HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 15288 ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO RENOVAR ENERGY
CORP. FOR USE OF CERTAIN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING,
MAINTAINING AND OPERATING A PIPELINE FOR THE
TRANSPORTATION OF LANDFILL GAS ACROSS A CITY STREET IN
THE CITY OF FORT WORTH; REQUIRING EXECUTION OF A
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH
AND RENOVAR ENERGY CORP. REGARDING TERMS, CONDITIONS
AND REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO THE USE OF SUCH CERTAIN
PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND TO THE CONSTRUCTION,
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF SUCH PIPELINE; AND
REGARDING REASONABLE COMPENSATION TO THE CITY OF
FORT WORTH FOR THE USE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
The following statements are true and correct and constitute the basis upon which the
City Council of the City of Fort Worth ("City")has adopted this Ordinance:
A. Renovar Energy Corp. ("Company") wishes to construct a pipeline for the
transportation of landfill gas. In accordance with the City Charter and ordinances of the City,
Company has applied for a franchise from the City in order to carry out that purpose.
B. The City has reviewed Company's franchise application and agrees to grant
Company a franchise to use certain public rights-of-way in order to construct, operate and
maintain a pipeline, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, solely for the transportation of
landfill gas.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
Ordinance
Section 1. The City hereby grants Company a franchise to construct, install, maintain and
repair a pipeline only within the public rights-of-way of the City identified in Exhibit "A" of
this Ordinance and only for the purpose of transporting landfill gas, subject to the execution by
Company of a Franchise Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "B". Exhibits "A"
and`B" are hereby made a part of this Ordinance for all purposes.
Section 2. In accordance with and as required by Section 2 of Chapter XXV of the City's
Charter, the City Secretary is hereby directed to publish this Ordinance in its entirety once each
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week for four(4) consecutive weeks within a period of thirty(30) days following adoption by the
City Council in the official newspaper of the City. Company shall pay for or reimburse the City
for all expenses incurred due to such publication.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect following (i) its publication in
accordance with Section 2 and (ii), in accordance with Section 1, the execution of a Franchise
Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit `B".
ADOPTED: 101 ��ID� C,—"
Date M& C Number
EFFECTIVE DATE:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
By:
Peter Vaky
Assistant City At romey
City of Fort Worth
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Page 2
EXHIBIT"A"
Company may only use the following portions of the Public Rights-of-Way in the City:
• Approximately 50 linear feet crossing Green Belt Road, 12 feet west of the Fort Worth —
Arlington city limits line
Exhibit"B"
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
The following statements are true and correct and constitute the basis upon which the
City of Fort Worth has executed this Franchise Agreement.
A. The City Council of the City of Fort Worth has adopted an ordinance ("Franchise
Ordinance") that grants Renovar Energy Corp. a franchise to use the public rights-of-way
identified in Exhibit "A" of the Franchise Ordinance in order to construct, install, maintain and
repair a pipeline solely for the transportation of Gas through the City of Fort Worth, subject to
the execution by Company of this Franchise Agreement.
B. In accordance with the Franchise Ordinance, Company desires to enter into this
Franchise Agreement.
Agreement
1. DEFINITIONS.
Capitalized terms used in this Franchise and not otherwise defined within this Franchise
shall have the following meanings:
Affiliate shall mean any individual,partnership, association,joint stock company, limited
liability company, trust, corporation, or other person or entity who owns or
controls, or is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control
with, the entity in question.
Company shall mean Renovar Energy Corp. only and shall not include any Affiliate or
third party.
City shall mean the area within the corporate limits of the City of Fort Worth, Texas and
the governing body of the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
Commission shall mean the Railroad Commission of the State of Texas or other
authority succeeding to the regulatory powers of the Commission.
Customer shall mean any Person located, in whole or in part, within the City.
Director shall mean the Director of the City's Department of Transportation/Public
Works or authorized representative.
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Franchise shall mean the authorization issued to Company by the City to use the Public
Rights-of-Way for (i) the construction, installation, maintenance and repair of
Company's Pipeline; (ii) the use of such Pipeline for the transportation of Gas;
and (iii) any other directly related uses of the Public Rights-of-Way, pursuant to
and in accordance with the Franchise Ordinance and this Franchise Agreement.
Gas shall mean methane gas generated at the Arlington Landfill.
Person shall mean, without limitation, an individual, a corporation, a limited liability
company, a general or limited partnership, a sole proprietorship, a join venture, a
business trust or any other form or business entity or association.
Pipeline shall mean the pipeline and other facilities approved by the Director that are
installed by Company in the Public Rights-of-Way in accordance with this
Franchise.
Public Right-of-Way shall mean only those dedicated public streets, highways, alleys
and rights-of-way in the City identified in Exhibit "A" of the Franchise
Ordinance.
2. GRANT OF RIGHTS.
2.1. General Use of Public Rights-of-Way for Provision of Gas.
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Franchise and the City Charter
and ordinances, the City hereby grants Company the right to (i) erect, construct, install
and maintain its Pipeline in, over, under, along and across the Public Rights-of-Way and
(ii) transport Gas through the City. Company hereby acknowledges and agrees that this
Franchise allows only the transportation of Gas through the City and does not allow
Company to distribute, sell or otherwise provide Gas to any Customer.
2.2. Nonexclusive.
This Franchise and all rights granted to Company herein are strictly nonexclusive.
The City reserves the right to grant other and future franchises to other Persons and
entities in accordance with applicable law and as the City deems appropriate; provided,
however, that as to the grant of subsequent franchises for use of the same Public Rights-
of-Way that is solely within the discretion of the City, if a dispute arises as to priority of
the use of the Public Rights-of-Way, the City will resolve such dispute such dispute in a
manner that does not result in unreasonable interference with Company's operation of the
Pipeline for the purposes provided for herein. This Franchise does not establish any
priority for the use of the Public Rights-of-Way by Company or by any present or future
franchisees or other permit holders. In the event of any dispute as to the priority of use of
the Public Rights-of-Way, the first priority shall be to the public generally, the second
priority to the City in the performance of its various functions, and thereafter, as between
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franchisees and other permit holders, as determined by the City in the exercise of its
powers, including the police power and other powers reserved to and conferred on it by
the State of Texas.
2.3. Other Permits.
This Franchise does not relieve Company of any obligation to obtain permits,
licenses and other approvals from the City or other regulatory agency necessary for the
construction, installation, maintenance or repair of Company's Pipeline or the
transportation of Gas through such Pipeline.
2.4. Bonds.
Prior to the commencement of any construction work in the Public Rights-of-Way
in the City that requires a cut, opening or other excavation, Company shall deliver to the
City bonds executed by a corporate surety authorized to do business in the State of Texas
and acceptable to the City in the proportional amount of the cost of work under the
construction contract or construction project that will be performed in the Public Rights-
of-Way. The bonds shall guarantee (1) satisfactory compliance by Company with all
requirements, terms and conditions of this Franchise Agreement and (ii) full payments to
all persons, firms, corporations or other entities with whom Company has a direct
relationship for the performance of such construction, maintenance or repairs.
If any such construction, maintenance and repair work is undertaken by a
contractor of Company, Company shall also require such contractor to deliver to
Company bonds executed by a corporate surety authorized to do business in the State of
Texas and acceptable to the City in the proportional amount of the cost of work under the
construction contract or construction project that will be performed by the contractor in
the Public Rights-of-Way. The bonds shall guarantee (i) the faithful performance and
completion of all construction, maintenance or repair work in accordance with the
contract between Company and the contractor and (ii) full payment for all wages for
labor and services and of all bills for materials, supplies and equipment used in the
performance of that contract. Such bonds shall name both the City and Company as dual
obligees.
3. TERM
This Franchise shall become effective on the Effective Date, as established in the
Franchise Ordinance, and shall expire at 11:59 P.M. CST on September 30, 2027 unless
terminated earlier as provided herein.
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4. FEES AND PAYMENTS TO CITY.
4.1. Franchise Fee.
Within thirty (30) calendar days following the adoption of the Franchise
Ordinance, Company shall pay the City as compensation for its use of the Public Rights-
of-Way for the Term of the Franchise Ordinance the sum of One Thousand Nine Hundred
Dollars ($1,900). Company hereby acknowledges and agrees that the amount of this
Franchise Fee constitutes just and reasonable compensation to the City for Company's
use of the Public Rights-of-Way as provided by this Franchise Agreement.
4.2. Other Payments.
In addition to the Franchise Fee, Company shall pay the City all sums which may
be due the City for property taxes, license fees, permit fees, or other taxes, charges or fees
that the City may from time to time impose on all other similarly situated entities within
the City. Company shall reimburse the City for publication of this Franchise as required
by the City's Charter.
4.3. Interest.
All sums not paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per
annum or the maximum amount allowed by law, whichever is less, computed monthly. If
such outstanding sums are paid with interest within thirty (30) days following their
respective due dates, Company's failure to pay such sums by their respective due dates
shall not, in and of itself, constitute an Event of Default under Section 9 of this Franchise.
5. REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF THE CITY.
Company's property and operations hereunder shall be subject to such regulation by the
City as may be reasonably necessary for the protection or benefit of the general public. In this
connection, Company shall be subject to, governed by and shall comply with all applicable
federal, state and local laws, including all ordinances, rules and regulations of the City, as same
may be adopted and amended from time to time.
6. USE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY.
6.1. Compliance with Laws, Ordinances,Rules and Regulations.
The City has the right to control and regulate the use of the Public Rights-of-Way,
public places and other City-owned property and the spaces above and beneath them.
Company shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations,
including, but not limited to, City ordinances, rules and policies related to construction
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permits, construction bonds, permissible hours of construction, operations during peak
traffic hours, barricading requirements and any other construction rules or regulations
that may be promulgated from time to time.
6.2. No Undue Burden.
The Pipeline shall not be erected, installed, constructed, repaired, replaced or
maintained in any manner that places an undue burden on the present or future use of the
Public Rights-of-Way by the City and the public. If the City reasonably determines that
the Pipeline does place an undue burden on any portion of the Public Rights-of-Way,
Company, at Company's sole cost and expense and within a reasonable time period
specified by the City, shall modify the Pipeline or take other actions determined by the
City to be in the public interest to remove or alleviate the burden.
6.3. Minimal Interference.
Prior to the undertaking of any kind of construction, installation, maintenance,
repairs or other work that requires the excavation, lane closure or other physical use of
the Public Rights-of-Way, Company shall, except for work required to address an
emergency, provide at least twenty-four (24) hours' advance written notice to the owners
of property adjacent to the Public Rights-of-Way that will be affected. In the case of
emergencies Company shall provide notice to the affected landowners within twenty-four
(24) hours after commencement of work. In addition, during any such work, Company
shall provide construction and maintenance signs and sufficient barricades at work sites
to protect the public. The use of such traffic control devices shall be consistent with the
standards and provisions of Part VI of the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices. Company shall utilize appropriate warning lights at all construction and
maintenance sites where one or more traffic lanes are closed or obstructed during
nighttime conditions.
6.4. "As-Built" Plans and Maps.
Company, at Company's sole cost and expense, shall provide the City with as-
built plans of all portions of the Pipeline located in the City and the City's extraterritorial
jurisdiction and maps showing such Pipeline within ninety (90) calendar days following
the completion of such Pipeline. Company shall supply the textual documentation of
such as-built plans and maps in computer format as requested in writing by the City and
shall otherwise fully cooperate with the City in ensuring that the Pipeline is accurately
reflected in the City's mapping system.
6.5. Marking of Pipeline.
The Pipeline shall be marked, in a manner that is acceptable to the Director, to
show conspicuously Company's name and a toll-free telephone number of Company that
a Person may call for assistance.
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6.6. Pavement Cut Coordination and Additional Fees.
The City shall have the right to coordinate all excavation work in the Public
Rights-of-Way in a manner that is consistent with and convenient for the implementation
of the City's program for street construction, rebuilding, resurfacing and repair. In order
to preserve the integrity of the Public Rights-of-Way, Company shall not cut, excavate or
otherwise breach or damage the surface of any paved Public Right-of-Way within ninety-
six (96) months following the construction or resurfacing of such Public Right-of-Way
unless (i) Company obtains written consent from the Director and (ii) pays the City, for
each fifty (50) linear feet of a cut, excavation or breach of any Public Right-of-Way or
portion thereof, the sum of (a) $1,250 for any cut, excavation or breach occurring
between the Effective Date of this Franchise and November 30, 2006; (b) $1,500 for any
cut, excavation or breach occurring between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2011;
(c) $1,800 for any cut, excavation or breach occurring between December 1, 2011 and
November 30, 2016; (d) $2,150 for any cut, excavation or breach occurring between
December 1, 2016 and November 30, 2021; and (e) $2,600 for any cut, excavation or
breach occurring between December 1, 2021 and September 30, 2027. Such fee shall (i)
be in addition to, and not in lieu of, Company's obligations to restore the Public Rights-
of-Way in accordance with this Agreement and (ii) not be allocated or otherwise counted
as part of the Franchise Fee to the City.
6.7. Restoration of Public Rights-of-Way and Propertv.
Company, at Company's sole cost and expense, and in a manner approved by the
City, shall promptly restore any portion of the Public Rights-of-Way, City-owned
property or other privately-owned property that are in any way disturbed or damaged by
the construction, operation, maintenance or removal of any of the Pipeline to, at
Company's option, as good or better a condition as such property was in immediately
prior to the disturbance or damage. Company shall diligently commence such restoration
within thirty (30) calendar days following the date that Company first became aware of
the disturbance or damage or, if the Pipeline is being removed, within thirty(30) calendar
days following such removal.
6.8. Relocation of Pipeline.
Within forty-five (45) calendar days following a written request by the City,
Company, at Company's sole cost and expense, shall protect, support, disconnect or
remove from the Public Rights-of-Way all or any portion of its Pipeline due to street or
other public excavation, construction, repair, grading, regrading or traffic conditions; the
installation of sewers, drains, water pipes or municipally-owned facilities of any kind; the
vacation, construction or relocation of streets or any other type of structure or
improvement of a public agency; any public work; or any other type of improvement
necessary, in the City's sole discretion, for the public health, safety or welfare. If
Company reasonably requires more than forty-five (45) days to comply with the City's
written request, it shall notify the director of the City's Department of
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Transportation/Public Works in writing and the City will work in good faith with
Company to negotiate a workable time frame.
6.9. Emergencies.
6.9.1. Work by the City.
For purposes of this Section 6.9.1, a public emergency shall be any
condition which, in the opinion of the officials specified herein, poses an
immediate threat to life, health or property and is caused by any natural or man-
made disaster, including, but not limited to, storms, floods, fires, accidents,
explosion, water main breaks and hazardous materials spills. In the event of a
public emergency, the City shall have the right to take whatever action is deemed
appropriate by the City Manger, Mayor, Police Chief or Fire Chief, or their
authorized representatives, including, but not limited to, action that may result in
damage to the Pipeline, and Company hereby (i) releases the City, its officers,
agents, servants, employees and subcontractors from liability or responsibility for
any Damages, as defined in Section 7.1, that may occur to the Pipeline or that
Company may otherwise incur as a result of such a response, and (ii) agrees that
Company, at Company's sole cost and expense, shall be responsible for the repair,
relocation or reconstruction of all or any of its Pipeline that is affected by such
action of the City. In responding to a public emergency, the City agrees to
comply with all local, state and federal laws, including any requirements to notify
the Texas One Call System, to the extent that they apply at the time and under the
circumstances. In addition, if the City takes any action that it believes will affect
the Pipeline, the City will notify Company as soon as practicable so that Company
may advise and work with the City with respect to such action.
6.9.2. Work by or on Behalf of Company.
In the event of an emergency directly that involves that portion of the
Pipeline located in the Public Rights-of-Way and necessitates immediate
emergency response work on or repairs, Company may initiate the emergency
response work or repairs or take any action required under the circumstances
provided that Company notifies the City as promptly as possible. After the
emergency has passed, Company shall apply for and obtain a construction permit
from the director of the City's Department of Transportation/Public Works and
otherwise fully comply with the requirements of this Franchise.
6.10. Removal of Pipeline.
Upon the revocation, termination or expiration without extension or renewal of
this Franchise, Company's right to use the Public Rights-of-Way under this Franchise
shall cease and Company shall immediately discontinue the transportation of Gas in or
through the City. Within six (6) months following such revocation, termination or
expiration and if the City requests, Company, at Company's sole cost and expense, shall
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remove the Pipeline from the Public Rights-of-Way (or cap the Pipeline, if consented to
by the City), in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. If Company has not
removed all of the Pipeline from the Public Rights-of-Way (or capped the Pipeline, if
consented to by the City) within six (6) months following revocation, termination or
expiration of this Franchise, the City may deem any portion of the Pipeline remaining in
the Public Rights-of-Way abandoned and, at the City's sole option, (i) take possession of
and title to such property or (ii) take any and all legal action necessary to compel
Company to remove such property; provided, however, that Company may not abandon
its facilities or discontinue its services within the City without the approval of the
Commission or successor agency or any other regulatory authority with such jurisdiction.
Within six (6) months following revocation, termination or expiration of this
Franchise and in accordance with Section 6.7 of this Franchise, Company shall also
restore any property, public or private, that is disturbed or damaged by removal (or, if
consented to by the City, capping) of the Pipeline. If Company has not restored all such
property within this time, the City, at the City's sole option, may perform or have
performed any necessary restoration work, in which case Company shall immediately
reimburse the City for any and all costs incurred in performing or having performed such
restoration work.
7. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION.
7.1. Liability of Company.
Company shall be liable and responsible for any and all damages, losses,
liabilities (joint or several), payments, obligations, penalties, claims, litigation, demands,
defenses,judgments, lawsuits, proceedings, costs, disbursements or expenses (including,
without limitation, fees, disbursements and reasonable expenses of attorneys, accountants
and other professional advisors and of expert witnesses and costs of investigation and
preparation) of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively "Damages"), which may
arise out of or be in any way connected with (i) the construction, installation, operation,
maintenance or condition of the Pipeline or any related facilities or appurtenances; (ii) the
transportation of Gas through the Pipeline; (iii) any claim or lien arising out of work,
labor, materials or supplies provided or supplied to Company, its contractors or
subcontractors; or (iv) Company's failure to comply with any federal, state or local law,
ordinance, franchise, rule or regulation, except to the extent directly caused by the
negligent or grossly negligent act(s) or omission(s) or intentional misconduct of the City.
7.2. Indemnification.
Company, at Company's sole cost and expense, shall indemnify and hold harmless
the City, its officers, boards, commissions, agents, employees and volunteers
("Indemnitees"), from and against any and all Damages which may arise out of or be in
any way connected with (i) the construction, installation, operation, maintenance or
condition of the Pipeline or any related facilities or appurtenances; (ii) the transportation
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of Gas through the Pipeline; (iii) any claim or lien arising out of work, labor, materials or
supplies provided or supplied to Company, its contractors or subcontractors; or (iv)
Company's failure to comply with any federal, state or local law, ordinance, franchise,
rule or regulation, except to the extent directly caused by the negligent or grossly
negligent act(s) or omission(s) or intentional misconduct of the City.
7.3. Assumption of Risk.
Company hereby undertakes and assumes, for and on behalf of Company, its
officers, agents, contractors, subcontractors, agents and employees, all risk of dangerous
conditions, if any, on or about any City-owned or City-controlled property, including, but
not limited to, the Public Rights-of-Way.
7.4. Defense of Indemnitees.
In the event any action, lawsuit or other proceeding is brought against any
Indemnitee by reason of any matter for which the Indemnitees are indemnified hereunder,
the City shall give Company prompt written notice of the making of any claim or
commencement of any such action, lawsuit or other proceeding, and Company, at
Company's sole cost and expense, shall resist and defend the same with reasonable
participation by the City and with legal counsel selected by Company and specifically
approved by the City. In such an event, Company shall not admit liability in any matter
on behalf of any Indemnitee without the advance written consent of the City.
8. INSURANCE.
Company shall procure and maintain at all times, in full force and effect, a policy or policies
of insurance to provide coverages as specified herein, naming the City as an additional insured and
covering all public risks related to the use, occupancy, condition,maintenance, existence or location
of the Public Rights-of-Way and the construction, installation, operation, maintenance or condition
of the Pipeline, including the transportation of Gas through the Pipeline.
8.1. Primary Liability Insurance Coverage.
• Commercial General Liability:
$1,000,000 per occurrence, including coverage for the following where exposure
exists and as directed by the City's Risk Manager: (i) Premises Liability; (ii)
independent contractors; (iii) products/completed operations; (iv) personal
injury; (v) contractual liability; (vi) explosion, collapse and underground
property damage.
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• Property Damage Liabilitv:
$10,000,000 per occurrence
• Automobile Liability:
$1,000,000 per accident,
including, but not limited to, all owned, leased, hired or non-owned motor
vehicles used in conjunction with the rights granted under this Franchise
• Worker's Compensation:
As required by law; and, Employer's Liability as follows:
$1,000,000 per accident.
8.2. Revisions to Required Coverage.
At the reasonable recommendation of the City's Risk Manager, the City may at any
time revise insurance coverage requirements and limits required by this Franchise.
Company agrees that within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice from the City,
Company will implement all such revisions requested by the City. The policy or policies of
insurance shall be endorsed to provide that no material changes in coverage, including, but
not limited to, cancellation, termination, non-renewal or amendment, shall be made without
thirty(30) days' prior written notice to the City.
8.3. Underwriters and Certificates.
Company shall procure and maintain its insurance with underwriters authorized to
do business in the State of Texas and who are acceptable to the City in terms of solvency
and financial strength. Within thirty (30) days following adoption of this Franchise by the
City Council, Company shall furnish the City with certificates of insurance signed by the
respective companies as proof that it has obtained the types and amounts of insurance
coverage required herein. In addition, Company shall, on demand, provide the City with
evidence that it has maintained such coverage in full force and effect.
8.4. Deductibles.
Deductible or self-insured retention limits on any line of coverage required herein
shall not exceed $25,000 in the annual aggregate unless the limit per occurrence, or per line
of coverage, or aggregate is otherwise approved by the City.
8.5. No Limitation of Liability.
The insurance requirements set forth in this Section 8 and any recovery by the City
of any sum by reason of any insurance policy required under this Franchise shall in no way
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be construed or effected to limit or in any way affect Company's liability to the City or other
persons as provided by this Franchise or law.
9. DEFAULTS.
The occurrence at any time during the term of this Franchise of one or more of the
following events shall constitute an "Event of Default"under this Franchise:
9.1. Failure to Pay Franchise Fees.
An Event of Default shall occur if Company fails to pay any Franchise Fee on or
before the respective due date.
9.2. Breach.
An Event of Default shall occur if Company materially breaches or violates any
of the terms, covenants, representations or warranties set forth in this Franchise or fails to
perform any obligation required by this Franchise.
9.3. Bankruptcy,Insolvency or Receivership.
An Event of Default shall occur if Company (1) files a voluntary petition in
bankruptcy; (ii) is adjudicated insolvent; (iii) files any petition or fails to contest any
petition filed against it seeking any reorganization, arrangement, composition,
readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief for itself under any laws relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or other relief for debtors; (iv) seeks, consents to or acquiesces in
the appointment of any trustee, receiver, master, custodian or liquidator of Company, any
of Company's property, franchises, or any revenues, issues, earnings or profits thereof,
(v) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (vi) fails to pay Company's debts
generally as they become due.
9.4. Violations of the Law.
An Event of Default shall occur if Company violates any existing or future federal,
state or local laws or any existing or future ordinances, rules and regulations of the City.
10. UNCURED DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.
10.1. Notice of Default and Opportunity to Cure.
If an Event of Default occurs, the City shall provide Company with written notice
and shall give Company the opportunity to cure such Event of Default. For an Event of
Default which can be cured by the immediate payment of money to the City, Company
shall have thirty (30) days from the date it receives written notice from the City to cure
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the Event of Default. For any other Event of Default, Company shall have sixty (60)
days from the date it receives written notice from the City to cure the Event of Default. If
any Event of Default is not cured within the time period specified herein, such Event of
Default shall, without further notice from the City, become an "Uncured Default" and
the City immediately may exercise the remedies provided in Section 10.2.
10.2. Remedies for Uncured Defaults.
Upon the occurrence of an Uncured Default, the City shall be entitled to exercise,
at the same time or at different times, any of the following remedies, all of which shall be
cumulative of and without limitation to any other rights or remedies the City may have:
10.2.1.Termination of Franchise.
Upon the occurrence of an Uncured Default, the City may terminate this
Franchise. Upon such termination, Company shall forfeit all rights granted to it
under this Franchise, and, except as to Company's unperformed obligations and
existing liabilities as of the date of termination, this Franchise shall automatically
be deemed null and void and shall have no further force or effect. Company shall
remain obligated to pay and the City shall retain the right to receive Franchise
Fees and any other payments due up to the date of termination. Company shall
remove the Pipeline from and restore the Public Rights-of-Way as and when
requested by the City. The City's right to terminate this Franchise under this
Section 10.2.1 shall does not and shall not be construed to constitute any kind of
limitation on the City's right to terminate this Franchise for other reasons as
provided by and in accordance with this Franchise; provided, however, that
Company may not abandon the Pipeline without the approval of the Commission
or successor agency or other regulatory authority with jurisdiction, if such action
without such approval is prohibited at the time by applicable federal or state law
or regulation.
10.2.2 Legal Action Against Company.
Upon the occurrence of an Uncured Default, the City may commence
against Company an action at law for monetary damages or in equity, for
injunctive relief or specific performance of any of the provisions of this Franchise
which, as a matter of equity, are specifically enforceable.
11. PROVISION OF INFORMATION.
11.1. Filings with the Commission.
Company shall provide copies to the City of all documents which Company files
with or sends to the Commission concerning or related to its transportation of Gas
through or other operations in the City, including, but not limited to, filings related to (i)
Renovar Energy Corp.Gas Franchise Agreement
Page 12 of 16
tariffs; (ii) rules, regulations and policies requested, under consideration or approved by
the Commission; and (iii) applications and any supporting pre-filed testimony and
exhibits filed by Company or third parties on behalf of Company, on the same date as
such filings are made with the Commission. In addition, Company shall provide the City
with copies of records, documents and other filings that Company is required to maintain
or supply to the Commission under any applicable state or federal law, rule or regulation.
11.2. Lawsuits.
Company shall provide the City with copies of all pleadings in all lawsuits to
which Company is a party and that pertain to the granting of this Franchise and/or the
transportation of Gas through the City within thirty (30) days of Company's receipt of
same.
12. COMPANY AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.
It is expressly understood and agreed that Company shall operate as an independent
contractor as to all rights and privileges granted by this Franchise, and not as an agent,
representative or employee of the City. Company shall have the exclusive right to control the
details of its business and other operations necessary or appurtenant to the transportation of Gas in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Franchise, and shall be solely responsible for the
acts and omissions of its officers, agents, servants, employees, contractors and subcontractors.
Company acknowledges that the doctrine of respondeat superior shall not apply as between the
City and Company, its officers, agents, employees, contractors and subcontractors. Company
further agrees that nothing herein shall be construed as the creation of a partnership or joint
enterprise between the City and Company.
13. ASSIGNMENT PROHIBITED.
Company may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this
Franchise unless specifically authorized in writing by the City, which authorization shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
14. NOTICES.
Notices required pursuant to the provisions of this Franchise shall be conclusively
determined to have been delivered when(i)hand-delivered to the other party, its agents, employees,
servants or representatives, or (ii) received by the other party by United States Mail, postage
prepaid,return receipt requested, addressed as follows:
Renovar Energy Corp.Gas Franchise Agreement
Page 13 of 16
To THE CITY: To COMPANY:
City of Fort Worth Renovar Energy Corp.
Attn: Public Utilities Supervisor Mr. Andrew Deck
1000 Throckmorton 601 N. Marienfeld Suite 300
Fort Worth,TX 76102 Midland Texas 79701
with a copy to:
City of Fort Worth
Department of Law
Attn: Attorney for Utilities
1000 Throckmorton
Fort Worth,TX 76102
15. NON-DISCRIMINATION COVENANT.
Company shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, handicap, sex, sexual orientation or familial status in the receipt of benefits from
Company's business operations, in any opportunities for employment with Company or in the
construction or installation of the Pipeline.
16. NO WAIVER.
The failure of the City to insist upon the performance of any term or provision of this
Franchise or to exercise any rights that the City may have, either under this Franchise or the law,
shall not constitute a waiver of the City's right to insist upon appropriate performance or to assert
any such right on any future occasion.
17. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE.
This Franchise shall be construed pursuant to and in accordance with the laws of the United
States of America and the State of Texas. If any action,whether real or asserted, at law or in equity,
arise out of the terms of this Franchise, Company's transportation of Gas or Company's use of the
Public Rights-of-Way, venue for such action shall lie exclusively in state courts located in Tarrant
County, Texas or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth
Division.
Renovar Energy Corp.Gas Franchise Agreement
Page 14 of 16
18. CONFERENCES.
At the request of either the City or Company, the City and Company shall meet at
reasonable times and upon reasonable notice to discuss any aspect of this Franchise, Company's
Pipeline, Company's operations in the City, Company's transportation of Gas or Company's use of
Public Rights-of-Way.
19. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Franchise is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a final
order entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired. For purposes of this Franchise, a
court order shall be final only to the extent that all available legal rights and remedies pertaining to
such order, including, without limitation all available appeals, have been exhausted. In such an
event, the City and Company agree that they shall amend or have amended this Franchise to comply
with such final order entered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
20. FORCE MAJEURE.
In the event Company's performance of any of the terms, conditions or obligations required
by this Franchise is prevented by a cause or event that is not within Company's reasonable control,
Company's non-performance shall be deemed excused for the period of such inability. Causes or
events that are not within the Company's control shall include, but not be limited to, acts of God,
strikes, sabotage, riots or civil disturbances, failure or loss of utilities, explosions and natural
disasters.
21. HEADINGS NOT CONTROLLING.
Headings and titles, other than those captions in Section 1,that are used in this Franchise are
for reference purposes only and shall not be deemed a part of this Franchise.
22. ENTIRETY OF AGREEMENT.
This Franchise, including the schedule of exhibits attached hereto and any documents
incorporated herein by reference, contains the entire understanding and agreement between the City
and Company as to the matters contained herein. Any prior or contemporaneous oral or written
agreement is hereby declared null and void to the extent in conflict with the terms and conditions of
this Agreement. This Franchise shall not be amended unless agreed to in writing by both parties
and approved by the City Council of the City.
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Renovar Energy Corp.Gas Franchise Agreement
Page 15 of 16
AGREED TO AND EXECUTED this_ I day of_ 14c- ,2002:
REi,4 0 v AR EN r RGY CORP.
ame:Lawrence E. Gilbert
Title:President
Renovar Energy Corp.Gas Franchise Agreement
Aorta ]A-F1A
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE REFERENCE NUMBER LOG NAME PAGE
10/15/02 **G-13763 02RENOVAR 1 of 1
SUBJECT ORDINANCE GRANTING RENOVAR ENERGY CORPORATION A FRANCHISE TO
USE CERTAIN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH FOR THE
PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING, MAINTAINING AND OPERATING A METHANE GAS
PIPELINE
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance which grants Renovar Energy
Corporation (Renovar) a franchise to use certain public rights-of-way in the City of Fort Worth for the
purpose of constructing, maintaining and operating a methane gas pipeline.
DISCUSSION:
Renovar proposes to construct a pipeline to transport methane gas, produced at the Arlington landfill, to
the Village Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to be used as fuel to generate electricity. The pipeline
will cross 50 feet of Greenbelt Road, as described in the attached ordinance.
In accordance with Chapter XXVI of the City Charter, Renovar must obtain a franchise from the City in
order to install its' pipeline in any portion of a public right-of-way. In consideration for the grant of this
franchise, Renovar will pay the City a one-time payment of $1,900, which is based on a franchise fee of
$1.52 per linear foot of right-of-way used. The term of the franchise will be 25 years.
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:
The Finance Director certifies that the Public Utilities Supervisor will be responsible for the collection
and deposit of funds due to the City under this agreement.
CB:k
Submitted for City Manager's FUND ACCOUNT CENTER AMOUNT CITY SECRETARY
Office by: (to)
GG61 421342 0134010 $1,900.00
Charles Boswell 6183
Originating Department Head:
Charles Boswell 6183 (from) APPROVED 10/15/02
ORD.#15288
Additional Information Contact:
Danny Reed 6145
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Comm u nication
DATE REFERENCE NUMBER LOG NAME PAGE
10/15/02 **G-13764 13TAD 1 of 1
SUBJECT TARRANT APPRAISAL DISTRICT PAYMENTS FOR OCTOBER THROUGH
DECEMBER 2002
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize payment for the City of Fort Worth's assessed
allocation of the Tarrant Appraisal District's (TAD) 2002 budget for the months of October through
December 2002, in an amount not to exceed $335,468.53.
DISCUSSION:
On January 3, 2002 (M&C G-13474), the City Council authorized payment in the amount of
$1,006,405.59 to TAD for the nine-month period from January 1 through September 30, 2002.
TAD operates on a 12-month calendar year. This Mayor and Council Communication covers the
remaining three calendar months of October 1 through December 31, 2002, which fall in FY2002-2003.
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:
The Finance Director certifies that funds are available in the current operating budget, as appropriated,
of the General Fund.
CB:k
Submitted for City Manager's FUND ACCOUNT CENTER AMOUNT CITY SECRETARY
Office by: (to)
Charles Boswell 6183
Originating Department Head:
Jim Keyes 8517 (from) APPROVED 10/15/02
GG01 531200 0905700 $335,468.53
Additional Information Contact:
Linda Brown 6031