ORDINANCENO.

/ OT /
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONALSERVICES AGREEMENT WTIH
SAWKO & BURROUGHS,LLP, FOR PROFESSIONALSERVICES RELATED TO
COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT TAXES ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF DENTON;
AUTHORZING THE DGENDITURE OF FUNDS THEREFOR: AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTTVEDATE.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1: That the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute a

ProfessionalServicesAgreementwith Sawko& Burroughs,LLP, in substantiallythe form
attachedand incorporatedhereinby reference.

SECTION2: That the expenditure of funds as provided in the attached

ProfessionalServicesAgreementis herebyauthorized.

SECTION3: That this ordinanceshall becomeeffective immediatelyupon its

passageand approval.
zf .-'
IASSEDANDAppRovEDthisn" I I U auvot ()/ 't
7-(. ,200s.
U

EULINE BROCK, MAYOR

ATTEST:
JENNIFERWALTERS, CITY SECRETARY

EDWIN S\ItsDER,

S:\Our Documns\Ordinanc6\05\dclinqust tq collection ordinance.doc

 THE STATE OF TEXAS
$
co.-rNryoFDENT'N
i
THIS CONTRACTis madean$eltered
into by andbetweenthe city of Denton,
McKinnev'Denton,]exas 76201(hereinafter, 2r5 East
"ciiv;i:"r11 ilJd throughits goveming
illk?ti#ir::J"t[:,f"il,|: & Bunough,-i'1.p, llefi;
rroonar*oiu.,suite
r00,
Denton,
1. EMPLOYI{ENTOF FIRM
CITY agreesto employ,*-{-1:11,here!v
elnploy,FIRM as an independent
conractor.
bv'rit orotherwise,
rt.'.oir.rtion
ofauJ"u'qu.nt
taxes,
ffirYr3:J:,tJ*ro::t3rffi'.t, penarties,
A' FIRM shallinitiatecollection.ol.:*..rt
andshallinitiatecollectionon subsequent gd nriol yeardelinquencies asof July l, 2005,
delinquencies is oreact rrur"ir.", July lr, anniversary.
B' with respectto delinquentpersonalproperty
initiatecollectionon March t" oi*r-e year taxesonly, FIRM shallhavethe
in wHcrrthey becomedelinquent;however, optionto
not owe FIRM a fee on currentyeardelinq; cITy shall
p;;;;;;roperry taxesconectedbetweenMarch r,r
andJune30ft,unressattorneyfels arecollected
i*;;; io t.*. prop.Tax code g33.4g.
c' FIRM shallperformall thoseservices
datedApril 12' 2005 (Exhibit A), the setforth in cjll', Requestfor proposals
(,,RFp,,;
addendumaateJApril 28, 2005 (Exhibit
B) and FIRM,s
;:Hi'i,i'rffi-Ht-:|}.fo*J,j?,1fl: cj,*r'ra*. unu.h.dr,.,.,o
@xhitil andmade
a part
thiscontractcontroloverthetermsandconditions
in the.*",Tt"':ffiof of theattached
exhibirs,

FIRM herebyagreesto performthese

serviceswith diligenceand in accordance
highestprofessionalstandards
.urto,n*ilv urro.iut.J*itr, ,rr.r, services with the
in the Stateof Texas.
2. PROYISION OF INFORMATION

CITY agreesto furnish its delinquent

tax informationto FIRM on all property
boundariesof GITY, including ,r*",- within the
-> identity,
'-v't't'J ) r"."ti""
rvv.Lr.-' of necessaryparties, and properfy
descriptions.

3. II\TVESTIGATIONAND ASSISTANCE

FIRM agreesto investigatethe address.

wheresuchinformationmay u". in"orr".l:13: of eachtaxpayer,and the locationof the property,
attentionof the appropriatetax official aerirrquent
tax record. FIRM shallbring to the
of cITy ;t;;;;, doubleurr"r"*"rr,r, discrepancies,
#;ffi FrRM
ffiffi::":,Ti:,"f*:J,l'#",?ffi3:#g;y tuil;6;;stoprovide
crry
or

Paee I
 4. COLLECTION

Upon initia-lreceiptof computerreadabledelinquenttax records,FIRM agrees

to initiate
collectionof the full amountduefrom eachtaxpayer.Within a reasonabletime frame,but not more
than 60 daysfrom FIRM'sreceiptof the delinquenttax records,FIRM hereby
agreesto send,by
first classmail, a notice of delinquencyto eachand every delinquenttaxpayer,
requestingsaid
taxpayerto remitthefrrll amountdueandowingto CITY, exceptin caseswhere
the taxeshavebeen
defenedor madethe basisof a lawsuitagainsithe DentonCountyAppraisal
District to determine
value.

5. REVIEWAND AUTHORIZATION TO SUE

Following transmittalof the notice of delinquencyas specified

above, FIRM will
aggressivelypursuecollection,in anticipationof litigation. CITY ,hull
hurr. absolutediscretion
over the decisionto file suit. Transmittaiof the delirquenttax information
from CITy to FIRM
shallconstituteauthorizatsonto file suit, following the mailing of the initial noticeof delinquency.
upon written notice,CITY may,atanytime, withdrawauthorization to file suit. cITy may at any
time withdraw authorizationto forecloseand sell the properfy,and
said withdrawalshall be in
writing.

6. LITIGATION RESPONSIBILITIES

A' FIRM agreesto commence litigation,prosecute,

andreduceto judgmentall delinquent
accounts,includingall pendinglawsuitsthat FIRM deemsto wanant,
oiupon which CITy has
specificallyrequested actionin writing. Eachsuit filed shallseek: perso.rJ';uagrrrent
individualtaxpayerfor all taxesuponwhich the taxpayercanbe heldpersonally againstthe
liable;penaltyand
interest;foreclosureof any tax lien wh]ch rnuy ."irt by operationof
lu*; any ano all court costs
incurredin prosecutingthe lawsuit;and any collectionfeesor attomey
feeswhich the taxpayeris
obligatedto pay. FIRM shallperformlitigationresponsibilities andprltect cliy's legalremedies,
includingappeals,preparation of any documents.equired,postjudgmentactivities,and any
actionsnecessary other
in orderto collectthe delinquenttaxes.

B' FIRM will assumethe representation of CITY in all lawsuits,including all pending
lawsuits,involving the collectionof dlHnquenttaxesand enforcement
of tax liens, including,but
not limited to bankruptcylitigation,claimq and actionsrequired
to be filed *tr federalagencies
suchas FDIC, FSLIC and RTC, interventionsin suitsfiled on
behalf of any other taxing 'nits,
current suits, and any other suit or litigation which may involve
or relate to the collection of
delinquenttaxes' FIRM will inform clry of any cor:nterclaims
or cross-actions filed against
CITY.

C' Upon request'FIRM agreesto provide legal adviceand assistance

to CITy in the
acquisitionof properryfor publicpqposeuse,pursuantto theproperty
Tax code.

7. TAXPAYER SERVICES

In additionto litigation,FIRM fu.99t agreesto providetaxpayer

servicewithoutcharge.As
such,FIRM agrees:(1) to provideCITY legal adviceand wdfte;
opinionsregardingtax matters
uponrequest;(2) to respondto taxpayerinquiriesandto advise
cny, i" *riti"g; and(3) makeany
recornmendations conceminginstalimentpaymentagreements andsettlementaleementsproposed
by the taxpayer' CITY shallhavefinal determination in acceptanceof all instJimentpaymentsor
Page2
 settlementagreements within parameters established,
by CITY. FIRM shallhavediscretionto enter
into installmentagreements,subjectto CITY's prerogativeof final determination.In all demand
lettersand all communicationswith taxpayers,FIRM itutt infot- andinstructthe taxpayerto remit
paymentto CITY. If remittanceis receivedby FIRM, it must be transmitted
in its to CITy
and receivedfor processingby I l:30 a.m.,the following businessday. Checks""ttt-fy
madepayableto
FIRM shall be endorsedby FIRM to CITY. No che&, cash,or *orr"y order
for paymentof
delinquenttaxesshallbedeposited in anyFIRM account.

8. PROGRESSREPORTS

FIRM agrcesto make delinquenttax collectionprogressreportsto CITy

monthly and
quarterly,in a formatcontaininginformationrequestedUy ittV's Assistant
City Managerfor Fiscal
andMunicipalServices.progressreportsmay include,withoutlimitation:

a- Number and type of communication with delinquenr tilxpayers;

b. Summary of all delinquent accountscollected;
Numberof suitsfiled;
Detailedlist of suitsfiled;
Numberof judgmentsrendered;
Detailedlist ofjudgmentsrendered;
Numberof warrantsissued/served;
Detailedlist of bankruptciesandstatusof thoseproperties;
Numberof propertiessubmittedto courtsfor auction;
Detailedlist of propertiessubmittedto courtsfor auciion,with datesubmitted
and
mostrecentstatus;
k. Numberof propertiessold; and
l' Detailedlist of propertiessold or revertingto taxing entity becauseof
non-sale.
Within parametersestablished
at the initiationof the collectionprogram,FIRM shalladvise
CITY of anycasein whichFIRM'sinvestigationhasreveared thatthetaxpalrercannotbe found,the
enforcementof the tax lien cannotbe accomplished, or furtherattempts'uit*collection would be
futile, and shallprovideFIRM'srecommendation regardingthe prop., dispositionof the case. In
suchcases,CITY shalladviseFIRM asto the appropiatedispositionof the
account.

9. COMPENSATION

A' As compensation for the servicesrenderedhereunderby FIRM, CITY herebyagreesto

pay FIRM 20Yoof thetotal amountof all delinquenttaxes,penalties;
and interestfor the tax years
3coveiedby this contract,as authoriz"{ly Tex. Prop.Tax Code
forth aboveshallbecomethe propertyo{Einrvr at thejime paymeniof $6.30(c). All compensation set
taxes,penalties,andinterest
arereceivedby CITY. The 20o/ocollectionfee wili only be paid on taxes
*ru"rr remaindelinquent
full I't of the yearon which theybecame delinquent,
pursuantto Tex. prop. Tax Code
fg $33.07.
Saidcollectionfeewill only be paidto FIRM afteriihas blen receivedby
cIry from taxpayer,or
from forcedsales.FIRM shallnot be entitledto the aforesaid20oZunless
anduntil FIRM hastaken
some action in cormectionwith recoveringdelinquenttaxes. The
transmittalof a notice of
delinquencyshallconstitutesufficientactionin ordeito entitle FIRM
to the aforementioned fee. As
compensation for the servicesrenderedhereunderby FIRM for the collectionof taxes
which arenot
eligible for the additionalpenaltyauthorizedby Tex. Prop.Tax Code
has been filed, the compensation $33.07,anduponwhich suit
shall be reasonableattorneyfees approvedby the court, not
exceedingl'Yo of the total amountof taxes,penalties,and interest
aue cny. [n no eventsha]l
FIRM be entitledto anyfee,unlessanduntil iny actuallycollects
the delinquenttaxes,penalties,
Page3
 lnterest'courtcosts,collectioncosts,or attorneyfeesfrom the taxpayer,
or from the proceedsof a
forcedsaleor foreclosure-ln no eventshallFIRM be entitledto any
e", .rnr.r, saidfeeis collected
by GITY during the term of this contract,or fee is collectedby CITy
on accountsupon which
FIRM is attomeyof recordat the time ofjudgment. CITY shallpay
saidfeesto FIRM monthlyby
check.No interestshallaccrueon anylatepayment.

B' The compensation setforth in paragraphs 9, 10,and 13of this Contractshallbe the total
compensation duefrom CITY to FIRM for all servicesprovidedprnsuantto this
Contract,andin no
eventshallFIRM seekanyadditionalcompensation from cITy.

rO. COLLECTION OF OTITER DELINQUENT ACCOUITTS

FIRM shall,up-onwritten requestof City, undertakethe collection

of delinquentaccounts
for pavingassessment liens,substandard housingdemolitionliens,andweedliens. The collection
of theseaccountsshallbe undertaken on thebasiJofauomeyfeesassessed to andcollectedfrom the
debtors' CITY agreesto pay FIRM, as compensation, ali amounts,e"eiuJ as attomeyfees on
delinquentaccountsfor paving assessment liens, substandardhousingdemolitionliens,and weed
lienswhich arecollectedasa resultof FIRM'scoilectioneffortsdrtidth;il
of this contract.
1T. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

FIRM agreesnot to representany client who has an adversary

positionwith the city of
Dentonor engagein anyconJlictof interest,andagreesto comply
fuly #th the TexasDisciplinary
Rules of Professionalconduct (SubtitleG - Teias Government
code) for the dwation of this
Contract.

12. TERM

This Contractshall havea term of threeyears,beginni-ng

on July r, 2005,and endingon
June30, 2008' This contract may be extendedfor two'additional
one-yearterms,upon cITy
giving written noticeto FIRM of its desireto continue
this contractat least30 daysprior to the
expirationof the initial three-yearterm. This contractshall continue
in full forceand effectfrom
monthto monthat the optionof GITY, unlesseitherpafty delivers
writtennoticeto the otherparry
of its intent to terminatethis contract at least30 daysprilr to
the dateof the intendedtermination.
FIRM shalihavean additionalsix monthsto reduceioluagm.nt
andsalea1ltax collectionlawsuits
filed and collect all bankruptcyclaims filed prior to trr". termination
date, and shall have the
exclusiveright to compensation of fees earneddue to thesesuits during this six month period.
CITY shallhavethe right to soonerterminatethis contractby giving
30 dals,*rin.r, noticeof such
intention,or in the event of any of the eventstaking place
under section 33 ..Terminationof
Agreement"of this contract. ln caseof sucht.t-inuion, FIRM
shall be entitledto receiveand
retain all compensationdue up to the date of said termination.
upon termination,FIRM shall
immediatelydeliverall firesin their entiretyto cITy at no cost
to cITy.

13. ATTORNEY FEES

' In eminentdomain and otherjudicial proceedings,FIRM will

be entitledto only those
attomeyfeesawardedby the court,andthenonly if coll..La
uy cITy. rn bankruptcyproceedings,
FIRM shallbe entitledto a fee of 2a%of the tax,penalties,
andinterestactuallycollectedby cITy.
FIRM agreesto file and diligently pursueall propertytax claims "crrv
on behalfof in bankruptcy,
eminentdomain,andotherjudicialor administrative proceedings, whetherfederalor statein nature.

Page4
 14. TAX WARRANTS

Upon requestandauthorizaionofCITY, FIRM shallprepareandpursuetheissuanceof tax

warrants. FIRM shall thencoordinatethe seizureof personalproperty,pursuantto warrant. FIRM
shallaccompanythe Tax Collectorto the locationof thepersonalpr"p"inywhich is to be seizedto
insurethat all necessary
procedureshavebeenfollowed.

15. SETTLEMENTS

No settlementsor compromisesof taxes,penalties,or interestshall be effectedwhere

prohibited by law, and only upon approval by CITY where authorizedby law. If a taxpayer
requestedwaiveris upheldasprovidedby Tex. Prop.Tax Code$33.011,FIRM will bearthe costs
of suitif it failedto notify thetaxpayerof thedelinquency
prior to filing of the suit.

16. NOTICE

Any notice or otherwritten instrumentrequiredor permittedto be deliveredpursuantto the

termsof this Contractshallbe deemedto havebeendelivered,whetheractuallyreceivedor
not,
when depositedin the United Statesmail, postageprepaid,registeredor certided,retum ,eceipi
requested,
addressedto CITY or FIRM, asthe casemaybe,at thefollowing addresses:

CITY FIRM

City of Denton,Texas Sawko& Buroughs,L.L.P.

ATTN: AssistantCity Manager ATTN: GregoryJ.Sawko&
215E. McKinney Mark A.Bunoughs
Denton,Texas76201 1100DallasDrive,Suite100
Denton,Texas76205

Either party may changeits mailing addressby sendingnoticeof changeof addressto

the
otherat the aboveaddress by certifiedmail, retumreceiptrequested.

17. COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS

FIRM agreesto collect,betweenJuly 1,2005 andJune30, 2006,not less than 60oh

of the
total dollar valueof the adjustedbasetax of the 2004delinquency existingon July 1,2005,and
not less than 30o/oof the aggregatedelinquenttax roll each12 months.pinVf ugi"., to
coilect,
betweenJuly 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007,not less than 60%o of the total dollar value of the
adjustedbasetax of the2005delinquencyexistingon July 1,2006,andnot lessthan
30% of the
aggregatedelinquenttax roll each72 months. FIRM agreesto collect,betweenJuly l,
2007 and
June30, 2008,not lessthan600/o of the total dollar uulu. of the adjustedbasetax of the 2006
delinquencyexistingon July 1,2007,andnot lessthan30% of the aggregate delinquenttax roll
each12 months. Furthermore,should CITY invoke the option to extenl this Contract
beyond
June 30, 2008, as prescribedin- Section i2, FIRM agreesto colleet,between
Jult 1;i;;
subsequentJune 30tneachyear the contractis extended,not lessthan 60% ofthe total
dollar
adjustedbasetax from the most recenttax year of the deiinquencyexistingon July
Y*tT:1|h.
l"'of eachrespectiveyear,and not lessthan3}Yoof the aggregate delinquenttax roll each12
months- If FIRM doesnot collectthe abovereferencedamounteachyear,lt rfr* provide
CITy
with legal services,programmingand computerservices,or datapro""rrirrg equipment
with a
valuenot lessthanten thousanddollars($10,000.00),or, at the option of Ctiy, efiffr4
shallpay
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 CITY the sum of ten thousanddollars($10,000.00)
on or beforeAugust151h
of the yearit fails
to collectthe minimum amountspecifiedherein.

18. VENUE

The terms,obligations,and requirementsof this Contractshall be construedin accordance

with the laws of the Stateof Texas. The obligationsand requirements of the partiesheretoare
performablein DentonCounty,Texas. Any litigationinvolving this Contractshall be tried in a
courtof competentjurisdictionsittingin DentonCounty,Texas.

19. ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT

In considerationof the terms,covenants,andmutual agreements

hereinabovestated,FIRM
herebyacceptsthe employmentof CITY, andundertakes the performance
of this Contractasabove
stated.

20. DIRECTIVES

All directivesbetweenFIRM andGITY shallbeconfirmedin writing.

21. COVENANT NOT TO ST]E

FIRM furtheragreesnot to bring anycauseof actionagainstCITY relativeto this Contract.

ShouldFIRM bring any causeof actionagainstCITY, FIRM agreesthe liquidateddamagesshall
not exceed$ 1'00, andthe filing of suchcauseof actionshallbeconsidered
a materialbreachof this
Contract.

22. AMBIGUITY

Any ambiguitywithin this Contractshalibe liberally interpretedin favor of CITY.

23. ASSIGNMENT

The rights and responsibilitiesof CITY underthi's Contractmay be assignedby the City
Council to another governmentalunit in Denton County without approval of FIRM. It i;
understoodandagreedthat this is a professional
servicescontract,and CITY is contractingfor the
unique servicesof FIRM. FIRM's rights and responsibilities under this Contractmay not be
assignedby FIRM to another law firm or collection agency without written approval oF tfr"
assignmentby the City Council.

24. INDEMIilTY AGREEMENT

FIRM shall indemnifli, save, and hold harmlessCITY and its officers, agents,and
employeesfrom and againstany andall liability, claims,demands,damages, losses,*d
"*p"rrr"r,
including, but not limited to court costs and reasonableattorney fees incurred by CITy, *d
including, without limitation, damagesfor bodily and personalinjury, deathandproperrydamage,
resultingfrom the negligentacts or omissionsof FIRM or its officers,shareholders, agents,-or
employeesin the execution,operation,or performanceof this contract.

Nothing in this Contractshallbe construedto createa liability to anypersonwho is not a

partyto this Contract.Nothinghereinshallwaiveanyof theparties'defenses, bothat law or equity,
Page6
 to any claim,causeof action,or litigationfiled by anyonenot a partyto this Contract,includingthe
defenseof govemmentalimmunity,which defensesareherebyexpresslyreserved.

25. INSI]RANCE

During the performanceof the servicesunder this Contract, FIRM shall maintain the
following types of insurance,meeting the minimum dollar requirementsstatedbelow, with an
insurancecompanylicensedto do business in the Stateof Texasby the StatelnsuranceCommission
(or its successor),
havinga BestRateCarriersratingof A- or above:

Professional
liability insurancewith limits of not lessthan $100,000.00
per occurrenceand
$300,000annualaggregate.

Automobile and Comprehensive GeneralLiability insurancewith bodily injury limits of

not less than $1,000,000for each personand aggregateof $2,000,000.00and with
propertydamagelimits of not lessthan$50,000per accident.

FIRM shall furnish insurancecertificatesor insurancepolicies at CITY's request to

evidencesuchcoverages.The Automobileand GeneralLiability insurancepolicies shall name
CITY as an additionalinsured,to the extentlegallypossible.All suchpoliciesof insuranceshall
not be canceledor modified without 30 daysprior written noticeto CITY and FIRM. In such
event, FIRM shall, prior to the effective date of the changeor cancellation,serve substitute
policiesfurnishingthe samecoverage.

26. ARBITRATION AND ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The partiesmay agreeto settleanydispulesunderthis Contractby submittingthe disputeto

arbitrationor other meansof altematedisputeresolution,suchas mediation. No arbitraiion or
alternate dispute resolution arising out of or relating to this Contract, involving one party's
disagreement, fldY includethe otherparly to the disagreementwithout the other'sapproval.

27. ENTIRE AGRJEMENT

This Contract,consistin g of 12 pageband two exhibits,constitutesthe completeand final

expressionof the agreementof theparties,andis intendedasa completeandexclusivestatementof
thetermsoftheir agreements. This Contractsupersedes all prior contemporaneousoffers,promises,
representations,
negotiations,
discussions, communications, and agreements which may have been
madein connectionwith the subiectmatterhereof.

28. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

FIRM shallcomplywith all federal,state,andlocal laws,rules,regulations,andordinances

applicableto thework coveredhereunder
astheymaynow reador hereinafterbe amended.

29. DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED

In performing the servicesrequiredhereunder,FIRM shall not discriminateagainst any

personon the basis of race, color, religion, sex, nationalorigin or ancestry,dge,or physical
handicap.

30. PERSONNELAND EQUIPMENT

Page 7
 A. FIRM representsthat it has or will secure,at its own expense,ali personnelrequired to
perform all the servicesrequiredunder this Contract. Such personnelshall not be
employeesor officers of, or haveany contractualrelationswith, CITY. FIRM shall inform
CITY of any conflict of interestor potential conflict of interestthat may arise during the
term ofthis Contract.

B. All servicesrequiredhereunderwill be performedby FIRM, or underits supervision.All

personnelengagedin work shallbe qualified,and shallbe authorizedandpermittedunder
stateandlocallawsto performsuchservices.

C. FIRM representsthat it has or will secure,at its own expense,the hardware,software,and

otherresowcesrequiredto perform,all the servicesrequiredunderthe termsof this contract
in a timely manner.

3I. ASSIGNABILITY

FIRM shall not assignany interestin this Contract,and shall not transferany interestin this
Contract(whetherby assignment, novation,or otherwise)without the prior written consentof
CITY.

32. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

A. Notwithstandingany otherprovision of this Contract,eitherparry may terminateby giving

30 daysadvancewrittennoticeto theotherparty.

B. This Contract may be terminated, in whole or in part, in the event of either party
substantially
failingto fuIfill its obligationsunderthis Contract.No suchterminationwill be
effectiveun]essthe otherparty is given: (1) written notice, deliveredby certified mail,
retum receipt requested,of intent to terminate,setting forth the reasons,specifying the
nonperformance, and giving the other parly not less than 30 calendardaysto cure the
failure; and (2) an opportunity for consultation with the terminating party prior to
termination

C. If the Contractis terminatedprior to completionof the servicesto be providedheregnder,

FIRM shallimmediatelyceaseall servicesandshallrendera final bill for servicesto CITy
within 30 daysafterthe dateof termination.CITY shallpay FIRM for all servicesproperly
rendered and satisfactorily performed, and for reimbursable expensesto termination
incurredprior to the date of termination,in accordance with Article 9 "Compensation".
ShouldCITY subsequentlycontractwith a new consultantfor the continuationof services
outlined in this Contract,FIRM shall cooperatein providing information. FIRM shall tum
over all documentspreparedor fumishedby FIRM, pursuantto this Contract,to CITy on or
beforethe dateof termination,but may maintaincopiesof suchdocumentsfor its use.

33. MODIFICATION

No waiver or modification of this Contract, or of any covenant, condition, or limitation

herein contained shall be valid, unless in writing and duly executed by the party to be charged
therewith. No evidenceof any waiver or modification shall be offered or received in evidence in
any proceeding arising between the parties hereto, out of, or affecting this Contract, or the rights or
obligations of the parties hereunder,unless such waiver or modification is in writing *i arriy

Paee8
executed.Thepartiesfurtheragreethat the provisionsof this sectionwill not be waivedunlessas
hereinsetforth.

34. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

FIRM shall provide servicesto CITY as an independentcontractor,not as an employee of

CITY. FIRM shall not have or claim any right arising from employee status.

35. MISCELLANEOUS

A. The following exhibits are attachedto and made a part of this Contract: Exhibit rrArt-
Requestfor Proposals;Exhibit t'B't- Addendum,Exhibit C - FIRM'sproposal.

B. FIRM agreesthat CITY shall, until the expirationof three years after the final payment
under this Contract,have accessto and the right to examineany directly pertinentbooks,
documents,papers,and recordsof FIRM involving transactionsrelatingto this Contract.
FIRM agreesthat CITY shall have access,dwing normal working hours,to all necessary
FIRM facilities, and shali be providedadequateand appropriateworking spacein order to
conductauditsin compliancewith this section.CITY shall give FIRM reasonable advance
noticeof intendedaudits.

C. For the purposeof this Contract,the key personswho will perform most of this work
hereundershall be GregoryJ. Sawkoand Mark A. Burroughs.However,nothing herein
shall limit FIRM from using other qualified and competentmembersof its firm to perform
the servicesrequiredherein.

D. FIRM shall commence,cary on, and completeany and all projectswith all applicable
dispatch,in a sorurd,economical,efficientmanner,and in accordance with the provisions
hereof. In accomplishingthe serviceshereunder,FIRM shall take such steps ursare
appropriateto ensurethat the work involvedis properlycoordinatedwith relatedwork being
carriedon by CITY.

E. CITY shallassistFIRM by placingat FIRM'sdisposalall availableinformationpertinentto

the servicesoutlinedin this Contract,includingpreviousreportsandany otherdatarelative
to the servicesoutlinedin this Contract,and arrangingfor the accessthereto. CITY shall
makeall provisionsfor FIRM to enterin or uponpublic andprivatepropertyasrequiredfor
FIRM to performservicesunderthis Contract.

36. TIME OF THE ESSENCE

Time is ofthe essence

with respectto all matterscoveredby this Contract.

37. CAPTIONS

The captionsappearingat the first of eachnumberedsection are insertedand included solely

for convenience,and shall neverbe consideredor given any effect in construingthis Contract.

This Contractis executedon behalf of CITY by the presiding officer of its goveming body
who is authorized to execute this instrument by order heretofore passed and duly recorded in its
minutes and by a partner of FIRM who, by execution of this Contract, representsand warrants that
he or she has the authonty to execute this document on behalf ofFIRM.

Page9
 4.h
of all partiesheretointriplicateoriginalsthisthe A /4
-.- WITNESSthesignature dayof
{-}tt .ZiOS,Denton County,Texas.
{
CITY OF DENTON. TEXAS

MICHAEL A. CONDUFF
CITY MANAGER

ATTEST:
JENNIFERWALTERS.CITY SECRETARY

APPROVEDAS TO LEGAL FORM:

EDWIN SNTDER. INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY

SAWKO & BURROUGHS,L.L.P.

GREGORY J. SAWKO

Pagel0