HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06172014 - C.64RECOMMENDATION(S):
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute a contract with
Crowe Horwath, which includes modified indemnification language, in an amount not to exceed $200,000, to provide
technical assistance services for the County's solid waste and recycling collection franchises for the period July 1,
2014 through June 30, 2017.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No impact to the County General Fund. The cost for these retainer contract services will be paid for with solid waste
and recycling franchise fee revenue.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Conservation and Development is responsible for administering the County’s four existing solid
waste and recycling collection franchise agreements, which involves detailed rate reviews and other periodic
activities that require technical assistance from persons with specialized expertise.
The County has entered into prior retainer contracts with Crowe Horwath (previously NewPoint Group) in order to
facilitate timely engagement of solid waste collection rate setting services as needed. For over fifteen years, the
Department has worked with the same Project Manager who has gained comprehensive County franchise specific
knowledge and experience as a result of the rate setting assistance provided. Their historical background and in-depth
understanding offer substantial value that benefits both the County and our ratepayers.
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 06/17/2014 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Deidra Dingman (925)
674-7203
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: June 17, 2014
David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Chris Heck, Deputy
cc:
C. 64
To:Board of Supervisors
From:Catherine Kutsuris, Conservation and Development Director
Date:June 17, 2014
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Agreement with Crowe Horwath, LLP for services related to solid waste and recycling collection franchises and rate
setting
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
The proposed retainer contract with Crowe Horwath will provide Department staff with financial, technical and
professional consulting services needed to conduct analysis and studies related to the County's collection franchise
agreements. Under this contract, Crowe Horwath would be on retainer to provide specialized consulting services on
an as-needed basis at the direction of the Department. The services to be provided would include, but not necessarily
be limited to, rate reviews/studies, efficiency reviews, feasibility studies and service/rate related negotiations.
Securing this consultant support effective July 1, 2014 ensures no interruption in retainer services, which will help
the County adhere to the time lines established for the review and approval of rate review applications submitted by
haulers.
The contract includes minor revisions to the indemnification provision of the General Conditions (paragraph 18), but
the contractor will continue to be required to indemnify the County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Department would not have access to the technical expertise needed to thoroughly review and analyze rate
applications and supporting financial documentation in order to determine the appropriate rate changes to be
recommended to the Board. Additionally, the County would not have access to the assistance needed to conduct
technical studies related to collection services and operations (e.g. efficiency) if needed, as provided for in the
County's franchise agreements.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Not applicable.