Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAVID M. GRIFFITH & ASSOCIATES - Assistance to City in Filing Claims for State-Mandated Cost Reimbursements 11/18/96 - 1996-11-18U, CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH 2000 MAIN STREET CALIFORNIA 92648 OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK CONNIE.BROCKWAY CITY CLERK November 20, 1996 David M. Griffith and Associates, Ltd. 4320 Auburn Boulevard, Suite 2000 Sacramento, California 95841 Dear Mr. Griffith: The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at the regular meeting held November 18, 1996, approved execution of the enclosed agreement between the city and David M. Griffith and Associates, Ltd., for a professional services contract for preparation and filing of claims for state mandated cost reimbursements. Enclosed is a duly executed copy of the agreement for your records Sincerely, Connie Brockway City Clerk Enclosure: Agreement G: fol loivup: agrmtltr/Gri f196: jc ( Telephone: 714-536-5227 ) Council/Agency Meeting Held: 189b Deferred/Continued to:iG UrApp oved Con itionall proved ❑Denied ity Clerk's Sign re Council Meeting Date: November 18, 1996 Department ID Number: AS 96-055 CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS SUBMITTED BY: MICHAEL T. UBERUAGA, City Admini PREPARED BY: ROBERT J. FRANZ, Deputy City Admin SUBJECT: ASSISTANCE TO CITY IN FILING CLAIMS FOR STATE-MANDA COST REIMBURSEMENTS Statement of Issue, Funding Source, Recommended Action, Alternative Action(s), Analysis, Environmental Status, Attachment(s) Statement of Issue: For the past several years, the City has contracted with the firm of David M. Griffith and Associates to assist in State Mandated Costs Claim Preparation. The City has been successful in retrieving nearly 100% of the claimed costs, including all of the expense incurred for the cost of this contractual service. Once again, the City is faced with several complex and potentially significant revenue -generating claims. Therefore, we feel it appropriate to recommend entering into a similar agreement with the same firm and ensuring the maximization of the City's return. Funding Source: General Fund Non -Departmental Contingency Recommended Action: Approve the agreement with David M. Griffith and Associates and waive Insurance Requirements as approved by Settlement Committee. Alternative Action(s): File the particular claims without the use of outside assistance. Analysis: The League of California Cities recently reminded Cities to pay attention to this potentially significant funding resource and specifically endorsed the services of Griffith and Associates for their expertise and in-depth assistance available to Cities. It has become increasingly more difficult to forecast the timing and/or the dollar amount of requested claims to be reimbursed. When there are shortfalls in anticipated State revenues, Mandated Claim Reimbursements to Cities are often reduced. Governmental entities generally receive 80% of a claim within twelve months of filing, considering that there have been no "adjustments" by auditors. Any deviations from "acceptable claim format" are very likely to be the subject of substantial reductions in reimbursement. It is recommended that the City utilize the firm of David M. Griffth to assist, us in the current claim filing process. Their many years of t &UEST FOR COUNCIL AC*N MEETING DATE: November 18, 1996 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: AS 96-055 experience in this highly specialized field has ensured their clients of the maximum return in requested claim reimbursement. Also, their assistance can be invaluable in the event of an audit. The only City obligation under the recommended contract would be a fixed fee of $5,000 which would be payable within 30 days following -submission of the Claims to the State Controller -due November 30, 1996. Environmental Status: Not applicable. Attachment(s): RCASB90.DOC -2- 11/12/96 11:43 AM AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AND DAVID M. GRIFFITH AND ASSOCIATES, LTD. FOR PREPARATION AND FILING OF CLAIMS FOR STATE MANDATED COST REIMBURSEMENTS. Table of Contents 1 Work Statement........................................................................................................1 2 City Staff Assistance.................................................................................................1 3 Time of Performance................................................................................................2 4 Compensation...........................................................................................................2 5 Extra Work................................................................................................................2 6 Method of Payment...................................................................................................2 7 Disposition of Plans, Estimates and Other Documents ............................................4 8 Indemnification and Hold Harmless............................................................. :........... 4 9 Workers' Compensation............................................................................................4 10 Insurance...................................................................................................................4 11 Certificates of Insurance..........................................................................................4 12 Independent Contractor..............................................................0.............................4 13 Termination of Agreement.......................................................................................5 14 Assignment and Subcontracting..............................................................................5 15 Copyrights/Patents...................................................................................................5 16 City Employees and Officials..................................................................................5 17 Notices.....................................................................................................................5 18 Immigration..............................................................................................................6 19 Entirety.....................................................................................................................7 4/s:PCD:Agree: Griff96 11/13/96 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AND DAVID M. GRIFFITH AND ASSOCIATES, LTD. FOR PREPARATION AND FILING OF CLAIMS FOR STATE MANDATED COST REIMBURSEMENTS. THIS, AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 18th day of November 1996, by and between the City of Huntington Beach, a, municipal corporation of the State of California, hereinafter referred to as "CITY", and DAVID M. GRIFFITH, LTD., an Illinois corporation registered in California, hereinafter referred to as "CONTRACTOR." WHEREAS, CITY desires to engage the services of a consultant to prepare and file Claims for State Mandated Cost Reimbursement in the City of Huntington Beach; and Pursuant to documentation on file in the office of.the City Clerk, the provisions of HBMC Chapter 3.03 relating to procurement of professional service contracts has been complied with; and CONTRACTOR has been selected to perform said services, NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed by CITY and CONTRACTOR as follows: 1. WORK STATEMENT CONTRACTOR shall provide all services as described CONTRACTOR's Mandated Cost Claiming Services, hereinafter referred to as Exhibit "A", which is attached hereto and incorporated into this Agreement by this reference. Said services shall sometimes hereinafter be referred to as "PROJECT." CONTRACTOR hereby designates Allen Burdick, or other delegated representative, who shall represent it and be its sole contact and agent in all consultations with CITY during the performance of this Agreement. 2. CITY STAFF ASSISTANCE CITY shall assign a staff coordinator to work directly with CONTRACTOR in the performance of this Agreement. 4:s: PCD:Agree: Griff956 11/13/96 RLS 96-773 • • �I►C�1 Time is of the essence of this Agreement. The services of the CONTRACTOR are to commence as soon as practicable after the execution of this Agreement and all tasks specified in Exhibit "A" shall be completed within the filing time requirements established by the State Controller's office. The time for performance of the tasks identified in Exhibit "A" are generally to be shown in the Scope of Services on the Work Program/Project Schedule. This schedule may be amended to benefit the PROJECT if mutually agreed by the CITY and CONTRACTOR and not in conflict with filing deadlines of the State Controller's office. 4. COMPENSATION In consideration of the performance of the services specified in Exhibit "A" CITY agrees to pay CONTRACTOR as described in Section 3 of Exhibit "A," entitled "Costs and Method of Payment." In the event CITY requires additional services not included in Exhibit "A," or changes in the scope of services described in Exhibit "A," CONTRACTOR will undertake such work after receiving written authorization from CITY. Additional compensation for such extra work shall be allowed only if the prior written approval of CITY is obtained. 6. METHOD OF PAYMENT A. CONTRACTOR shall be entitled to payments in accordance with the payment schedules set forth in Exhibit "A". B. Delivery of work product: A copy of every technical memo and report prepared by CONTRACTOR shall be submitted to the CITY to demonstrate progress toward completion of tasks. In the event CITY rejects or has comments on any such product, CITY shall identify specific requirements for satisfactory completion. Any such product which has not been formally accepted or rejected by CITY shall be deemed accepted.. 2 4:s:PCD:Agree:Griff956 11/13/96 RLS 96-773 • • C. The CONTRACTOR shall submit to the CITY an invoice for each progress payment due. Such invoice shall: 1) Reference this Agreement; 2) Describe the services performed; 3) Show the total amount of the payment due; 4) Include a certification by a principal member of the CONTRACTOR's firm that the work has been performed in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; and 5) For all payments include an estimate of the percentage of work completed. Upon submission of any such invoice, if CITY is satisfied that CONTRACTOR is making satisfactory progress toward completion of tasks in accordance with this Agreement, CITY shall promptly approve the invoice, in which event payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of the invoice by CITY. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the CITY does not approve an invoice, CITY shall notify CONTRACTOR in writing of the reasons for non -approval, within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the invoice, and the schedule of performance set forth in Exhibit "A" shall be suspended until the parties agree that past performance by CONTRACTOR is in, or has been brought into compliance, or until this Agreement is terminated as provided herein. D. Any billings for extra work or additional services authorized by CITY shall be invoiced separately to the CITY. Such invoice shall contain all of the information required above, and in addition shall list the hours expended and hourly rate charged for such time. Such invoices shall be approved by CITY if the work performed is in accordance with the extra work or additional services requested, and if CITY is satisfied that the statement of hours worked and costs incurred is accurate. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any 3 4: s:PCD:Agree:Griff956 11/13/96 RLS 96-773 worked and costs .incurred is accurate. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any dispute between the parties concerning payment of such an invoice shall be treated as separate and apart from the ongoing performance of the remainder of this Agreement. 7. DISPOSITION OF DOCUMENTS CONTRACTOR agrees that all materials prepared hereunder shall be turned over to CITY upon termination of this Agreement or upon PROJECT completion, whichever shall occur first. In the event this Agreement is terminated, said materials may be used by CITY in the completion of PROJECT or as it otherwise sees fit. Title to said materials shall pass to the CITY upon payment of fees determined to be earned by CONTRACTOR to the point of termination or completion of the PROJECT, whichever is applicable. CONTRACTOR shall be entitled to retain copies of all data prepared hereunder. 8. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS CONTRACTOR hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold and save harmless CITY, its officers and employees from any and all liability, including any claim of liability and any and all losses or costs arising out of the negligent performance of this Agreement by CONTRACTOR, its officers or employees. •��—• M Waived by Settlement Committee on November 12, 1996. ffl� Q�YiL -QCOLO Waived by Settlement Committee on November 12, 1996. 11. CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE} ADDITIONAL INSURED ENDORSEMENTS Waived by Settlement Committee on November 12, 1996. payment hereunder. CONTRACTOR is, and shall be, acting at all times in the performance of this Agreement as an independent contractor. CONTRACTOR shall secure at its expense, and be 4 4:s: PCD:Agree: Griff956 11/13/96 RLS 96-773 responsible for any and all payment of all taxes, social security, state disability insurance compensation, unemployment compensation and other payroll deductions for CONTRACTOR and its officers, agents and employees and all business licenses, if any, in connection with the services to be performed hereunder. All work required hereunder shall be performed in a good and workmanlike manner. CITY may terminate CONTRACTOR's services hereunder at any time with or without cause, and whether or not PROJECT is fully complete. Any termination of this Agreement by CITY shall be made in writing, notice of which shall be delivered to CONTRACTOR as provided herein. 14. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING This Agreement is a personal service contract and the supervisory work hereunder shall not be delegated by CONTRACTOR to any other person or entity without the consent of CITY. CONTRACTOR shall not apply for a patent or copyright on any item or material produced as a result of this Agreement, as set forth in 41 CFR 1-9.1. 16. CITY EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS CONTRACTOR shall employ no CITY official nor any regular CITY employee in the work performed pursuant to this Agreement. No officer or employee of CITY shall have any financial interest in this Agreement in violation of California Government Code §§1090, et seq. 17. NOTICES Any notice or special instructions required to be given in writing under this Agreement shall be given either by personal delivery to CONTRACTOR's agent (as designated in Section 1 hereinabove) or to CITY's Director of Administrative Services as the situation shall 4:s: PCD:Agree: Griff956 11/13/96 RLS 96-773 warrant, or by enclosing the same in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, and depositing the same in the United States Postal Service, addressed as follows: TO CITY: TO CONTRACTOR: Robert Franz, Deputy City Administrator David M. Griffith and Associates, Ltd. City of Huntington Beach 4320 Auburn Blvd., Suite 2000 2000 Main Street Sacramento, CA 95841 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 18. IMMIGRATION CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for full compliance with the immigration and naturalization laws of the United States and shall, in particular, comply with the provisions of the 8 U.S.C. § 1324 regarding employment verification. Rest of page not used 6 4: s: PCD: Agree: Griff956 11/13/96 RLS 96-773 19. ENTIRETY The foregoing, and Exhibit "A": attached hereto, set forth the entire Agreement between the parties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by and through their authorized offices the day, month and year first above written. DAVID M. GRIFFITH & ASSOCIATES, CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, A LTD., municipal corporation of the State of California !� M" print name ITS: (circle one) Chainnan/Presiden ice President By: U print name ITS: (circle one Secret Chief Financial fficer/Asst- S�ry -Treasure 4: s: PCD: Agree:: Gri fi956 10/25/96 RLS 96-773 Mayor . ATTEST: City Clerk W W " • -01 . w•]w•�. City Attorney tb I Z s�f` INITIATED AND A$PR04D: Administrator • • Exhibit "A" Mandated Cost Claiming Services The -City of Huntington Beach (hereinafter "City") and David M. Griffith & Associates, Ltd. (hereinafter "Consultant") jointly agree as follows: 1. Scope of Services The Consultant shall prepare claims for reimbursable state mandated costs as provided herein. A. Annual State Mandated Cost Reimbursement Claims , The Consultant shall prepare and file applicable actual annual state mandate cost reimbursement claims for the 1995-96 fiscal year, and estimated claim(s) for the 1996-97 fiscal year. The following is a list of eligible claims: .(1) Open Meetings Act as specified in Chapter 641, Statutes of 1986. (2) Business License Tax Reporting as specified in Chapter 1490, Statutes of 1984. (3) Absentee Ballots as specified in Chapter 77, Statutes of 1978. (4) Mandate Reimbursement Process as specified in Chapter 486, Statutes of 1975 and Chapter 1489, Statutes of 1984. (5) Firefighter Cancer Presumption as specified in Chapter 1568, Statutes of 1982. (6) Peace Officer Cancer Presumption as specified in Chapter 1171, Statutes of 1989. (7) Stolen Vehicle Notification as specified in Chapter 337, Statutes of 1990. (8) Rape Victim Counseling Center Notices as specified in Chapter 999, Statutes of 1991. (9) Law Enforcement Inmate AIDS Testing as specified in Chapter 1579, Statutes of 1988 and Chapter 768, Statutes of 1991. (10) Misdemeanors: Booking and Fingerprinting as specified in Chapter 1105, Statutes of 1992. Exhibit "A" Page 1 of 4 4/s : PC D: Agre e : Gri ff96 10/25/96 (11) Other claims: The Consultant may also file additional claims if any such eligible claims remain. The fiscal year 1995-96 actual claims to be filed are claims that are included in the State Controller's Claiming Instructions that provide for timely filed claims to be submitted by November 30, 1996. B. All Other Claims for Which Claiming Instructions Are Issued in FY 1996-97 With the exception of the claims in Scope of Services I.A. above,, the Consultant shall prepare, submit and file on the City's behalf, all other applicable actual and estimated State mandated cost reimbursement claims for which State Controller Claiming Instructions are issued in the 1996-97 fiscal year. These claims include the following: (1) 1996 Annual Claims Bill claims - These include all applicable eligible claim(s) authorized or funded by SB 91 (Thompson) of the 1996 California Legislative Session and/or any other 1996 California legislation containing an appropriation for state mandated cost reimbursement claims. (2) Other New State Mandated Cost Reimbursement Claims - With the exception of the claims contained in Scope of Services I.A. and 1.B.(1) above, these claims include all eligible actual and estimated reimbursement claims authorized for filing pursuant to State Controller Claiming Instructions which are issued during the 1996-97 fiscal year. 2. Consultant Claim Filing Requirements The Consultant shall file these claims to the extent that appropriate documentation is available and verifiable. The City explicitly acknowledges that the Consultant does not warrant under Scope of Services that claims will be filed for all of the applicable mandates listed. 3. Costs and Method of Compensation A. Scope of Services LA. - Annual State Mandated Cost Reimbursement Claims For all of the above services provided pursuant to Scope of Services LA., the City agrees to pay the Consultant upon submission of the claims to the State Controller, a fixed fee of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). The fixed fee shall be due upon receipt of Consultant's invoice following submission of such claims. B. Scope of Services 1.11. - Annual Claims Bill Claims and All Other New Claims for Which Claiming Instructions are Issued in FY 1996-97 Exhibit "A" Page 2 of 4 4/s: PCD: Agree: Griff96 10/25/96 . 9 . 0 At its discretion, the City shall at the time of contract execution, select either of the two methods of compensation described below. Selection of the preferred fee and payment arrangement shall be made by checking the appropriate box adjacent to the preferred option. OPTION 1: Fixed Fee Arrangement For all the above services provided pursuant to Scope of Services 1.B.(1) and (2), the City agrees to pay the Consultant upon submission of the claims to the State Controller, a fixed fee of four thousand five hundred dollars $4,500.00).. The fixed fee shall be due upon receipt of Consultant's invoice following submission of such claim(s). OPTION 2: Contingent Fee Arrangement For all of the above services provided pursuant to Scope of Services 1.B.(1) and (2), the City agrees to pay the Consultant a fee equal to thirty percent (30%) of all claim(s) filed and paid by the State to a maximum of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). If the amount of Consultant filed claims is less than one thousand six hundred and sixty-seven dollars ($1,677.00), the City shall pay the consultant a fixed fee of five hundred dollars ($500.00). Payment for contingent claiming shall be made from monies actually received from the State resulting from the Consultant's efforts. Monies received shall be defined as actual payments resulting from the Consultant's filing of actual and estimated state mandated cost reimbursement claim(s) listed in Scope of Services 1.B.(1) and (2). The fee, which in no case shall exceed the maximum amount, is due within thirty days of City receipt of reimbursement from the State. 4. Services and Materials to be Furnished by the City The Consultant shall provide guidance to the City in determining the data required for claims submission. The Consultant shall assume all data so provided to be correct. The City further agrees to provide all specifically requested data, documentation and information to the Consultant in a timely manner. Consultant shall make its best effort to file claims in a timely manner pursuant to Scope of Services. Consultant shall not be liable for claims that cannot be filed as a result of inadequate data or data provided in an untimely manner. For purposes of this Agreement, data that is requested by the Consultant must be provided within three weeks of the request, or three weeks prior to the filing deadline, whichever would come first, to be deemed to have been received in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the City to provide the Consultant with payment information upon receipt of disbursements from the State for any and all claims filed pursuant to this agreement. Exhibit "A" Page 3 of 4 4/s: PCD: Agree: Gri ff96 10/25/96 5. Not Obligated to Third Parties The City shall not be obligated or liable hereunder to any party other than the Consultant. 6. Consultant Liability if Audited The Consultant will assume all financial and statistical information provided to the Consultant by City employees or representatives is accurate and complete. Any subsequent disallowance of funds paid to the City under the claims for whatever reason is the sole responsibility of the City. 7. Indirect Costs The cost claims to be submitted by the Consultant may consist of both direct and indirect costs. The Consultant may either utilize the ten percent (10%) indirect cost rate allowed by the State Controller or calculate a higher rate if City records support such a calculation. The Consultant by this Agreement is not required to prepare a central service cost allocation plan or a departmental indirect cost rate proposal for the City. 8. Consultant Assistance if Audited If audited, the Consultant shall make workpapers and other records available to the State auditors. If requested by the City, the Consultant shall provide assistance to the City in defending claims submitted if an audit results in a disallowance of at least twenty percent (20%) or seven hundred fifty dollars.($750.00), whichever is greater. Reductions of less than twenty percent (20%) or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) shall not be contested by the Consultant. 9. City Contact Person The City designates the following individual as contact person for this contract: Name: Arnold Ross Telephone: (714) 536-5228 Title: Senior Accountant Fax: (714) 374-1571 Address: City of Huntington Beach, Dept. of Administrative Services 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Exhibit "A" Page 4 of 4 4/s: PCD:Agree:Griff96 10/25/96 SB 90 State Mandated Claims Prepared w/Assistance of D. M. Griffith Recent Historical Experience Title of Fiscal Estimated Amount Amount Date of Claim Year or Actual Requested Received Receipt Mandated 93/94 A 15,791 15,791 7/05/96 Claim Costs 94/95 E 12,500 12,500 4/28/95 95/96 E 7,500 7,500 2/06/96 Bus. Tax 92/93 A 41,879 41,879 4/28/95 Reporting 93/94 A 10,149 10,1.49 11/13/95 94/95 E 8,000 8,000 * 3/13/95 95/96 E 9,000 3,389 ** 2/06/96 Open Meetings 85/86 thru 89/90 A 96,276 63,647 * * * 7/01 /96 91 /92 A 28,484 8,938 * * * 7/01 /96 92/93 A 30,034 93/94 A 33,909 *** 94/95 E 32,366 95/96 E 26,000 Stolen Vehicles 92/93 A 4,663. 2,816 * * 10/09/96 93/94 A 4,847 2,997 ** 10/09/96 94/95 A 3,997 2,370 ** 10/09/96 _ 95/96 E 3,000 1,794 ** 10/09/96 * State Controller has yet to complete review and release funds on these 94/95 Actuals ** Incomplete State appropriation has allowed but a partial payment of these Claims *** City & Consultantsare currently disputing State's.Disposition on these Claims • CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH 17 INTER -DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION HUNTINGTON BEACH ,D�vio /r!• G�C/Fr/ rft ��SSOC. i9,°Pr�av�r� a� 8�910 To Settlement Committee From Arnie Ross - Sr. Accountant Re Request for Insurance Waiver Date 11/12/96 for Professional Services Contract This matter relates to a Request for Insurance Waiver regarding the Professional Services Contract with David M. Griffith & Associates. For the past eight or nine years, the City has contracted with this firm for purposes of assisting the city in the filing of Claims for State - Mandated Cost Reimbursments . The material is Fed- Expressed to their Office in Pasadena ........ and the finished product is Fed -Expressed back to us within a week or so. None of the work they perform is done on City premices. Due to the lateness of the date and the fact that materials have already been forwarded to them for their input ( Final copies must be postmarked to the State no later t n j��0/96), it is essential that we move quickly if we are to avoid doing an expost factoko�yhis item. Your assistance would be much appreciated! ioN1 k10 6 V