HomeMy WebLinkAboutHUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION - HBPOA - SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - GUN RANGE - 2006-10-02•
IA
Lo CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Inter -Department Communication
TO JOAN FLYNN, City Clerk
FROM JENNIFER McGRATH, City Attorney
DATE January 18, 2007
SUBJECT City of Huntington Beach v HBPOA
At the October 2 2006 Closed Session the City Council authorized the Mayor to sign and
the City Clerk to attest to the Settlement Agreement between the City the POA Scottsdale
Insurance Company and American States Insurance Company in the Gun Range litigation
The Settlement Agreement and Policy Release between the City the POA Scottsdale and
American States is now fully executed and an original with wet signatures is attached It
should be retained in the permanent records of the City
In addition, at the October 2 2006 Closed Session the City Council authorized the Mayor to
sign and the City Clerk to attest to the Settlement Agreement between the City and the POA
This Agreement too is now fully executed and an original with wet' signatures is attached
It also should be retained in the permanent records of the City
Finally would you please provide Scott Field with five copies of each Agreement with your
certification that each is a true copy of the original Agreements on file with the City of
Huntington Beach Jj
/,200 �-
NY
JENNIF ER McGRATH
City Attorney
Attachments
7061
JJ
{ CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Inter -Department Communication
TO JOAN FLYNN, City Clerk
FROM JENNIFER McGRr1TH, City Attornev
DATE November 28 2006
SUBJECT City of Huntington Beach v HBPOA
At the October 2 2006 Closed Session the City Council authorized the Mayor to sign and
the City Clerk to attest to the Settlement Agreement between the City, the POA Scottsdale
Insurance Company and American States Insurance Company in the Gun Range litigation
This authority was subject to the City Attorney approving the form of the Agreement to
ensure it conforms to the eight material settlement tcrins that are set torth in the October 2
2006 Closed Session Report
The City Attornev has negotiated the terms of the attached Settlemcnt Agreement with the
PO-\ Scottsdale and American States and detennmed that the Agreement conforms to the
Citv Council s authorization Please have the Mayor sign and the City Clerk attest to five
original copies of the Agreement Please retain one original, and return tour originals to our
office We will return counterpart on b Scottsdale and
mencan States to the Clerk s Office as soon as we receive them
nA
i
JENNIFER McGRATH
City Attorney
Attachments
'70"4'-u. t
549�
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND POLICY RELEASE
This Settlement Agreement and Policy Release (the Agreement ) is made by and
entered into by and between the City of Huntington Beach ( City ) the Huntington Beach
Police Officers Association ( HBPOA ) Scottsdale Insurance Company ( Scottsdale ) and
American States Insurance Company ( American States ) all as defined below and
collectively referenced herein as the Parties The City and the HBPOA are collectively
referenced herein as the Insureds Scottsdale and American States are collectively
referenced herein as the Insurers
RECITALS
This Agreement is made and entered into among the Parties for the following
purposes and with reference to the following facts
A Scottsdale and American States provided comprehensive general liability insurance
to the HBPOA as indicated on the policy listing attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference as Attachment A (the Known Policies as defined further in 118 below) The City
was named as an additional insured on the Policies
B During the time the Policies (as defined further in 117 below) were in force the City
owned certain property located at 18211 Gothard Street Huntington Beach California (the
Site ) The City had acquired the Site from the County of Orange in 1963 prior to the
issuance of the Policies The County had operated the Site as a landfill The City still owns
the Site
C From 1968 to 1997 the Site was leased from the City to the HBPOA for the purpose
of operating and maintaining a gun range on the site (the Gun Range ) During that period
dozens of law enforcement agencies private security firms and individuals (the Shooters )
discharged millions of rounds of lead ammunition at the Site As a result of these
operations the Site is allegedly contaminated with lead
D On or around November 25 2001 the City filed an action against the HBPOA
entitled City of Huntington Beach v Huntington Beach Police Officers Association United
States District Court Central District of California Case No SACV 011125 JVS (ANx) (the
Underlying Action ) alleging that the HBPOA was responsible in whole or in part for the
alleged contamination of soil and groundwater at the Site
E The HBPOA tendered the Underlying Action to Scottsdale and American States
seeking defense and/or indemnity pursuant to the Known Policies After investigating the
claim both Scottsdale and American States agreed to defend the HBPOA subject to a
reservation of rights Among other things the Insurers contended that the Policies do not
provide coverage for the claims asserted in the Underlying Action due to the applicability of
the pollution exclusions and owned property exclusions in the Policies among other
grounds
F In or around March 2002 the HBPOA answered the complaint in the Underlying
Action and asserted various affirmative defenses including affirmative defenses for set off
and equitable indemnification contending that its liability if any should be reduced by the
amount of damages attributable to the City s own liability Thereafter the City tendered the
defense of the affirmative aefenses to Scottsdale and American States Scottsdale denied
the City s tender on the grounds that no suit had been filed against the City American States
Page 1 of 13
agreed to defend the City under a reservation of rights specifically reserving the right to
reimbursement of the City s legal fees if it were later determined that American States was
not obligated to defend the City with respect to the HBPOA s affirmative defenses
G Thereafter Scottsdale and American States paid the reasonable and necessary legal
fees and costs of defense counsel selected by the HBPOA the law firm of Castle Petersen &
Krause formerly known as the Petersen Law Firm ( Petersen ) In addition American States
paid certain legal fees and costs as well as various consultant fees and costs on the City s
behalf subject to its reservation of rights Petersen and Caufield contended that that the
Insurers wrongfully failed to pay all of their bills for legal fees and costs incurred on behalf of
the HBPOA in the Underlying Action and/or the Coverage Action
H On or around April 30 2003 Scottsdale filed an action against the HBPOA entitled
Scottsdale Insurance Co v Huntington Beach Police Officers Association et al United
States District Court Central District of California Case No SACV 03 1154 JVS (ANx) seeking
a determination of its rights and obligations under the Known Policies at issue and for
declaratory relief against American States for equitable contribution (the Coverage Action )
I American States thereafter filed a cross complaint in the Coverage Action seeking a
determination of its rights and obligations under the Known Policies and a declaration of its
rights and obligations with respect to equitable contribution by Scottsdale
J The HBPOA and the City filed cross claims and counter claims in the Coverage Action
which asserted among other things claims for declaratory relief breach of contract against
Scottsdale and American States and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair
dealing against Scottsdale Scottsdale vigorously disputed those allegations
K In the Coverage Action American States filed a motion for declaratory relief and
restitution against the City on the grounds that it had no obligation to defend the City with
respect to the HBPOA s affirmative defenses By order dated May 17 2004 the Court
granted American States motion ruling that American States had no obligation to defend
the City with respect to the HBPOA s affirmative defenses and ordered the City to reimburse
American States for funds expended in its defense in the total amount of $207 573 59 (the
Restitution Order )
L On June 22 2004 by stipulation of the City and the HBPOA the HBPOA filed a
counter claim against the City in the Underlying Action which the City thereafter tendered to
Scottsdale and American States for defense Upon entry of the stipulation the City filed a
motion for reconsideration of the Court s Restitution Order which was denied by order dated
August 23 2004 in the Coverage Action
M Thereafter the City tendered the HBPOA s counter claim to Scottsdale and American
States American States declined the City s tender and Scottsdale accepted the City s
tender of defense of the HBPOA s counterclaim in the Underlying Action subject to a
reservation of rights Thereafter Scottsdale expended sums in contribution to the City s
defense costs with respect to the HBPOA s counterclaim against the City subject to its
reservation of right to recover amounts paid in the defense
N Thereafter as the Underlying Action proceeded toward trial the HBPOA sought to
retain the law firm of Trutanich Michel LLP ( Trutanich ) to act as co counsel with Petersen
The Insurers declined to retain Trutanich Thereafter Petersen hired one of the Trutanich
firm s attorneys Jeffery Caufield who later formed his own law firm Caufield & James LLP
Page 2 of 13
( Caufield ) which replaced Petersen as the HBPOA s counsel of record in or around July
2005 Scottsdale and American States thereafter paid Caufield s reasonable and necessary
attorneys fees and costs for representing the HBPOA in the Underlying Action
O Thereafter Trutanich filed an action against American States styled Trutanich Michel
LLP v American States Insurance Cc Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No NC
041569 (the Trutanich Action ) seeking recovery of legal fees and costs including fees and
costs for work performed by attorney Jeffery Caufield while he was an attorney at Trutanich
American States demurred to Trutanich s complaint on the grounds that American States
had not agreed to retain Trutanich and the Trutanich action was later dismissed without
prejudice on or around March 22 2006
P In the meantime a dispute arose between American States and Scottsdale with
respect to Scottsdale s alleged failure to contribute to the HBPOA s ongoing defense costs
In addition a dispute arose between American States and Scottsdale as to the appropriate
allocation of the HBPOA s reasonable and necessary defense costs between the two
insurers By order dated September 29 2004 in the Coverage Action the Court granted
American States motion for partial summary judgment on the issue finding that 23 percent
of the HBPOA s reasonable and necessary defense costs should be equitably allocated to
American States and 77 percent should be allocated to Scottsdale
Q Thereafter a dispute arose between Caufield and the Insurers as to the appropriate
hourly billing rate for the HBPOA s defense fees and costs under California Civil Code Section
2860(c) Caufield contended that he should be paid at a rate of $350 00 per hour for
partners $250 per hour for associates and $135 per hour for paralegals and law clerks
and the Insurers contended that Caufield should be paid at a rate of $150 00 per hour under
the guidelines set forth in Section 2860(c) Caufield also contended that the Insurers failed
to make timely payments and the Insurers contended that Caufield failed to submit invoices
in a timely manner
R The Parties acknowledge the existence of disputed questions in the Underlying
Action and the existence of disputed questions in the Coverage Action
S The Parties now desire to finally and completely resolve compromise and settle all
disputes claims claims and controversies between and among them relating to the Site
including without limitation the controversies in the Underlying Action and Coverage Action
including all cross actions as respects all Policies as well as the rescission and buy back of
the Known Policies pursuant to the payments releases and agreements set forth below It
is the express intention of the Parties to fully release all claims and to further buy back all
Known Policies The Parties understand that the scope of this Agreement compromises
issues beyond those alleged in the Underlying Action and the Coverage Action as specified in
the releases set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement
NOW THEREFORE in reliance upon the aforesaid recitals and in consideration of the mutual
agreements contained herein it is agreed by and between the Parties as set forth herein
1 DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Agreement only the following specifically defined terms shall have the
following meanings
Page 3 of 13
1 1 The City shall mean and include the City of Huntington Beach and each and all of
its past present and future agents officers directors elected officials appointed
officials attorneys agents employees administrators representatives
predecessors successors and assigns
12 The HBPOA shall mean and refer to the Huntington Beach Police Officers
Association and all of its past present and future members directors officers
predecessors successors assigns subsidiaries affiliates employees agents
representatives administrators attorneys and trustees
13 Scottsdale shall mean and refer to Scottsdale Insurance Company and each and
all of its past present and future affiliates subsidiaries parent companies
employees officers directors shareholders and each and all of their respective
heirs predecessors successors assigns attorneys and agents
14 American States shall mean and refer to American States Insurance Company and
,each and all of its past present and future affiliates subsidiaries parent companies
employees officers directors shareholders and each and all of their respective
heirs predecessors successors assigns attorneys and agents
15 ' Petersen shall mean and refer to attorney Gregory Petersen the Petersen Law
Firm the law firm of Castle Petersen & Krause LLP and each and all of their
respective past present and future affiliates employees partners associates
independent contractors predecessors successors firms partnerships
,corporations assigns and agents all in their individual and professional capacities
16 Caufield shall mean and refer to attorney Jeffery Caufield Jeffery Caufield s work
while at Trutanich the law firm of Caufield & James LLP and each and all of their
respective past present and future affiliates employees partners associates
independent contractors predecessors successors firms partnerships
corporations assigns and agents all in their individual as well as professional
i capacities This definition shall not include work performed by Jeffery L Caufield
while of counsel for Trutanich except to the extent that Caufield may seek direct
payment for such work in his individual capacity and not as a representative of
Trutanich
17 The term Policies shall mean and refer to all insurance policies actually or allegedly
issued by Scottsdale or American States to the City the HBPOA or either of them or
any insurance policy actually or allegedly issued by Scottsdale and/or American
States allegedly identifying the City and/or the HBPOA as an additional insured
whether primary umbrella excess or otherwise and whether known or unknown
that insures purports to insure or allegedly provides insurance for the City and/or
the HBPOA including but not limited to the Policies listed on Attachment A hereto
The term Policies shall not include any insurance policies (i) issued by a company
other than Scottsdale Insurance Company or American States Insurance Company
which company is acquired by or merged into Scottsdale or American States after the
Effective Date of this Agreement and/or (ii) issued, after the Effective Date of this
Agreement by Scottsdale or American States The term Policies includes but is not
limited to the Known Policies which shall mean and refer to those policies
specifically identified on Attachment A to this Agreement
Page 4 of 13
18 The Site shall mean and refer to the certain property located at 18211 Gothard
Street Huntington Beach California as well as soils and waters upon adjacent to
surrounding and underneath such property including but not limited to surface and
underground waters remaining on the Site or flowing through or under the Site as
well as the atmosphere above and surrounding and emanating from said Site
19 The Underlying Action shall mean and refer to the action entitled City of Huntington
Beach v Huntington Beach Police Officers Association United States District Court
Central District of California Case No SACV 011125 JVS (ANx) and all cross claims
and counterclaims thereto
110 The Coverage Action shall mean and refer to the action entitled Scottsdale
Insurance Co v Huntington Beach Police Officers Association et a/ United States
District Court Central District of California Case No SACV 03 1154 JVS (ANx) and all
cross claims and counter claims thereto
111 The City/HBPOA Settlement Agreement shall mean that agreement dated on or
about November 6 2006 settling and resolving the Underlying Action
112 The term Environmental Contamination shall mean and refer to any actual or
alleged release discharge escape or dispersal of any irritants contaminants or
pollutants into the soil groundwater or surface water including but not limited to
actual or alleged presence of hazardous substances at or emanating from the Site
including but not limited to (a) any substance defined as a hazardous substance
hazardous material hazardous waste waste or any similar terms used in any
state or federal statute or regulation (b) any substance defined or designated as a
hazardous substance pursuant to sections 101(14) and/or 102(a) of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act
( CERCLA ) 42 U S C § 9601(14) and 9602(a) and amendments thereto (c) any
pollutant or contaminant under section 104(a)(1) of CERCLA 42 U S C
§9604(a)(1) (d) any substance defined as a hazardous waste in section 6903(5)
of the Resource Conservation Recovery Act ( RCRA ) 42 U S C § 6901 et seq (e)
any substance defined as petroleum in section 6991(8) of RCRA (f) any chemical
substance or mixture found by the Administrator of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency to present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the
environment pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act 15 U S C § 2601 et seq
and/or (g) any substance designated or considered to be a hazardous substance
hazardous material hazardous waste waste pollutant or contamination
under any statute rule regulation or judicial decision that relates to amends or is a
successor to any of the foregoing statutes rules regulations or cases
113 Effective Date of this Agreement shall mean the date of the last signature is placed
hereon and this Agreement shall be effective as of such date provided that this
Agreement shall not be effective until the City/HBPOA Agreement is fully executed
SETTLEMENT PAYMENTS
21 In consideration of the agreements and warranties herein it is hereby agreed that
within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date of This Agreement Scottsdale shall pay
the sum of Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($450 000) as follows
Page 5 of 13
One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150 000) shall be paid to the City
One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150 000) shall be paid to Petersen
and
One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150 000) shall be paid to American
States
For internal administrative purposes Scottsdale may allocate these payments among
its policies in any manner that it determines to be appropriate
22 In addition the Insurers agree to pay additional legal fees and costs to Caufield for
(a) legal fees and costs not yet invoiced as of August 22 2006 and (b) legal fees and
costs that are reasonable and necessary to finalize this Agreement as follows
All of such invoices by Caufield shall be billed at a rate of One Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($150) per hour and supported by adequate documentation
Scottsdale agrees to pay 77 percent of the Caufield attorneys fees and costs
payable under this Section in an amount not to exceed Twenty Thousand
Dollars ($20 000)
American States agrees to pay 23 percent of the Caufield attorneys fees and
costs payable under this Section in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand
Dollars ($5 000)
Any disputes arising from payment of these amounts shall be submitted to the United
States District Court Central District of California for determination
23 The billing rates set forth in paragraph 2 2 above are agreed upon for purposes of
this Agreement only and Caufield does not waive or compromise its right to assert
that a higer billing rate applies to any future and/or current Cumis or section 2860
work on any other matter
3 DISMISSALS AND RELEASES
31 Within five (5) days of delivery of the payments referenced in Paragraph 2 1 above
Scottsdale American States the City and the HBPOA shall jointly file a
request for entry of dismissal with prejudice of the complaint cross claims
and counter claims in the Coverage Action and
The City and the HBPOA shall file their good faith settlement motion pursuant
to the terms and conditions of the City/HBPOA Settlement Agreement
32 In consideration of the payments and releases set forth herein the City and the
HBPOA hereby release and forever discharge each other pursuant to the terms of the
City/HBPOA Settlement Agreement
33 In further consideration of the payments and releases set forth herein both the City
and the HBPOA hereby remise release acquit and forever discharge Scottsdale and
American States from any and all claims or obligations under the Known Policies
Page 6 of 13
The City and the HBPOA and its counsel expressly accept the payments and releases
set forth herein in full and complete satisfaction of all of the past present and/or
future actual or alleged obligations of Scottsdale and American States under the
Known Policies including bt t not limited to actual or potential claims demands
orders suits attorney fees and defense costs or causes of action which have been
or may be brought or asserted against the City and/or the HBPOA in the Underlying
Action or any other action past present or future
34 In further consideration of the payments and releases set forth herein as to all
Policies other than the Known Policies the City and the HBPOA hereby relieve
release and forever discharge Scottsdale and American States of and from any and
all actual or potential obligations to the City and/or the HBPOA arising out of the
Policies as defined herein for any claims demands orders or suits including
without limitation any claims or causes of action that could have been asserted in
the Underlying Action or the Coverage Action or relating in any manner to the Site
including but not limited to the following
a Any and all actual or alleged liability whatsoever past present or future for
all actual or potential claims actions demands suits liabilities obligations
rights or causes of action of every kind and nature known or unknown
including but not limited to claims demands orders suits or causes of
action for compensatory consequential and/or punitive damages loss of
profit compensation emotional distress property damage bodily injury
personal injuries environmental contamination response costs clean up
costs investigative costs damage or injury to natural resources payment of
orphan shares expenses attorneys fees and defense costs equitable
apportionment injunctive reliet declaratory relief or any other {orm of relief
which claims or causes of action arise out of allegedly arise out of or are in
any way connected with Site or the subject matter of the Underlying Action or
the Coverage Action and
o Any and all claims or causes of action for bad faith unfair claim handling
refusal to defend or settle statutory violations including alleged violation of
the provisions of the California Insurance Code § 790 03 breach of any
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing breach of contract fraud or
misrepresentation or any other matter that was or could have been raised in
the Coverage Action oy the City and/or the HBPOA
c The releases set torth in this Paragrapr 3 4 do not apply to claims demands
or suits for daniages that asserted after January 1 2000 and do not arise out
of or relate in any manner to Environmental Contamination
35 Effective upon (i) the receipt of the payments described at Section 2 1 above (ii) the
dismissals described at Section 3 1(a) above and the filing of the good faith motion
in the Underlying Action pursuant to the terms of the City/HBPOA Settlement
Agreement the Parties further agree that the Known Policies are hereby rescinded
void ab initio and null as f the Policies inception dates and the payments and
releases rcferenced here n represent a return of premium and good and sufficient
consideration for these policy ouy backs The City and the HBPOA further agret that
Scottsdale and American Stags arc fully released and discharged from any and all
past present and future obligatiors or claims of any nature whatsoever wheLver
actual or potential under any of the Kno vn Policies
ledge 7 o{ 13
36 Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 2 1(b) and 2 2 above in consideration of
the payments and agreements herein Petersen and Caufield hereby release and
forever discharge Scottsdale and American States from any and all claims causes of
action demands or suits which have been or could have been asserted against
Scottsdale and/or American States with respect to legal fees and costs allegedly
incurred in defense of the HBPOA in the Underlying Action or any other attorneys
fees or costs which Petersen and/or Caufield have or may contend are owed by
Scottsdale and/or American States with respect to the subject matter of this
litigation including but not limited to legal fees and costs included on invoices
previously forwarded to Scottsdale and/or American States in connection with the
Underlying Action legal fees and costs incurred with respect to the Coverage Action
legal fees and costs exceeding the hourly billing rate of One Hundred Fifty Dollars
($150) demands for payment of the fees and costs of individuals independent
contractors law firms or others retained by or at the request of Petersen Caufield
and/or the HBPOA with respect to the Underlying Action and/or the Coverage Action
for which Petersen and/or Caufield did or could have requested reimbursement from
Scottsdale and/or American States
37 In consideration of the payments and releases set forth herein Scottsdale and
American States hereby release and forever discharge the City the HBPOA of and
from any and all past present or future actual or potential claims demands suits
liabilities obligations or causes of action of every kind and nature known or
unknown arising from claims demands suits or causes of action that Scottsdale
and/or American States could have asserted against the City and/or the HBPOA in
the Coverage Action including but not limited to any and all claims or causes of
action for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing reverse bad
faith reimbursement restitution insurance fraud and alleged violation of the
provisions of the California Insurance Code breach of policy conditions
misrepresentation concealment in connection with the Underlying Action the
Coverage Action or the matters released herein
38 In consideration of the payments and releases set forth herein American States
hereby releases the right to enforcement of the Court s Restitution Order and waives
its rights of recovery against the City with respect to said Order
39 In consideration of the payments and releases set forth herein Scottsdale and
American States hereby release and forever discharge any claims and/or causes of
action that have been or may be asserted against each other for equitable
contribution equitable subrogation equitable indemnity or other forms of relief with
respect to each Insurers respective alleged obligations to their mutual Insureds or
either of them for defense or indemnity payments past present and future arising
out of or related to the Underlying Action and/or the Coverage Action or with respect
to payments made pursuant to this Agreement
310 With regard to the claims and causes of action released in the paragraphs above the
Parties each acknowledge that each of them is familiar with and each expressly
waives all rights and benefits which they now or in the future may have under
California Civil Code 11542 which provides
A general release does not extend to claims which the
creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor
at the time of executing the release which if known by him or
Page 8 of 13
her must have materially affected his or her settlement with
the debtor
The Parties each acknowledge that they may have claims or causes of action within
the scope of the claims or causes of action released in this Agreement which are
presently unknown and unsuspected and nonetheless intend hereby to release and
discharge one another from any and all liability whatsoever for such unknown or
unsuspected claims or causes of action (whether for damages rescission
reformation declaratory relief or any other form of relief)
4 ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
41 The Parties and each of them represent and warrant that they have not and will not
in any manner assign transfer convey or sell or purport to assign transfer convey
or sell to any entity or person any claim cause of action any chose in action or part
thereof arising out of or connected with the matters released herein and that they
are the only persons or entities entitled to recover for any damages under such
claims causes of action and rights The City and the HBPOA further represent and
warrant that no subrogation of any cause of action chose in action or part hereof
has taken place
42 This Agreement is the result of a compromise and accord and shall not be considered
an admission of liability or responsibility This Agreement is a compromise and
settlement of disputed claims and is the product of arms length negotiations
43 Each Party has participated in the drafting of this Agreement with the assistance of
counsel Therefore the language of this Agreement shall not be construed against
any Party as the drafter '
44 Except as otherwise set forth herein this Agreement contains the entire Agreement
regarding the matters herein and no representations warranties or promises have
been made or relied on by the Parties or any of them other than as set forth herein
45 This Agreement is intended to confer rights and benefits only on the Parties and is
not intended to confer any right or benefit upon any other person or entity No
person or entity other than the Parties hereto shall have any legally enforceable right
under this Agreement All rights of action for any breach of the terms of this
Agreement are hereby reserved to the Parties and are not included in any release
herein
46 This Agreement is without prejudice or value as precedent and shall not be used in
any proceeding or hearing to create prove or interpret the obligations under or
terms and conditions of any other agreement or any insurance policy
47 This Agreement is not a policy of insurance and the Parties do not intend that it will
be interpreted as such I
48 This Agreement shall be deemed to fall within the protection afforded compromises
and offers of compromise by Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence The
existence of this Agreement and terms thereof and any acts or omissions related
thereto shall not be used by way of discovery evidence offer of proof or otherwise
except in any action or proceeding to enforce or defend the terms of this Agreement
Page 9 of 13
49 The Parties and each of them represent and warrant to the extent applicable
i
a That they have taken all necessary corporate municipal and/or legal actions
to duly approve the making and performance of this Agreement and that no
further corporate Imunicipal or other approval is necessary
b That the making and performance of this Agreement will not violate any
provision of law or of their respective articles of incorporation partnership
agreements or bylaws
c That they have read this Agreement and know the contents hereof that the
terms hereof are contractual and not by way of recital and that they have
signed this Agreement of their own free act and
d That in making this Agreement they have obtained the advice of legal
counsel
410 Wherever possible each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such
manner as to be valid under applicable law but if any provision of this Agreement
shall be invalid or prohibited thereunder such provision shall be ineffective to the
extent of such prohibition without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the
remaining provisions of this Agreement
411 Each of the terms of this Agreement is binding upon and for the benefit of the
Parties and their respective heirs predecessors successors transferees assigns
representatives principals agents officers directors and employees Any
assignment of this Agreement by any Party without the written permission of all other
Parties except by operation of law shall be void and of no effect
412 The Parties agree that this Settlement Agreement and its terms and conditions are
confidential to the extent permitted by law and shall not be disclosed to anyone
without the written consent of all Parties to this Agreement Notwithstanding the
foregoing written consent shall not be required for any disclosure (a) made pursuant
to court order or (b) made to an attorney re insurer auditor representative director
or employee or business interest of any Party and is not part of a general publication
or dissemination or (c) made pursuant to the City s obligations under the Public
Disclosure Laws including but not limited to California Government Code Section
54957 1(a)(3)(B) ( Brown Act ) and California Government code Section 6250 et
seq ( California Public Records Act ) or (d) made pursuant to a valid and proper
subpoena or production request directed to one of the Parties or (e) by a Party to
enforce the terms of this Agreement or (f) by a Party upon a determination by the
Court that such disclosure is a prerequisite to a judgment in favor of that Party
against any other person with respect to claims released by this Agreement Any
person to whom a disclosure is made under (b) or (d) shall be advised of the
confidentiality requirements set forth herein
413 This Agreement is entered into and shall be construed and interpreted in accordance
with the laws of the State of California
414 This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more original or facsimile
counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together
shall constitute one instrument
I
Page 10 of 13
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Date By: Dave Sullivan
Mayor
City of Huntington Beach
ATTEST:
Joan Flynn
City Clerk
1`/z� -
Date APPROVED AS TO FORM
By: Scott Field, Esq., Assistant City Attorney
City of Huntington Beach
Date APPROVED AS TO FORM
By: Hal Goldflam, Esq.
Frandzel, Robins, Bloom & Csato, L.C.
Counsel for the City of Huntington Beach
Date By: Kreg Muller, President
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
Date By: Gregory Petersen, Esq.
Castle Petersen & Krause
As GeneralCounsel for the
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
And on behalf of
Castle, Petersen & Krause LLP
Date By: Jeffery Caufield, Esq.
Caufield & James LLP
As counsel for
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
And on behalf of Caufield & James LLP
Page 11 of 13
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Date By Dave Sullivan
Mayor
City of Huntington Beach
ATTEST
Joan Flynn
City Clerk
Date APPROVED AS TO FORM
By Scott Field Esq Assistant City Attorney
City of Huntington Beach
/d A 06
Date APPROVED AS T FORM
By Hal Goldflam Esq
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato L C
Counsel for the City of Huntington Beach
Date By Kreg Muller President
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
Date By Gregory Petersen Esq
Castle Petersen & Krause
As General Counsel for the
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
And on behalf of
Castle Petersen & Krause LLP
Date By Jeffery Caufield Esq
Caufield & James LLP
As counsel for
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
And on behalf of Caufield & James LLP
Page 11 of 13
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Date By Dave Sullivan
Mayor
City of Huntington Beach
Date
ATTEST
Joan Flynn
City Clerk v
PROVED AS TO FORM
By Scott Field Esq Assistant City Attorney
City of Huntington Beach
Date APPROVED AS TO FORM
By Hal Goldflam Esq
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato L C
Counsel for the City of Huntington Beach
%,2-is Zoob
Date
Date
Date
By
ident
N Police Officers Association
Gregory Petersen Esq
Castle Petersen & Krause
As General Counsel for the
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
And on behalf of
Castle Petersen & Krause LLP
By Jeffery Caufield Esq
Caufield & James LLP
As counsel for
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
And on behalf of Caufield & James LLP
Page 11of13
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Date By: Dave Sullivan
Mayor
City of Huntington Beach
ATTEST:
Joan Flynn
City Clerk
l
Date OPROVED AS TO FORM
By: _Scott Field, Esq., Assistant City Attorney
City of Huntington Beach
Date APPROVED AS TO FORM
By: Hal Goldflam, Esq.
Frandzel, Robins, Bloom & Csato, L.C.
Counsel for the City of Huntington Beach
Date By: K Muller, ident
untington Beac Police Officers Association
Date: By: Gregory Petersen, Esq.
Castle Petersen & Krause
As General Counsel for the
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
And on behalf of
Castle, Petersen &Krause LEP
Date By: J6ff66CaufieId, Esq.
Caufield & James LLP
As counsel for
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
And on behalf of Caufield & James LLP
Page 11.of13
Date By Susan Collier
On behalf of
Scottsdale Insurance Company
Date APPROVED AS TO FORM
By Bryan Barber Esq
Barber Law Group
Counsel for Scottscale Insurance Companv
Date By Dominique Hurst
On behalf of
American States Insurance Company
Date APPROVED AS TO FORM
By Robin D Craig
Craig & Winkelman LLP
Counsel for American States Insurance Co
Page 12 of 13
Date By Susan Collier
On behalf of
Scottsdale Insurance Company
r
/D
e '� APP ED AS TO FORM
By OVBryan Barber Esq
Barber Law Group
Counsel for Scottsdale Insurance Company
Date By Dominique Hurst
On behalf of
American States Insurance Company
Date APPROVED AS TO FORM
By Robin D Craig
Craig & Winkelman LLP
Counsel for American States Insurance Co
Page 12 of 13
Date
Date
t I I j oc,
Date
By Susan Collier
On behalf of
Scottsdale Insurance Company
APPROVED AS TO FORM
By Bryan Barber Esq
Barber Law Group
Counsel for Scottsdale Insurance Company
I
By Domin ue Hurst
On behalf of
American States Insurance Company
Date V APPROVED AS TO FORM
By Robin D Craig
Craig & Winkelman LLP
Counsel for American States Insurance Co
Page 12of13
ATTACHMENT KNOWN POLICIES
American States Ins Co
Policy No
CL 437 428 (2/20/72 to 2/20/73)
American States Ins Co
Policy No
CL 604 462 (2/20/73 to 2/20/74)
American States Ins Co
Policy No
CL 857 122 (2/20/74 to 2/20/75)
American States Ins Co
Policy No
CL 102 119 (2/20/75 to 2/20/76)
American States Ins Co
Policy No
CL 102 119 (2/20/76 to 2/20/77)
American States Ins Cc
Policy No
CL 102 119 (2/20/77 to 2/20/78)
American States Ins Cc
Policy No
CL 102 119 (2/20/78 to 2/20/79)
American States Ins Cc
Policy No
CL 102 119 (2/20/79 to 2/20/82)
American States Ins Co
Policy No
CL 102 119 (2/20/82 to 2/20/83)
Scottsdale Ins Co Policy No GLS 06518 (3/12/84 - 3/12/85)
Scottsdale Ins Co Policy No GLS 06518 (3/12/85-3/12/86)
Page 13 of 13
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JENNIFER MCGRATH, City Attorney (Bar No CA 179917)
SCOTT F FIELD, Assistant City Attorney (Bar No CA 105 09)
Box 190, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
Telephone (714) 536-5555
Facsimile (714) 374-1590
E-mail sfield@surfcity-hb org
Hal D Goldflam, Esq (Bar No CA 179689)
FRANDZEL ROBINS BLOOM & CSATO, L C
6500 Wilshire Boulevard, 17th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90048-4920
Telephone (323) 852-1000
Facsimile ((�C3) 651-2577
Email hgoldflam@frandzel com
Attorneys for Plaintiff and Counter -Defendant
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, a
municipal corporation of the State of
California and charter city duly created
and existing under the laws of the State
of California,
Plaintiff,
vs
HUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, a
California mutual benefit corporation,
et al,
Defendants
And Related Claims and Third Party
Complaints
CASE NO SACV 0 1- 1125 JVS (ANx)
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BY
AND BETWEEN PLAINTIFF, CITY
OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AND
DEFENDANT, HUNTINGTON
BEACH POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION
[PROPOSED] ORDER AND
JUDGMENT
P 06
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE (the "Agreement") is
entered into by and between Plaintiff, City of Huntington Beach ("City") on the one
hand, and Defendant, the Huntington Beach Police Officers Association, a California
mutual benefit corporation (the "POA") on the other hand The City and POA shall
be referred to collectively as the "Settling Parties," and sometimes individually as a
"Settling Party " No other person or entity is a party to this Agreement,
WHEREAS, this Agreement is made with reference to the following facts
1 In 1963, the City acquired a portion of property commonly known as the
Huntington Central Park from the County of Orange
2 On February 9, 1968, the POA leased from the City pursuant to a written
lease agreement approximately five acres of the City's property (the "Property") for
the purpose of operating and maintaining a police training pistol range, and related
uses (the "Gun Range") The Property is commonly known as 18191 Gothard Street,
Huntington Beach, California 92648
3 In 1971, the POA opened the Gun Range at the Property On January 4,
1972, the City and POA entered into a second written lease agreement, which
permitted the public to use the Gun Range in addition to its use by police officers
4 Pursuant to the terms of the second lease, from January 4, 1972 through
early 1996, the POA operated, managed and maintained the Gun Range as a
combined police department and public firearms facility
5 In January 1987, the POA commenced a year-to-year holdover period on
the same terms and conditions specified in the second lease
6 In or about May 1993, the POA closed the public portion of Gun
Range The public portion of the Gun Range later reopened, but permanently closed
to the public in or about the summer of 1995 In early 1996, the POA closed the Gun
Range at the direction of the City Council
4 06
] SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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7 The City terminated the POA's tenancy, effective January 4, 1997 The
POA vacated the Property on approximately January 17, 1997 Since the POA
vacated the Property, the gun range has been permanently closed
8 The City alleges that the Gun Range operations have resulted in
pervasive lead and other heavy metal contamination to the soil at the Property In
addition, the City alleges the lead and other heavy metal contamination has impacted
the groundwater beneath the Site
9 As a result of the lead and other heavy metal contamination at the
Property, the City has been taking what it believes are necessary steps to remediate
such contamination in compliance with all laws and regulations
10 On November 27, 2001, the City filed a complaint captioned as City of
Huntinp,ton Beach v Huntington Beach Police Officers Association, United States
District Court, Central District of California, Case No SACV 01-1125 JVS (ANx)
(the "Lawsuit"), in which it seeks contribution and other relief arising under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 ("RCRA"), 42 U S C § 6901 et
seq , the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
of 1980 ("CERCLA"), 42 U S C § 9601 et seq , the California Hazardous Substance
Account Act ("HSAA"), Calif Health & Safety Code § 25300 et seq , as well as
breach of contract, nuisance, trespass, waste, negligence, contribution, and indemnity
The City's allegations are described more particularly in the pleadings and other
documents filed with the Court
11 On April 30, 2003, Scottsdale Insurance Company, one of the Settling
Parties' insurers with respect to the Property, filed a complaint captioned as
Scottsdale Insurance Company v Huntington Beach Police Officers Association et
al , United States District Court, Central District Court of California, Case No SACV
03-1154 JVS (ANx) (the "Coverage Action"), seeking declaratory relief against the
POA and American States Insurance Company, one of the Parties' other insurers with
2 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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respect to the Property, concerning insurance coverage issues allegedly arising out of
II the claims at issue in the Lawsuit
12 On August 1, 2003, the POA filed a counterclaim in the Coverage
Action against the City On September 5, 2003, the POA amended its counterclaim
in the Coverage Action against the City The POA ultimately dismissed its
counterclaim in the Coverage Action
13 In June 2004, the POA filed a counterclaim in the Lawsuit that largely
duplicated the counterclaim in the Coverage Action Collectively, the two
counterclaims will be referred to as the "Counterclaim "
14 The POA alleges in its Counterclaim that (i) the City is liable to
indemnify the POA regarding the lead and other heavy metal contamination at the
Site, and (n) the City fraudulently induced the POA to enter into the aforementioned
leases and operate a gun range at the Property The POA's allegations are described
more particularly in the pleadings and other documents filed with the Court
15 On December 14, 2004, the City filed its Third Amended Complaint
("TAC") in the Lawsuit adding as defendants various other entities that used the Gun
Range for firearms training (the "Shooters") The City has settled its claims against
almost all of the Shooters,
WHEREAS, the Lawsuit, including the Counterclaim, and the claims for relief
alleged therein by the Settling Parties, involve disputed questions of fact and law,
WHEREAS, upon execution of this Agreement and receipt by the City of the
$150,000 payment described in the terms of this Agreement, it is the intention of the
Settling Parties to dismiss or cause to be dismissed with prejudice the Lawsuit and
Counterclaim in their entirety, and not to proceed with any other litigation, threatened
or otherwise, relating in any way whatsoever to the alleged lead and other heavy
metal contamination at the Property, so as to settle the Settling Parties' disputes with
finality and without resort to further additional litigation,
j SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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WHEREAS, the Settling Parties anticipate that the Court (as defined below in
Section I) will review and approve this Agreement and enter the Order and Judgment
attached as Exhibit A, or a substantially similar Order and Judgment,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and in
exchange for the promises contained herein and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the
Settling Parties agree as follows
I JURISDICTION
The Settling Parties agree that the United States District Court for the Central
District of California (Hon James V Selna presiding) (the "Court") has jurisdiction
over the Settling Parties and jurisdiction over the subject matter of the Action
pursuant to RCRA, 42 U S C § 6901, et seg , CERCLA Section 113(b) (42 U S C §
9613(b)), and 28 U S C §§ 1331 and 1367(a) For purposes of the Court's review,
approval and enforcement of this Settlement Agreement, the Settling Parties waive
any and all objections and defenses they may have to the jurisdiction of the Court, to
venue in this District, or to service of process
II PARTIES BOUND
This Agreement applies to, is binding upon, and inures to the benefit of each of
the Settling Parties, and each of their agents, officers, directors, elected officials,
appointed officials, administrators, representatives, predecessors, successors, and
assigns Each Settling Party has indicated its acceptance and approval of the terms
and conditions hereof by having a duly authorized representative execute this
document below
III HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
As used in this Agreement, the term "Hazardous Substances" includes
hazardous substances and hazardous waste as those terms are used in the TAC and
FAC and shall include, without limitation, all substances defined as hazardous
substances in CERCLA Section 101(14), 42 U S C § 9601(14) and in Section 25316
of the California Health & Safety Code, and all waste defined as hazardous waste in
4 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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RCRA Section 103 (5) and (27), 42 U S C § 6903(5) and (27), or in other statutory
or decisional environmental law, as heretofore or hereafter amended
IV SETTLEMENT PAYMENT
A Amounts The POA will pay the City, through the POA's insurers, the
total sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000 00)
B Payment The POA, through the POA's insurers, shall deliver the
settlement payment to counsel for the Plaintiff at counsel's address listed in Section
XI F (Notice), within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date of the "Settlement
Agreement and Policy Release" executed between the City of Huntington Beach, the
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association ("HBPOA") and its counsel,
Scottsdale Insurance Company and American States Insurance Company Payment
shall be in the form of a check or checks made payable to "City of Huntington
Beach "
V EFFECTIVE DATE OF SETTLEMENT
AND THE COVERAGE ACTION
This Agreement shall become binding and effective on the City and the POA
upon the "Effective Date," which is the date by which both of the following occur
(1) the execution of this Agreement by the City and the POA, and (2) the execution of
the settlement agreement for the Coverage Action by the City, the POA, Scottsdale
Insurance Company, and American States Insurance Company
Among other things, the settlement agreement of the Coverage Action shall
provide that the POA's msui ers shall pay to the City One Hundred Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($150,000 00) on behalf of the POA
VI DISMISSAL AND RELEASE
A Dismissal of the Entire Action
The Settling Parties hereby agree that
they shall use their best efforts to cause the dismissal with prejudice of the Lawsuit
against the POA, and the Counterclaim against the City, including without limitation,
seeking the Court's approval of this Agreement and dismissal with prejudice (in the
form of the contemplated Order) of any and all claims by and between the City and
5 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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the POA based on the facts alleged, including without limitation, claims for (1) the
recovery of costs incurred including any interest thereon, and/or costs to be incurred
in connection with preparing or implementing measures to clean up or abate the
Hazardous Substances at the Property, (2) damages arising from or related to the
Hazardous Substances at the Property, (3) statutory and equitable contribution and
indemnification arising from or related to the Hazardous Substances at the Property,
and (4) attorneys' fees and costs and expert costs and fees This dismissal shall
include, without limitation, all claims asserted, or which could have been asserted, by
the POA against each other party in the Lawsuit for which there is a comparable
dismissal of that party's claims against the POA
B Dismissal of the Lawsuit The City agrees that in the event it is
unsuccessful in obtaining Court approval of this Agreement through entry of the
Order or, if submitted, modified Order, the City shall file a voluntary dismissal with
prejudice of the Lawsuit in favor of the POA, within fifteen (15) business days of the
denial of the Order or, if submitted, within five (5) business days of the denial of the
modified Order, and thereafter shall defend and indemnify the dismissed POA as
provided in Section VIII This Agreement, however, shall remain in force and effect
in all other respects pursuant to Section VII C of this Agreement
C Release Save and except for claims arising from alleged breaches of
this Agreement, and except for claims expressly or preserved in this Agreement, the
Settling Parties hereby release each other (and each of their agents, officers, directors,
elected officials, appointed officials, administrators, representatives, predecessors,
successors and assigns) from any and all claims, demands, actions, and causes of
action arising from or relating to Hazardous Substances at, on, under, or emanating
from the Property, whether such claims, costs, demands, damages, actions, attorneys'
fees, causes of action and/or rights arise from, or are directly or indirectly related to,
connected with, or caused by the incidents and alleged contamination which gives
rise to the Lawsuit, and regardless of whether such claims, demands, actions, and
causes of action are presently known or unknown, or are presently suspected or
6 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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unsuspected Nothing in this provision is intended to change or affect existing law
concerning claims or actions for fraud against or involving a public entity or a public
employee and shall not be construed as such
This release of claims includes, without limitation, a release of claims by the
POA against any other person or entity for which there is a comparable release of that
party's claims against the POA
D No Release of Non -Settling Defendants by the City It is expressly
agreed that the City's release provided herein to the POA does not and shall not
extend to or benefit any person or entity that is not a signatory to this Agreement All
claims against non -signatories, whether asserted in the Lawsuit or not, are expressly
preserved
City expressly reserves its rights to bring or continue any action against any
person or entity that is not a signatory to this Agreement, including its claims against
the County of Orange, California in this Lawsuit to recover costs, damages, and
attorneys' fees incurred by the City in connection with the Property or the Lawsuit
E Assignment to the City of POA's Claims Against Non -Settling
Parties It is expressly agreed that the POA's release provided at Section VI C as
to each other party to the Lawsuit for which there is a comparable release of that
party 's claims against the POA, does not and shall not extend to or benefit any other
person or entity All of the POA's claims against any non -settling person or entity,
whether a party in the Lawsuit, or otherwise, and whether asserted in the Lawsuit or
not, are expressly preserved In consideration of the City's release of its claims
against POA, the POA transfers and assigns to the City all of the POA's right, title
and interest in and to any claim or cause of action it may have against any non -
settling person or entity to recover costs, damages, and attorneys' fees incurred by the
POA in connection with the Property or the Gun Range The City may bring such
claims against any non -settling person or entity, as both a cross -complaint and an
affirmative defense in connection with any action in which the City is defending and
7 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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indemnifying the POA pursuant to Section VIII, or the City may bring such claim in a
separate action or proceeding
VII COURT APPROVAL AND PROTECTION AGAINST CLAIMS
A Good Faith Compromise The Settling Parties acknowledge and
agree that the payments and other undertakings pursuant to this Agreement represent
a good faith compromise of disputed claims and that the compromise (1) represents a
fair, reasonable, and equitable resolution of their respective claims arising out of the
release of Hazardous Substances at the Property and (2) also benefits the public
interest by ending the litigation -related expenditure of government funds while
providing tends to support the cleanup of the Property
With regard to any claims for costs, damages, or other relief asserted, or which
could have been asserted, against the POA by any person or entity that is not a
signatory to this Agreement on account of the release(s) of Hazardous Substances on,
under, or at the Property, the Settling Parties agree that upon approval of this
Agreement by the Court, the POA is entitled to the full benefit of any and all
applicable provisions of federal and state law, whether statutory, common law,
decisional, or otherwise, including but not limited to California Code of Civil
Procedure sections 877 and 877 6 and CERCLA Section 113(f), 42 U S C §
9613(f)(2), extinguishing or limiting POA's alleged liability to persons or entities that
are not signatories to this Agreement
The Settling Parties further agree that claims for relief arising from the alleged
disposal, release or threatened release of Hazardous Substances on, under, or at the
Property, and the claims made in the Lawsuit are matters addressed in this
Agreement The Settling Parties acknowledge and agree that the dismissal of claims
as described in Section VI and elsewhere in this Agreement, and the protection from
contribution and indemnity claims under all applicable state and federal laws and
authorities, including without limitation contribution and indemnity claims, are
integral and non -divisible aspects of this Agreement and as such are necessary and
material terms in the Order Hence, the City is required to seek entry by the Court of
8 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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the Order approving this Agreement substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A as
a condition precedent to the obligations of the POA under Section IV of this
Agreement
Accordingly, five days after payment by the POA's insurers to the City of One
Hundred Fifty Thousands Dollars ($150,000 00) on behalf of the POA pursuant to
Section V, the City shall file , and the POA through its respective counsel shall join
in, a mutually acceptable joint motion or other appropriate legal proceeding(s) as may
be necessary or appropriate to secure the Court's approval of this Agreement, the
contribution protection contemplated herein, and the dismissal of claims
contemplated herein
B Revised Application If Court Denies Motion If for any reason the
Court declines to approve the terms of this Agreement through entry of the Order, the
City shall seek direction and clarification from the Court concerning those aspects of
the motion, application, this Agreement, and/or Order it finds unacceptable The
Settling Parties then shall meet and confer, telephonically or in person within fifteen
(15) business days following such denial, to discuss the items found unacceptable by
the Court and attempt in good faith to agree upon amendments to this Agreement, the
motion or application to approve this Agreement, and/or the Order so as to make
them acceptable to the Court Promptly thereafter, if agreement is reached and as
provided herein, the City shall apply, and the POA shall join in the application for
approval of modifications to this Agreement and/or modified order from the Court
Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Settling Parties to modify or
submit a modified settlement agreement and/or order if, after negotiating in good
faith, they are unable to agree on mutually acceptable modifications Nothing in this
Agreement shall be read, interpreted or construed as requiring the POA to modify the
settlement amount it should pay to the City, the City's commitment to obtain an order
of dismissal or voluntarily dismiss the action with prejudice, and the City's duty to
defend and indemnify the POA once a dismissal is entered If the Settling Parties are
unable to agree to any modifications within said fifteen (15) business day period, the
9 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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City shall file a voluntary dismissal with prejudice of the Lawsuit in favor of the
•W
If the Settling Parties agree to modify either the motion, or application or this
Agreement, or Order, the City shall reapply for approval of a modified settlement
agreement and/or order from the Court within fifteen (15) business days after the
Settling Parties agree to the modifications If the Court declines to approve the
motion or application or a modified settlement agreement and/or order, the City shall
file a voluntary dismissal with prejudice of the Lawsuit in favor of the POA within
five (5) business days after the Court so declines
If the modified order and judgment is reversed on appeal, this Agreement does
not require either of the Settling Parties to pursue further modifications to this
Agreement and/or the Order and Judgment Further, nothing in this Agreement shall
require or preclude the City's defense of the Order and Judgment in the United States
Supreme Court
C Dismissal With Prejudice If Court Denies Application This
Agreement shall remain binding and in effect regardless of whether 1) the Court
declines to approve the terms of this Agreement and the Settling Parties cannot, in
good faith, agree on the terms of a modified motion, application, settlement
agreement and/or order, or 2) if the Settling Parties do agree to modify the motion,
application, settlement agreement and/or order and the Court declines to approve the
terms of a modified settlement agreement through entry of a modified order In such
an eventuality, the City shall dismiss with prejudice the Lawsuit against the POA and
all claims for relief filed by City against the POA as provided in Section VI B and
Section VII B
VIII INDEMNIFICATION
A City's Duty To Defend And Indemnify City agrees it shall, upon
entry of the Order contemplated in this Agreement or a voluntary dismissal with
prejudice of the Lawsuit in favor of the POA, whichever occurs first, indemnify,
protect, defend and hold harmless the POA from any and all claims under federal,
10 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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slate or other law asserted against the POA in the Laii<suit, or in any other proceeding
(whether in equity, law or administrative), including without limitation, claims for { i}
the recovery of costs incurred including any interest thereon, and/or costs to be
incurred in connection with preparing or implementing measures to clears up or abate
the Hazardous Substances at the Property, (2) damages ansing from or related to the
Hazardous Substances at the Property, (3) statutory and equitable contribution and
indemnification ansing from or related to the Hazardous Substances at the Property,
and (4) attorneys' fees and costs and expert costs and fees
B City Dutv to Defend and Indemnify Conditional Upon Cooperation
The City's duty to defend and indemnify the POA shall be governed by
Sections VI, VIII and IX The City shall defend the: POA with counsel selected from
the staff of the Office of the Huntington Beach City Attorney or other competent
counsel ("Designated Counsel"), to be chosen in the sole discretion of the City The
POA agrees that as long as the City shall defend, indemnify and hold the POA
harmless, the same counsel that represents the City may represent the POA in this
Lawsuit or other proceeding involving the Property and its alleged contamination
By separately initialing here, the POA waives any actual or potential conflict of
interest of its defense counsel, and acknowledges and agrees that there has been a full
disclosure and informed consent by all the Settling Parties within the meaning of
California State Bar Rule 3-310(B), (C) and (E) permitting dual representation of
clients and further permitting the representation of interests adverse to a client or
forrner client with the informed written consent of the client
Inakals of POA
The City's duty to defend and indemnify the POA shall be conditional upon the
POA's reasonable cooperation with and assistance to Designated Counsel as follows
1 In any proceeding where the City has a duty to defend and indemnify the
POA pursuant to Section VII1 A, or the City is proceeding against a
person or entity pursuant to Section VI E, the POA shall cooperate with
Designated Counsel in said proceeding by testifying at trial and
I SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
I submitting to a properly noticed oral deposition, providing declarations
2 necessary to the efficient prosecution of the proceeding and assisting in
3 responding to written discovery requests (Interrogatories, Requests for
4 Admission and Requests for Production) properly propounded upon the
5 POA The time expended by the POA in connection with attending the
6 deposition or assisting Designated Counsel in the preparation of
7 necessary declarations or responses to wi itten discovery shall not be
8 charged to the City or its Designated Counsel To the extent allowed by
9 law, Designated Counsel shall seek reimbursement of the POA's internal
10 costs and expenses, including costs associated with attending oral
1 1 depositions and assisting with and providing responses to written
12 discovery Notwithstanding the above, if a member of the POA who is
13 also a current City employee is called as a witness to testify on behalf of
14 the City, or is called to testify as to firearms activities at the Gun Range
15 unrelated to the POA's operation of the Range, then the City shall
compensate that employee as the City would for any other employee
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2 The POA shall cooperate with Designated Counsel in locating and
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identifying documents that relate to firearms training at the Property and
18 provide hard copies to Designated Counsel To the extent allowed by
19 law, Designated Counsel shall seek reimbursement of the POA's costs
20 and expenses from the person or entity, other than Designated Counsel,
21 requesting the documents To the extent possible, the hard copies will
22 be provided within 30 days after the request is received from Designated
23 Counsel
24 3 The POA may be requited, at its own cost, to expend funds in
25 performance of the obligations contained in this Subsection B, including
26 but not limited to personnel time and expense, incidental transportation,
27 parking, telephone, fax and mailing costs, which funds shall not be
28 reimbursed by the City
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IX APPEAL
A Reversal Of Order And Appeal If the Court approves this
Agreement through entry of the contemplated Order (including a modified version of
the Order) and the Order is appealed, the POA agrees to cooperate with the City in
defending the Order, at City's expense, through a final judgment in the Ninth Circuit
Court of Appeal Nothing in this Agreement shall require the POA to meet and
confer to modify or submit to the Court a modified settlement agreement and/or order
in the event of an appeal and/or reversal of the Order If an appeal is undertaken or
the Order is reversed on appeal, the City may dismiss with prejudice the Lawsuit
against the POA or, at its expense, pursue further court review The City's duty to
defend and indemnify the POA pursuant to Section VIII arises at the time of entry of
the Order (including a modified version of the Order) and continues thereafter,
regardless of whether any appeal or challenge to the Order is undertaken or whether
the Order is reversed on appeal
Nothing in this Settlement Agreement shall require or preclude the City's
defense of the Order in the United States Supreme Court
X CONTINUING JURISDICTION
The Settling Parties agree that the Court specifically retains jurisdiction over
the subject matter of this Action and the Settling Parties for the purpose of (1)
resolving any disputes arising under this Agreement, (2) issuing such further orders
or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to construe, implement, modify, or
enforce the terms of this Agreement, and/or the Order, and (3) for granting any
further relief as the interests of justice may require The Settling Parties further agree
that if there is a dispute over the terms of this Agreement or performance of the
obligations arising from this Agreement which the disputing Settling Parties cannot
resolve among themselves, such dispute shall be heard and resolved by the Court
XI ADDITIONAL TERMS
A Representations of Non-Assignment/Transfer The Settling Parties
represent and warrant that they have not assigned or otherwise transferred any claim,
1 j SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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cause of action, or other right which has been released in this Agreement The
Settling Parties agree to hold each other harmless, and to indemnify each other from
and against any claim made by any person or entity who purports to be the recipient
of an assignment or other transfer of any claim, cause of action or right by the
Settling Parties in connection with the Lawsuit or the incident which gave rise to the
Lawsuit
B Assumption of Risk It is understood and agreed by the Settling
Parties that the facts may hereafter turn out to be other than or different from the facts
now known to be or believed to be true The Settling Parties expressly assume the
risk of the facts turning out to be different than they now so appear, and that this
Agreement shall be, in all respects, effective and not subject to termination,
rescission, alteration, or other such action by reason of any such difference in facts
C Waiver of Section 1542 There is a risk that, after the execution of
this Agreement, the Property will manifest new damages, the scope, location, and/or
character of which is unknown and/or not discovered at the time this Agreement is
signed There is a risk that the damages of which City, the POA, and their attorneys
are presently aware, may become more serious, or otherwise increase in magnitude
(qualitatively and/or quantatively) The Settling Parties shall, and hereby do, assume
the above -mentioned risks The Release set forth in this Agreement is expressly
intended to cover and include all future damages, defects, and discoveries, including
all rights and causes of action arising in favor of one Settling Party against the other
regarding Hazardous Waste at the Property The Settling Parties are aware of the
provisions of California Civil Code section 1542, which provides
"A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO
CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT
KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR
HERFAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE
RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER
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MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR
HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR "
� The Settling Parties hereby expressly waive the provisions of Civil Code section 1542
� as to all matters within the scope of the claims released by this Agreement and
specified in Section VI C The Settling Parties hereby warrant and guarantee that
they have full and complete authority to release all such claims on behalf of
themselves, and their agents, representatives, heirs, assigns, and successors in
interest
D No Admission of Liability It is understood and agreed that this
Agreement is a compromise of disputed claims, and that the agreements made herein
are not to be construed as an admission of liability on the part of either Settling Party
against the other, and that the Settling Parties deny liability and intend merely to
avoid continued litigation, and that this Agreement is entered into solely by way of
compromise and settlement
E Settling Parties Bear Own Costs And Fees The Settling Parties
shall bear all attorney's fees and costs arising from the actions of their own counsel in
connection with the Lawsuit and Counterclaim through the preparation and execution
of this Agreement and entry of a dismissal, whether by Court order or voluntary
dismissal with prejudice of the Lawsuit and Counterclaim
F Notice All notices and other communications, and payments,
pertaining to this Settlement Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed
received when delivered personally, by overnight courier, or by facsimile to the
Settling Party or Settling Parties, as the case may be, at the following addresses (or
such other address for a Settling Party as shall be specified by that Settling Party in a
notice pursuant to this Section)
AS TO THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Huntington Beach City Clerk
City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street
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Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Fax (714) 374-1557
With Copy To
Scott F Field, Assistant City Attorney
City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street, P O Box 190
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Fax (714) 374-1590
AS TO THE HUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Kreg Muller, President
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association
P O Box 896
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
With Copy To
Jeffiey L Caufield, Esq
CAUFIELD & JAMES, LLP
2851 El Camino Del Rio South, Suite 250
San Diego, CA 92018
Fax (619) 325-0231
Greg Petersen
Castle, Petersen & Krause
4675 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250
Newport Beach, CA 92660
G Cooperation The Settling Parties agree to take such further acts or
execute any and all further documents that may be necessary or appropriate to make
this Settlement Agreement legally binding and to effectuate its purposes
H Settlement Agreement May be Executed in Counterparts This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such
counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, however, all such
counterparts shall comprise but one Agreement
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I Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the full and entire
agreement between the Settling Parties, and the Settling Parties acknowledge that
there is no other agreement, oral and/or written, between the Settling Parties hereto
relating to the Lawsuit and the Counterclaim, except for the settlement agreement of
the Coverage Action
J Authority to Enter Agreement Each person signing this Agreement
on behalf of one of the Settling Parties hereto acknowledges that he/she has the full
authority to bind said Party
K Final Agreement The Settling Parties acknowledge that this
Agreement and its reduction to final form is the result of good faith negotiations
between the Settling Parties, and that the Settling Parties have had the opportunity to
discuss this Agreement with counsel When signed, this Agreement is intended to be
the final Agreement between the Settling Parties regarding the subject matter hereof
L Interpretation of Agreement This Agreement is made and entered
into in the State of California, and shall be interpreted, enforced, and governed by and
under the laws of the State of California If it becomes necessary to interpret any of
the provisions of this Agi eement, it shall be assumed that the Agreement was jointly
drafted by the Parties
M Modifications This Agreement may be amended or modified only by
a writing signed by all Parties to the Agreement
N No Inducement The Settling Parties warrant that no promise or
inducement has been made or offered by the Settling Parties other than those set forth
herein, and that this Agreement is not executed in reliance upon any statement or
representation of any such Settling Parties, or their representatives The Settling
Parties further represent that they have been represented by legal counsel during the
course of the negotiations leading to the signing of this Settlement Agreement, and
that they have been advised by legal counsel with respect to the meaning of this
Agreement and its legal effect
17 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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Dated aVEM,g , 2006
Dated / 2006
Dated kPvt"[v /, 2006
Dated
Dated .2006
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH,
Plaintiff
By
Mayor
Attest
qByJoanYlynn
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
B
Y A;�
SCOTT F FIELD, Assistant City Attorney
HUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION
Defendant and Counterclaimant
By KREG MULLER, President
APPROVED AS TO FORM
BY
JEFFREY L CAUFIELD, ESQ
18 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
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Dated 2006
0
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH,
Plaintiff
By A, `
Mayor
Attest
Dated 2006
By oan ynn
rty Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Dated A/Ovt*f kep- /, 2006 By
SCOTT F FIELD, Assistant City Attorney
Dated Df G cm Btu 18, 2006
HUNT ON BEACH POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION
Defendant and Counterclaimant
By KREG MULLER, President
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Dated , 2006 r
BY -
JEFFREY L CAUFIELD, ESQ
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EXHIBIT A
JENNIFER MCGRATH, City Attorney (Bar No CA 179917)
SCOTT F FIELD, Assistant City Attorney (Bar No CA 105 09)
Box 190, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
Telephone (714) 536-5555
Facsimile (714) 374-1590
E-mail sfield@surfcity-hb org
HAL D GOLDFLAM, ESQ (Bar No 179689)
FRANDZEL ROBINS BLOOM & CSATO, L C
6500 Wilshire Boulevard, 17th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90048-4920
Telephone (323) 852-1000
Facsimile (323)) 651-2577
E-mail hgolldflam@frandzel coin
Attorneys for Plaintiff
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, a
municipal corporation of the State of
California and charter city duly created
and existing under the laws of the State
of California,
Plaintiff,
vs
HUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, a
California mutual benefit corporation,
et al ,
Defendants
And Related Claims and Third Party
Complaints
CASE NO SACV 01-1125 JVS (ANx)
[PROPOSED] ORDER AND
JUDGMENT
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ORDER AND JUDGMENT
THE COURT HAS CONSIDERED THE FOREGOING settlement
agreement by and between Plaintiff, City of Huntington Beach ("City") and
Defendant and Counterclaimant, Huntington Beach Police Officers Association (the
"POA") ("Agreement") Upon consideration of the Agreement and the Motion to
Approve the Agreement, the pleadings on file herein, and the arguments of counsel,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED, as follows
1 The Motion to Approve the Agreement By and Between Plaintiff, City
and Defendant, the POA is granted in its entirety
2 The Agreement previously filed with the Court in this Lawsuit
consistent with the Agreement is approved and adopted as the Judgment of this Court
resolving this Lawsuit as between the City and the POA The Court finds and
decrees that there is no just reason for delay and accordingly directs the Clerk of the
Court to enter this Order and Judgment as the Judgment of this Court
3 The Agreement is fair and reasonable, both procedurally and
substantively, and was and is made in good faith, pursuant to all relevant federal and
state law including without limitation California Code of Civil Procedure section 877
and 877 6, 42 U S C § 9613, and federal common law
4 The Agreement is in the public interest in that it avoids further
expenditure of government funds on protracted litigation and makes funding
available to resolve alleged environmental contamination at 18211 Gothard Street,
Huntington Beach ("the Property") that is the subject of this Lawsuit captioned as
City of Huntington Beach vs Huntington Beach Police Officers Association, United
States District Court, Case No SACV 01-1125 JVS (ANX) (the "Action")
5 Pursuant to federal and state law, including but not limited to California
Code Civil Procedure sections 877 and 877 6, 42 U S C § 9613, and federal common
law, the POA is entitled to protection from, and is protected from any and all claims
under federal, state or other law asserted against the POA in the Lawsuit, or in any
other proceeding (whether in equity, law or administrative), including, without
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limitation, claims for (1) the recovery of costs incurred including any interest thereon,
and/or costs to be incurred in connection with preparing or implementing measures to
clean up or abate Hazardous Substances (as that term is defined in the Settlement
Agreement) at the Property, (2) damages arising from or related to Hazardous
Substances at the Property, (3) statutory and equitable contribution and
indemnification arising from or related to Hazardous Substances at the Property, and
(4) attorneys' fees and costs and expert costs and fees
6 As set forth in the Agreement, all claims, cross -claims for relief asserted
against the POA by the City in this Lawsuit are hereby dismissed with prejudice All
claims asserted against the City by the POA, and all claims asserted by the POA
against any other defendants that may have settled pursuant to a comparable
settlement agreement, are also hereby dismissed with prejudice
7 All claims, cross -claims, counterclaims, or third party claims which have
been, or could have been, asserted by any person or entity against the POA in this
Action, including all claims described at paragraph 5 above, are hereby barred
8 The Court shall retain jurisdiction over the Settling Parties and
jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Action for purposes of enforcing the
Settlement Agreement, and this Order and Judgment of Dismissal
9 Except as otherwise provided herein, each Settling Party shall bear its
own litigation costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees Upon entry of the Order
and Judgment of Dismissal, the City shall have the duty to defend and indemnify the
POA pursuant to the terms of the Agreement
Dated
IT IS SO ORDERED AND JUDGMENT IS SO ENTERED
United States District Court Judge
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limitation, claims for (1) the recovery of costs incurred including any interest thereon,
and/or costs to be incurred in connection with preparing or implementing measures to
clean up or abate Hazardous Substances (as that term is defined in the Settlement
Agreement) at the Property, (2) damages arising from or related to Hazardous
Substances at the Property, (3) statutory and equitable contribution and
indemnification arising from or related to Hazardous Substances at the Property, and
(4) attorneys' fees and costs and expert costs and fees
6 As set forth in the Agreement, all claims, cross -claims for relief asserted
against the POA by the City in this Lawsuit are hereby dismissed with prejudice All
claims asserted against the City by the POA, and all claims asserted by the POA
against any other defendants that may have settled pursuant to a comparable
settlement agreement, are also hereby dismissed with prejudice
7 All claims, cross -claims, counterclaims, or third party claims which have
been, or could have been, asserted by any person or entity against the POA in this
Action, including all claims described at paragraph 5 above, are hereby barred
8 The Court shall retain jurisdiction over the Settling Parties and
jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Action for purposes of enforcing the
Settlement Agreement, and this Order and Judgment of Dismissal
9 Except as otherwise provided herein, each Settling Party shall bear its
own litigation costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees Upon entry of the Order
and Judgment of Dismissal, the City shall have the duty to defend and indemnify the
POA pursuant to the terms of the Agreement
Dated
IT IS SO ORDERED AND JUDGMENT IS SO ENTERED
United States District Court Judge
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