with wastewater system capital expansions and capital improvements identified by Ordinance No 98-301 or amendments of said Ordinance, necessary to provide service to new growth and development, and/or expanded growth and development of existing Customers Nothing within this Contract shall be deemed to 25 prevent either Denton or LCMUA from charging their own retail Customers an impact fee in excess of the wastewater system Impact Fee provided for herein 212 Denton agrees that all momes for Impact Fees remitted to it pursuant to this section will be placed in a separate Interest-beanng account to pay only for the cost of constructing capital improvements or facility expansions for the wastewater system as permitted by Chapter 395, Texas Local Government Code, or any amendment thereto, or by any successor statute thereto, and will not be used for operation and maintenance expenses Once expended on capital projects, such funds and all interest earned thereon will be considered a "contribution" for rate setting purposes and shall not be included in the rate base for wholesale service or return on investment calculation purposes Depreciation expense will be based on the original cost of all capital facilities both invested and contributed capital, which facilities are expected to be replaced by Denton at a future date in order to maintain service 213 LCMUA shall provide to Denton such information that relates to the making of new and/or upsized connections within its jurisdiction as may be requested by the Director, including but not limited to building permits, with each quarterly payment required in this Section 214 Should Denton or LCMUA waive any impact fee due from a retail Customer for a new or upsized connection to Its respective system within its jurisdiction, Denton or LCMUA shall pay such impact fee from other sources into the fund required for paying for the capital improvements 215 Denton agrees that only those capital improvements related to the wastewater system identified in Ordinance 98-301 or amendments of said ordinance, shall be included in the capital improvements plan for the purpose of determrmng Wastewater System Impact Fee, provided, however, Denton may include other capital improvements for the purpose of determining impact fees to its own retail Customers 216 Prior to the adoption of any land use assumptions, capital improvements, or Impact Fees, the LCMUA shall be furnished a copy of the proposed land use assumptions, capital improvement plan or proposed Impact Fee at least thirty- (30) days prior to any scheduled hearing thereon Any revised Impact Fee adopted pursuant to such updated capital improvements plan shall not take effect for a period of at least mnety- (90) days after adoption by Denton 22 0 Termination 221 This Contract is not intended to specify an exclusive remedy for any default, but all such other remedies (other than termination) existing at law or in equity may be availed of by either party and shall be cumulative Recognizing, however, that the failure of either party to perform cannot be adequately compensated in money damages alone, both parties agree that in the event of any default on its part, the other shall have available to it the equitable remedy of mandamus and specific performance, in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies (other than termination) which may be available The remedy of termination for default precluded by this paragraph does not prohibit either Party from terminating this Agreement for default in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, or as otherwise specifically provided herein 222 Also this Contract may be terminated in whole or in part by the mutual consent of the governing bodies of LCMUA and the City of Denton Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any material breach, as defined herein, by either party hereto shall be cause for ternunatton of this Contract by the other Party in the manner set forth in this Section 223 For failure to pay for undisputed costs for services rendered in accordance with this Contract, Denton may terminate this Contract sixty- (60) days following the date notice of nonpayment is received by LCMUA, unless full payment is made by LCMUA within that time 224 The terms and procedures set forth in Sections 22 2 and 22 3, while referring primarily to Denton, shall be equally applicable to LCMUA Denton shall deliver to LCMUA ninety- (90) days prior written notice of its intention to so terminate this Contract if LCMUA fails to cure or adjust such material breach, including in such notice a reasonable description of the breach In the event LCMUA does not agree that it is in such breach, default or failure, LCMUA may respond in writing for Denton's further review, or, in the alternative LCMUA may respond with a plan of action for Denton's approval, which approval will not be unreasonably demed Denton 27 shall advise LCMUA in writing immediately upon acceptance of the cure of any such breach If within said ninety- (90) days LCMUA shall fail or refuse to cure such breach to the reasonable satisfaction of Denton, then and in such event, Denton shall have the right with six months advance written additional notice to LCMUA, to declare this Contract terminated In the event of termination of this Contract, all rights, powers, and privileges of LCMUA hereunder shall cease and terminate The following breach, default or failure to perform a duty or obligation shall be considered a material breach a Failure to adopt and enforce any ordinance required to be adopted and enforced herein, if LCMUA has received notice as required in Section 10 of this Agreement, or if by a Customer of LCMUA, the failure of LCMUA to take reasonable steps to obtain such action by Customer b Making any connection to the Denton system at any point except as provided in Section 2 2 hereof c Failure to provide Denton ingress and egress for purposes of sampling and operation and maintenance of any metering or any sampling facility d Failure to permit any sampling of Wastewater as provided for herein e, Failure to maintain the quality of discharge as required in this Contract f Failure of LCMUA to comply with Section 10 hereof g Failure of LCMUA to comply with Section 21 hereof h Failure of Denton to provide the services required by this Contract or to carry out its duties and responsibilities under this Contract 225 In case of any other breach, default, or failure to perform duties under this Contract, not addressed by Sections 22 3 or 22 4, Denton shall deliver to LCMUA sixty- (60) day's advance written notice of such breach In the event LCMUA does not agree that it is in such breach, default or failure, LCMUA may respond in writing for Denton's further review, or in the alternative LCMUA may respond with a plan of action for Denton's approval, which approval will not be unreasonably denied LCMUA may timely appeal Denton's determination of breach or Denton's failure to approve its plan cure the alleged breach to the Utility Account Review Committee of the City of Denton, Texas, as provided for in the Denton Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26 P 226 Any failure by Denton to terminate this Contract or the acceptance by Denton of any benefits under this Contract for any period of tune after such material breach, default, or failure by LCMUA, shall not be determined to be a waiver by Denton of any rights to terminate this Contract for any subsequent material breach, default, or failure 22 7 Any failure by LCMUA to so terminate this Contract, or the acceptance by LCMUA of any benefits under this Contract, for any period of time after such material breach, default, or failure by Denton, shall not be determined to be a waiver by LCMUA of any rights to terminate this Contract for any subsequent material breach, default or failure 23 0 Miseellaneous 23 1 This Contract is subject to all applicable federal and state laws and any applicable permits, ordinances, or amendments adopted pursuant to Section 10 0 and any rules, orders, or regulations of any state or federal governmental authority having or asserting jurisdiction Nothing contained herem shall be construed as a waiver of any right by either party to question or contest any such law, ordinance, order, rule or regulation in any forum having jurisdiction 232 The parties hereto agree to make any changes in this Contract made necessary by any amendment or revision to state or federal regulations 23 3 Upon prior notice by Denton, any duly authorized employee of Denton bearing proper credentials and identification shall notify LCMUA of need for access to any premises located within the LCMUA's boundary Imuts or within an area served by Argyle for the purpose of inspections and observation, measurement, sampling and testing and/or auditing, in accordance with the provisions of this Contract LCMUA may elect to accompany the Denton representative To the extent permitted by law, Denton agrees to indemnify LCMUA and hold LCMUA harmless for any damage or any injury to person or property caused by the negligence of such duly authorized employee while such employee is in the course and scope of his employment 29 234 In each instance herein where reference is made to a federal or state regulation, it is the intention of the parties that, at any given time the current federal or state regulation shall apply If a publication or reference work referred to herein is discontinued or ceases to be the generally accepted work in its field, or if conditions change, or new methods or processes are implemented by Denton, new standards shall be adopted which are in compliance with state and federal laws and any valid rules and regulations pursuant thereto 235 Section headings in this Contract are for convenience only and do not accurately or completely describe the contents of any Section Such headings are not to be construed as a part of this Contract, or in any way defining, limiting or amplifying the provisions hereof 236 Whenever any disputed matter herein is to be specifically determined by the use of a mediator, the following procedure is to be followed The party requesting that the dispute be settled by mediation shall serve on the other party a request in writing that such matter be handled by mediation LCMUA Representative and Director shall mutually agree in writing on the selection of an impartial mediator Such agreement shall be made within ten (10) days from the date that the request for mediation is received If agreement is not reached on the selection of the impartial mediator on or before the tenth (1 Ow) day after the date that notice is received, the Director shall immediately request a list of seven qualified neutral mediators on the list If they do not agree within five (5) working days after the receipt of the list, LCMUA Representative and Director shall alternate sinking a name from the list and the name remaining shall be the impartial mediator LCMUA Representative and Director shall mutually agree on a date for the mediation The decision of the mediator shall not be final Mediation shall not in any event toll any default period under the Contract, unless approved mutually in writing by Denton and LCMUA IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Contract to be executed in duplicate original counterparts, by their respective officers and officials, thereunto duly authorized KE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS ATTESTED JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY By P"d APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM HERBERT L PROUTY, CITY ATTORNEY LAKE CITIES MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY Lm ATTESTED APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM JAMES E SHEPHERD, ATTORNEY r By wJ'° L \CLI TS\4 5999\541o\wholesale wastewater Treatment Contract LCMUA doe L \CLZ 31