GAS (9)
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, Fl3469S
KEN BURKE, CLERK OF COURT
PINELLAS COUNTY FLORIDA
INST# 2005204848 OS/26/2005 at 03'46 PM
OFF REC BK: 14341 PG: 357-386 .
DocType:GOV RECORDING: $256.50
ORDINANCE NO. 200S-08
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAFETY HARBOR,
FLORIDA, A FLORIDA MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
(HEREINAFTER "SAFETY HARBOR") GRANTING TO
THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, ITS LEGAL
REPRESENTATIVES, SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS,
(HEREINAFTER "CLEARWATER"), A NON-
EXCLUSIVE GAS FRANCHISE RELATING TO THE
OCCUPANCY OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE CITY OF
SAFETY HARBOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF
PROVIDING GAS SERVICES, AND IMPOSING
CERTAIN CONDITIONS RELATING THERETO:
PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR
PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the citizens of SAFETY HARBOR to be
provided gas service whenever and wherever feasible; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapters 166 and 180, Florida Statutes,
CLEARWATER has the power and the present capability to provide such gas services
in SAFETY HARBOR; and
WHEREAS, SAFETY HARBOR and CLEARWATER wish to set forth the grants
and conditions with respect to the provisions of such gas service to those areas
within the corporate limits of SAFETY HARBOR and SAFETY HARBOR desires by
virtue hereof to grant a franchise to CLEARWATER.
SECTION 1. PURPOSE.
The parties acknowledge that CLEARWATER has the legal authority pursuant
to Florida Statutes to provide gas service and, further, that SAFETY HARBOR, upon
appropriate exercise of its powers could also provide such service. SAFETY HARBOR
and CLEARWATER have determined it is in the best interests of both parties and
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 1 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
7S0 Main Street
Sarety Harbor, A. 3469S
their citizens for CLEARWATER to provide gas service within the corporate limits of
SAFETY HARBOR as defined herein.
SECTION 2. INTERPRETATION OF RECITALS.
The recitals and findings contained above are hereby incorporated herein.
SECTION 3. TERM; GRANT; ASSOCIATED OPTION TO PURCHASE
GRANTEE'S GAS FACILITIES; NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE; DEFINITION
OF GAS.
Except as otherwise provided herein, for a period of thirty (30) years from
the effective date of this agreement, SAFETY HARBOR, its successors and assigns,
do hereby agree and give and grant to CLEARWATER, its successors and assigns,
any necessary right and authority to exercise the power to furnish gas and to
construct, operate and maintain within the corporate limits of SAFETY HARBOR, all
facilities required by CLEARWATER to supply gas to SAFETY HARBOR, its inhabitants
and the places of business located within SAFETY HARBOR'S corporate limits and
other customers and areas now or hereafter supplied, or to be supplied, gas by
CLEARWATER. At the end of such thirty (30) year term, as provided below, SAFETY
HARBOR shall have the right to purchase CLEARWATER'S facilities located within
SAFETY HARBOR'S municipal boundaries, except lines and facilities used to provide
service to other communities, and associated facilities, as provided in this Section.
Any exercise by SAFETY HARBOR of the purchase rights under this section shall
require SAFETY HARBOR to purchase all facilities subject to purchase and not a
portion thereof. THE PARTIES MUTUALLY DECLARE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 2 of 29
3D-YEAR TERM OF THIS FRANCHISE AND SAFETY HARBOR'S RIGHT TO PURCHASE
ARE INEXTRICABLY LINKED, AND THAT CLEARWATER WOULD NOT HAVE AGREED
TO GRANT THE RIGHT TO PURCHASE HEREIN BUT FOR THE FACT THAT THIS
FRANCHISE PROVIDES FOR A 3D-YEAR TERM. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION
ARE NOT SEVERABLE FROM EACH OTHER.
SAFETY HARBOR must give notice of its desire to invoke this section no later
than two (2) calendar years prior to the expiration of this franchise and no earlier
than three (3) months prior to that date. If SAFETY HARBOR does not give such
timely notice, SAFETY HARBOR'S right to purchase shall expire and be of no further
force and effect. If such notice is timely given, the parties shall first meet and
attempt to negotiate an agreed value for such facilities. If the parties do not agree
on a value within ninety (90) days after the date of the notice by SAFETY HARBOR,
either party may demand that the value be established in arbitration pursuant to
the Florida Arbitration Code, presently Chapter 682, Florida Statutes, or such other
similar law as may exist at the time of arbitration.
Arbitration shall occur within 180 days after the demand therefor. The
parties shall use their best efforts to comply with all of the time limits established in
this Section. The arbitration shall be conducted before three (3) arbitrators
mutually agreed to by the parties. Unless otherwise then agreed by the parties,
each arbitrator shall be chosen from an American Arbitration Association panel
having specialized experience in the gas energy business. If such a specialized
panel does not exist, then each arbitrator shall be chosen from lists of individuals
~.:Y"de provided by the American Arbitration Association. If the parties cannot agree on
~~
City of Safety Harbor
7S0 Main Street
SafutyHarbor,FL34695 Ord. No. 2005-08 Page 3 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
three arbitrators, but have agreed on two, the two arbitrators shall mutually select
the third arbitrator from the above AAA panel. If the parties cannot agree on at
least two arbitrators, or if the two arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator,
either party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint the
arbitrator(s) necessary to constitute the three-arbitrator panel. Each party may
suggest candidate arbitrators to the Court. Absent the parties' agreement, the
Court may not appoint an arbitrator who is a resident or employee of or contractor
to either party hereto or who is an owner or manager of a business located within
either city. The Court shall appoint any such arbitrator(s) from the above AAA
panel or American Arbitration Association provided listings of individuals. The
Arbitrators shall issue their decision within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the
arbitration hearing.
The arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration
Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA), or such similar rules of the AAA
as may exist at the time of arbitration. The parties may mutually modify or waive
any such AAA rules at any time and substitute additional or new rules of procedure.
The parties shall not be required to utilize the services of the AAA, even though the
arbitrators are selected from an AAA panel.
The arbitration submission shall be limited to: (a) establishing the value of
the facilities subject to purchase; (b) establishing a method for adjusting that value
of post-arbitration changes to the facilities. The value shall be determined as
follows: reproduction cost new, less depreciation, plus going concern value, plus any
costs and damages incurred by the separation of the system within SAFETY
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 4 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
HARBOR'S boundaries from the remainder of CLEARWATER'S system, as well as the
costs incurred by CLEARWATER in reintegrating such remaining system, as
CLEARWATER is entitled pursuant to applicable law. SAFETY HARBOR does not
waive any rights and claims it may have that CLEARWATER is not entitled to any
such cost and damages incurred by separation of the system. The arbitrators may
consider and apply, without limitation, the comparable sales approach and the
income approach to valuation, and the value may include a value for
CLEARWATER'S system subject to purchase that takes into account the value of the
future stream of income that may be generated by that system. The award shall
establish a methodology consistent with the above methodology for increasing the
amount of the award for additional improvements or additions made to the system
that are necessary to maintain the existing level of service and that are made
between the date of the award and the date of any actual purchase pursuant to
these provisions. (In the event of damage or destruction of any portion of the
system due to hurricanes, storms, or other natural disasters, or events beyond
CLEARWATER'S control between the date of the arbitration and the date of any
actual purchase of the system by SAFETY HARBOR, the value shall be adjusted, by
further arbitration if necessary, to include an amount necessary to fully compensate
CLEARWATER for the cost of the facilities destroyed or rendered not useable, using
the methodology set forth above, as well as the cost of all repairs and replacement
facilities incurred by CLEARWATER prior to SAFETY HARBOR actually taking
possession of the system, and that are necessary to maintain the existing level of
service.
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 5 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
In arriving at the value of the facilities in arbitration, neither the purchase
option set out in this section nor any purchase option in any prior franchise between
SAFETY HARBOR and CLEARWATER shall be considered in diminution of the value.
The award shall identify the amounts awarded as to each category of the
methodology set out hereinabove. Each party shall bear its own attorney's fees and
costs.
The parties acknowledge that SAFETY HARBOR may elect to amend its
Charter during the term of this franchise to delete any existing Charter
requirements that this franchise include a right to purchase CLEARWATER'S gas
distribution system within SAFETY HARBOR'S limits. If SAFETY HARBOR so amends
its Charter during the life of this franchise, then, SAFETY HARBOR, shall notify
CLEARWATER in writing that the purchase option in this section shall be of no
further force and effect and the term of this franchise shall be reduced to ten (10)
years. Such new term shall automatically take effect upon SAFETY HARBOR giving
CLEARWATER such notice and shall run retroactively from the effective date of this
franchise. Provided, however, if SAFETY HARBOR amends its Charter as set forth
above after the ninth anniversary of this franchise, the franchise (as automatically
amended to delete the buyout provision of this section) shall continue for one year
from the date of SAFETY HARBOR'S written notice.
If CLEARWATER continues to operate all or any part of the system after the
term of this Agreement, then CLEARWATER shall continue to comply with all
applicable provisions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, all
compensation and other payment provisions throughout the period of such
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 6 of 29
ontinued operation, provided that any such continued operation shall in no way be
onstrued as a renewal or other extension of the Franchise Agreement.
The word "Gas" shall mean natural gas and/or commingled gas which is
distributed in pipes. It shall not mean bottled gas or any other fuel; however,
nothing herein shall be interpreted to prohibit CLEARWATER from engaging in the
sale of liquid petroleum (propane) gas, provided, however, in the event
CLEARWATER seeks to utilize SAFETY HARBOR'S rights-of-way by installing propane
lines, propane tanks, or any other facilities associated with CLEARWATER'S
provision of propane services, an amendment to this franchise ordinance or a new
franchise ordinance authorizing propane service shall be required.
The term "Rights-of-Way" means all of the publiC streets, alleys, highways,
waterways, bridges, easements, sidewalks and parkS owned by the City, as they
now exist or may be hereafter constructed, opened, laid out or extended within the
present limits of the City, or in such territory as may hereafter be added to,
consolidated or annexed to the City.
Nothing in this Franchise Agreement shall prevent SAFETY HARBOR from
levying and collecting taxes as SAFETY HARBOR may, from time-to-time, be
empowered by law to levy and collect, provided such taxes shall be applied
uniformly to all persons or entities within SAFETY HARBOR'S corporate limits and
shall not constitute or be construed as an additional tax or fee for CLEARWATER'S
use of the Rights-of-way. As a fee agreed to be paid during the term of this
Franchise Agreement, the franchise fee set forth in this Franchise Agreement is not
~/d& a tax.
~~
City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
SafetyHarbor,R.34695 Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 7 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
The right to use and occupy Rights-of-Way for the purposes herein set forth
shall be non-exclusive, and SAFETY HARBOR reserves the right to grant a similar
use of said Rights-of-Way, to any person at any time during the period of this
Franchise Agreement so long as such grant does not materially and adversely
impact CLEARWATER'S right to use and occupy Rights-of-Way as aforesaid.
In the event SAFETY HARBOR acquires all or substantially all of the facilities
of CLEARWATER located in the Rights-of-Way of SAFETY HARBOR, then the rights
granted under this Franchise shall terminate and be of no further force or effect.
Nothing in this section or in this Franchise is intended to derogate any
condemnation rights SAFETY HARBOR may have under existing law, nor shall this
section or this Franchise be construed as an acknowledgment by CLEARWATER that
SAFETY HARBOR has any legal right to condemn or otherwise acquire
CLEARWATER'S facilities without CLEARWATER'S consent. No such consent is given
by any provision of this Franchise. Nothing in this Section is intended to affect the
amount payable by SAFETY HARBOR to CLEARWATER in the event of such
condemnation or other acquisition.
SECTION 4. RATES.
The rates, charges and fees to be charged by CLEARWATER for Gas service
within the corporate limits of SAFETY HARBOR during the term of this agreement
shall be as provided in CLEARWATER'S standard, system-wide rate schedule now or
hereafter approved by CLEARWATER'S City Commission, or as modified by the
CLEARWATER Manager, or other designated CLEARWATER official, to the extent
CLEARWATER Manager, or other designated CLEARWATER official, is expressly
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 8 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
authorized to approve changes to such rates, charges, and fees, or such other
agency of the State of Florida as may have proper jurisdiction over such rates and
charges of CLEARWATER under the general laws of the State of Florida, or
CLEARWATER'S charter and ordinances. Such rate schedule shall be no greater
than the rate schedule applied to rate payers within the corporate limits of
CLEARWATER.
SECTION 5. ANNEXATION.
In the event of the annexation of any territory to the present corporate limits
of SAFETY HARBOR, such annexed territory and all portions of the Gas system of
CLEARWATER located therein shall become subject to all of the terms and
conditions of this agreement as of the time such annexation becomes effective. It
shall be the responsibility of SAFETY HARBOR to notify CLEARWATER in writing by
certified mail, return receipt requested, within thirty (30) days after the effective
date of every such annexation. After notification by SAFETY HARBOR,
CLEARWATER shall prospectively implement such franchise billing for such
annexation within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice from SAFETY
HARBOR. CLEARWATER shall reimburse SAFETY HARBOR for the costs of mailing
these notices by certified mail.
SECTION 6. EXTENSION OF SERVICE.
In consideration of the rights granted under this franchise and the duration of
this franchise, CLEARWATER agrees that its facilities to be installed within the
corporate limits of SAFETY HARBOR will be expanded to provide service to new
customers on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. Gas service shall be
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 9 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
extended to customers desiring said service based on a feasi~formtJla. Such
formula shall be the formula currently in effect system-wide as then administered
by CLEARWATER. Upon request, CLEARWATER shall provide copies of applicable
policies and regulations to SAFETY HARBOR. CLEARWATER covenants and agrees
that CLEARWATER will not arbitrarily or unreasonably refuse to make extensions
when requested to do so by SAFETY HARBOR.
SECTION 7. FORCE MAJEURE.
In the event by act of God, strike, riot, public enemy or other calamity, or
restriction in the supply of Gas beyond the control of CLEARWATER or its interstate
supplier or by reason of regulation exerted by the Florida Public Service
Commission or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or other regulatory
body having jurisdiction in the premises, the supply of the Gas should be
interrupted, CLEARWATER shall, nevertheless, continue to supply the available
Gas to such customers as it is possible, shall employ its full services to remedy
such deficiency of Gas supply, and shall resume complete Gas service when that is
possible.
SECTION 8. COMPETITION.
As a further consideration of this franchise granted hereunder, SAFETY
HARBOR agrees not to engage in the business of distributing and selling Gas during
the life of this agreement or any extension thereof in competition with
CLEARWATER, its successors and assigns, in the service territory within SAFETY
HARBOR delineated by the Florida Public Service Commission as CLEARWATER'S
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 10 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
service territory by PSC Order #00-0371-PAA-GU. CLEARWATER'S service
territory is shown on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein.
Pursuant to Sections 6 and 12 hereof, CLEARWATER and SAFETY HARBOR have
agreed to a certain extension of service policy. In the event SAFETY HARBOR
desires to provide Gas service where CLEARWATER has notified SAFETY HARBOR in
writing said areas do not qualify under the feasibility formula, SAFETY HARBOR
may provide CLEARWATER notice of its intent to provide such Gas service in said
areas. CLEARWATER shall have sixty (60) days after receipt of said notice to
review its decision not to provide Gas service to said areas and to further meet
with SAFETY HARBOR regarding said service. In the event CLEARWATER has not
delivered written notice to SAFETY HARBOR within this sixty (60) day period that
CLEARWATER shall provide Gas service to said areas, SAFETY HARBOR solely at its
option may provide Gas service in said defined areas thereafter.
SECTION 9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.
In the event of any termination of this Agreement, whether by expiration
(where CLEARWATER does not seek renewal or where renewal is legally denied),
revocation or otherwise, CLEARWATER, will operate the system pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement for that period of time necessary to assure
CLEARWATER'S Gas customers within the Franchise Area will have continuity of
service.
In any event, unless the system within SAFETY HARBOR'S municipal
boundaries is purchased by SAFETY HARBOR or a third party, the purchase by a
third party being subject to the assignment provisions of Section 18, CLEARWATER
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 11 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
shall have the right, privilege and option of removing all or any part of the system
from all Rights-of-Way and other public or non-public property within the Franchise
Area. Alternatively, SAFETY HARBOR may issue a removal order directing
CLEARWATER to remove, at CLEARWATER'S sole cost and expense, all or any
portion of the system from all Rights-of-Way and other public or non-public
property within the Franchise Area. In either event, such removal shall be subject
to the following:
a. From the date CLEARWATER'S Gas customers actually receive Gas
service from SAFETY HARBOR or a third-party provider, CLEARWATER shall have
twelve (12) months to remove or abandon all or part of the system facilities.
b. In removing the system, or any part thereof, CLEARWATER shall, at its
own expense, refill and compact any excavation it makes and shall leave the
Rights-of-Way and other property, in as good condition as that prevailing prior to
CLEARWATER'S removal of the system.
c. The liability insurance and indemnity provisions of this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect during the period in which the system is being
removed and the associated repairs to the Rights-of-Way and other property are
being made; and
d. If in the reasonable and good faith judgment of SAFETY HARBOR,
CLEARWATER fails to substantially complete removal or abandonment, including
repair of the Rights-of-Way and other property within twelve (12) months of
SAFETY HARBOR'S issuance of a removal order, then SAFETY HARBOR shall have
the right to (i) authorize removal and/or abandonment of the system at
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 12 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
CLEARWATER'S cost, said costs to be reasonable and actual, by another Person; (ii)
declare that all rights, title and interest to the system belong to SAFETY HARBOR,
including any portion of the system not designated for removal or abandonment,
without compensation to CLEARWATER. CLEARWATER shall execute and deliver
such documents as SAFETY HARBOR may request, to evidence such ownership by
SAFETY HARBOR. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CLEARWATER may dispose of any
portion of the system not designated by SAFETY HARBOR for removal during such
twelve (12) month period, provided, however, that if CLEARWATER fails to
complete the removal of the portion(s) of the system designated for removal by
SAFETY HARBOR within such period, then all such portion(s) of the system not
disposed by CLEARWATER during such period shall belong to SAFETY HARBOR with
no price due to CLEARWATER.
In the event of any acquisition, transfer or abandonment pursuant to this
Section, CLEARWATER shall:
a. Cooperate with SAFETY HARBOR in maintaining continuity in the
distribution of services to customers of the system;
b. Promptly execute all appropriate documents to transfer to SAFETY
HARBOR title to the system, all components necessary to operate and maintain the
system, and any rights, contracts, permits or understandings necessary to the
distribution of services over the system.
c. Promptly supply SAFETY HARBOR with all records necessary to reflect
the change in ownership and to operate and maintain the system.
d. Not object to any request by SAFETY HARBOR to connect to
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 13 of 29
transmission lines owned or operated by third parties.
e. Negotiate with SAFETY HARBOR in good faith for the continued
provision of services by CLEARWATER to areas of SAFETY HARBOR that cannot be
economically or feasibly served by SAFETY HARBOR.
f. Negotiate with SAFETY HARBOR in good faith an agreement allowing
SAFETY HARBOR to purchase gas from CLEARWATER as a customer at such rates
either theretofore established by CLEARWATER for other like purchasers, including
but not limited to other governmental entities purchasing gas for resale or mutually
agreeable by the parties. Any costs relating to actual connection, metering, and
any other costs in order for SAFETY HARBOR to connect to CLEARWATER'S facilities
shall be the responsibility of SAFETY HARBOR.
SECTION 10. FRANCHISE FEE.
In consideration for the granting of this franchise and the use of the rights-
of-way, easements and other public places allowed hereunder, and effective the
first day of the month after approval by SAFETY HARBOR of this agreement,
SAFETY HARBOR shall be entitled to receive from CLEARWATER a franchise fee
which will equal six percent (6%) of the gross receipts from the sale of Gas within
the corporate limits of SAFETY HARBOR for the term of this franchise. Payment of
the franchise fee by CLEARWATER to SAFETY HARBOR shall be made for each
quarter no later than the forty-fifth (45th) day after the end of each quarter. In the
event of failure to pay within the forty-five (45) day period, the interest to be due
for such non-payment will be the interest rate provided by the "Florida Prompt
~/d& Payment Act."
~~
City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
SafetyHarbor,R.34695 Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 14 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
In connection with any litigation arising out of the collection of delinquent
amounts, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing
party, its court costs, legal expenses and reasonable attorney fees (including fees
for paralegals) including any such costs, expenses or fees incurred in any and all
appeals.
CLEARWATER shall attach to each payment a statement of its Revenues by
revenue account for the period on which such payment is based, signed by an
authorized representative of CLEARWATER, sufficient to show the source and
method of computation of Revenues. The acceptance of any statement or payment
shall not estop SAFETY HARBOR fro asserting that the amount paid is not the
amount due, or from recovering any deficit by any lawful proceeding, including
interest to be applied at the rate set forth in this Agreement.
Gross receipts, for purposes of computing such franchise fee, includes all
revenues received by CLEARWATER, or any affiliated entity, from or in connection
with the distribution of Gas in the City of SAFETY HARBOR and the transmission of
Gas from and through the City of SAFETY HARBOR by parties other than Clearwater
pursuant to the terms of this Franchise; provided, however, gross receipts shall not
include monies for Gas service or a component thereof paid by customers to a third
party, unaffiliated with CLEARWATER and where CLEARWATER receives no payment
from the third party or the customer; provided, further, gross receipts shall not
includes monies for Gas service to an industrial customer engaged in manufacturing
or processing activities which create or change raw or unfinished materials into
another form or product and who consumes the Gas in such activities, including but
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 15 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
not limited to activities such as laundry and dry cleaning plants; cold storage
plants; steam laundries; machine shops; rebuilders of airplanes and airplane
engines; mines; fruit, meat and vegetable packing and precooling plants; quarries;
railroad shops; water and sewer treatment plants; sewer lift stations; agricultural
pumps; or any company whose Standard Industrial Code (SIC) is classified within
the range of 0100-3999, as published by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). "Transmission of Gas" as used in this Section shall mean
the transmission of natural gas and/or commingled gas through lines operating at a
pressure of one hundred (100) pounds per square inch or above.
SECTION 11. FAVORED NATIONS.
In the event CLEARWATER shall hereafter accept a gas utility franchise
ordinance from any municipality providing for the payment of a franchise fee in
excess of that provided for hereinabove, CLEARWATER shall notify SAFETY
HARBOR, and SAFETY HARBOR reserves the right to amend this franchise to
increase the franchise fee payable under this ordinance to no more than the greater
franchise fee that CLEARWATER has agreed to pay to such other municipality.
CLEARWATER'S obligation to pay such greater franchise fee to SAFETY HARBOR
shall apply prospectively beginning with the next monthly franchise fee payment
following SAFETY HARBOR'S timely notice of its exercise of its amendment right.
CLEARWATER'S failure to notify SAFETY HARBOR of such additional payments does
not limit SAFETY HARBOR'S right to amend to require such additional franchise
fees. However, in the event CLEARWATER does not provide timely notice as
required by this paragraph, SAFETY HARBOR'S amendment right shall, if exercised,
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 16 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
relate back to the time at which SAFETY HARBOR could have first exercised that
right hereunder if SAFETY HARBOR had been timely notified. SAFETY HARBOR shall
notify CLEARWATER whether SAFETY HARBOR will exercise its amendment rights as
to franchise fees terms on the date on which SAFETY HARBOR has actual knowledge
of such other franchise terms.
It is the intent and agreement of SAFETY HARBOR and CLEARWATER that
CLEARWATER shall not be required to pay SAFETY HARBOR a franchise fee
hereunder of a percentage greater than that paid to SAFETY HARBOR by any other
gas utility utilizing SAFETY HARBOR'S rights-of-way on such gas utility's revenues
attributable to services that are the same or substantially the same as those
performed by CLEARWATER. It is further the intent and agreement of SAFETY
HARBOR and CLEARWATER that CLEARWATER should not be placed at a
competitive disadvantage by the payments required hereunder in the event gas
utilities provide services in competition with CLEARWATER without utilizing SAFETY
HARBOR'S rights-of-way as provided herein. The provisions of this section are
further refined hereinbelow, which shall be read in harmony herewith.
If SAFETY HARBOR imposes a lesser fee, or no fee, or is permitted by law to
impose a fee on another gas utility that is utilizing the rights-of-way and providing
or seeking to provide services in competition with CLEARWATER to customers within
SAFETY HARBOR'S municipal boundaries and does not collect such a fee or collects
a fee less than that provided herein, CLEARWATER'S fee for such services shall be
automatically reduced to the lesser fee charged the other gas utility provider (or to
zero, if no fee is charged such other gas utility provider). Although the above-
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 17 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
described reduction in franchise fees shall be automatic and self-executing, SAFETY
HARBOR and CLEARWATER shall adjust the fee, if necessary, to assure that neither
CLEARWATER nor such other gas utility shall be placed at a competitive
disadvantage, provided, however, that the fee paid by CLEARWATER hereunder
shall not exceed six percent (6%) unless the provisions of the first paragraph of this
section are applicable.
Where SAFETY HARBOR (1) is permitted by law to collect a fee from another
gas utility that is not utilizing the rights-of-way but that is providing or seeking to
provide services in competition with CLEARWATER to customers within SAFETY
HARBOR'S municipal boundaries, and (2) does not collect such a fee or collects a
fee less than that provided herein from another gas utility for such services shall be
automatically reduced to the lesser fee charged to the other gas utility (or to zero,
if no such fee is charged such other gas utility provider).
SECTION 12. SERVICE STANDARDS; EXTENSION POLICY.
CLEARWATER, its successors and assigns shall furnish twenty four (24) hours
of continuous service each and every day to any customer within SAFETY HARBOR
desiring the same and failure upon the part of CLEARWATER to: furnish Gas as
herein provided for any cause within the control of CLEARWATER for a period of
seventy-two (72) hours; and/or other breach of term hereof, either not being
corrected within thirty (30) days after written notice by SAFETY HARBOR thereof
may act as a forfeiture of this franchise in the discretion of SAFETY HARBOR.
CLEARWATER shall have the opportunity to be heard by SAFETY HARBOR'S
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 18 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
Commission at a duly convened meeting of the Commission prior to consideration of
any such forfeiture.
SECTION 13. COSTS; OWNERSHIP; REPAIRS; RELOCATION.
CLEARWATER shall install the necessary facilities or equipment at its own
cost and expense and same shall be and remain the property of CLEARWATER;
and CLEARWATER'S facilities or equipment and other physical properties used in
connection with the furnishing of Gas under this franchise shall be free from any ad
valorem tax of SAFETY HARBOR as long as the same remains the property of
CLEARWATER, except as otherwise provided by applicable Florida Statute or
applicable Court decision adopted after date of execution hereof. The mains shall
be laid underground and CLEARWATER shall re-pave or re-Iay, as promptly as
possible, all streets, lanes, alleys, sidewalks, squares, or public places dug or
disturbed by it in the installation of said mains or for any other purpose attending
such work, and it shall repair and restore such streets, lanes, alleys, sidewalks and
public places to their former and safe condition and with the same quality of
material or its equivalent as was existing before said work commenced. In all
cases the repair work shall be made passable to traffic during conduct of such work
as soon as physically possible. Should CLEARWATER neglect or refuse to restore
or repair without delay after completion of installation and after ten (10) business
days written notice, any streets, alleys, lanes, squares, sidewalks or public places
which may have been excavated, dug or disturbed by it, its employees or agents,
then SAFETY HARBOR shall have such repairs and restoration done and the
expense incident thereto shall be paid by CLEARWATER. CLEARWATER shall obtain
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 19 of 29
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
the required permits from SAFETY HARBOR prior to the construction and
installation of any facilities or equipment within the City's rights-of-way.
CLEARWATER shall secure and otherw~se make safe any area excavated, dug or
disturbed by it and shall hold SAFETY HARBOR harmless from any loss or damages
arising from injury to persons or property in such area. In the case of an
emergency, CLEARWATER shall only be required to notify SAFETY HARBOR'S City
Engineer and may obtain an "after the fact" permit subject to the requirements of
the City Engineer. CLEARWATER shall, locate all facilities and equipment so that
such will not interfere with SAFETY HARBOR'S use of its rights-of-way and shall not
cause a hazard to the public health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of SAFETY
HARBOR.
In accordance with the Charter of SAFETY HARBOR, SAFETY HARBOR shall
have the right to control at all times distribution of any space in, over, across or
under all streets, alleys, public grounds or other public places, occupied by public
utility fixtures, and when, the public interest so requires to cause such fixtures to
be relocated at the expense of CLEARWATER. Further, SAFETY HARBOR shall at all
times have the power to enact all regulatory ordinances, rules and regulations
affecting utilities which are required in the interest of public health, safety, welfare
or accommodation. Prior to requiring CLEARWATER to relocate, SAFETY HARBOR
shall give CLEARWATER written notice of such requirement and the opportunity to
be heard first by City staff or if SAFETY HARBOR and CLEARWATER can not agree
by SAFETY HARBOR'S Commission as to the costs of such relocation to
CLEARWATER and possible alternative locations and routes, for SAFETY HARBOR'S
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 20 of 29
~/d&
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
improvements. Ultimately, the decision as to such need for relocation shall be
SAFETY HARBOR'S.
Should it become necessary in the installation of Gas lines or facilities to
relocate water or sewer lines of SAFETY HARBOR now or hereafter installed, then
such work shall be done at the expense of CLEARWATER and not SAFETY HARBOR.
It is understood that in all instances the facilities of SAFETY HARBOR shall have a
reasonable right-of-way and preference over that of CLEARWATER herein.
SECTION 14. INDEMNIFICATION.
CLEARWATER shall at all times indemnify, defend and hold SAFETY HARBOR
harmless from or on account of any claims, losses, injuries or damages, received
or sustained by any person or persons during or on account of any work or
operations engaged in by CLEARWATER in connection with the operation of
CLEARWATER'S franchise pursuant to this Interlocal Agreement; or by or in
consequence of any negligence, excluding the sole negligence of SAFETY HARBOR,
in connection with the same; or by or on account of the use of any improper
materials or by or on account of any act or omission of CLEARWATER, its agents,
servants, or contractors. CLEARWATER agrees to defend, indemnify and save
harmless SAFETY HARBOR against liability arising from or based upon violation of
any Federal, State, County or Municipal law, ordinance or regulation by
CLEARWATER, its agents, servants, employees, or contractors. This
indemnification provision obligates CLEARWATER to defend SAFETY HARBOR from
any and all liability claims and all suits and actions that may be brought against
SAFETY HARBOR resulting from the sole negligence of CLEARWATER.
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 21 of 29
~/d&
~~
City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
CLEARWATER may defend SAFETY HARBOR with CLEARWATER'S in-house staff
counsel at trial and... a.. II appellate levels or CLEAA~TER may provideJorSAFETY
-., ,-,-, ,'-'-' ~
HARBOR'S defense with outside counsel by paying for all attorney=s fees, costs
and trial expenses. The decision to defend with in-house counselor with outside
counsel shall be within CLEARWATER'S sole discretion. CLEARWATER'S obligation
to defend SAFETY HARBOR for the acts or omissions of CLEARWATER, its agents,
servants, employees or contractors shall be limited to the extent provided in
~768.28, Florida Statutes.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this
indemnification provision shall not be construed as a waiver of any immunity from
or limitation of liability to which CLEARWATER or SAFETY HARBOR is entitled to
pursuant to '768.28, Florida Statutes. Furthermore, this provision is not intended
to nor shall be interpreted as limiting or in any way affecting any defense
CLEARWATER or SAFETY HARBOR may have under ~768.28 and is not intended to
and shall not be interpreted to alter the extent of CLEARWATER'S or SAFETY
HARBOR'S waiver of sovereign immunity under ~768.28. The parties to this
Interlocal Agreement specifically agree to be fully responsible for their own acts of
negligence or their respective agents acts of negligence when acting within the
scope of their employment, and agree to be liable for any damages resulting from
said negligence. Nothing herein is intended to serve as a waiver of sovereign
immunity by either party, and nothing herein shall be construed as consent by
either party to be sued by third parties in any manner arising out of this
Ordinance.
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 22 of 29
~/d&
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
SECTION 15. INSURANCE.
SAFETY HARBOR shall be furnished proof of insurance coverage by
CLEARWATER to include:
General Liability: $100,000.00 per Person/$200,000.00 per
Occurrence self-insured retention with statutory limits per Section
768.28, Florida Statutes.
Excess Insurance: $5,000,000.00 per Occurrence
Excess Insurance (Aggregate applicable) with self-
insurance retention of $500,000.00.
Automobile Liability: $100,000.00 per
Person/$200,000.00 per Occurrence self-insured
retention with statutory limits per Section 768.28,
Florida Statutes.
Excess Insurance: $5,000,000.00 per Occurrence
Excess Insurance (Aggregate applicable) with self-
insured retention of $500,000.00.
Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability:
Statutory coverage per Occurrence with self-insured
retention of $500,000.00.
Excess Insurance $5,000,000.00 Per Occurrence
(Aggregate applicable).
The insurance coverage required herein may be provided by CLEARWATER
by self-insurance (self-insurance retention subject to change), by self-funding, by
purchase, or by any combination thereof at the sole option of CLEARWATER.
Insurance coverage and limits shall be evidenced by delivery to SAFETY HARBOR
of letters of self-insurance or self-funding executed by CLEARWATER'S Risk
Manager, or by certificates of insurance executed by either the agent for the
insurers or the insurers or by copies of policy declaration pages. Such letters,
certificates, and policy declaration pages shall list coverages (including the amount
of insurance per claim and per occurrence, any gap in coverage, and the name of
the excess insurer) and policy limits with expiration dates. Upon the specific
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 23 of 29
~/d&
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City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
written request of SAFETY HARBOR, a photocopy of each applicable insurance
policy, including all endorsements, will be provided to SAFETY HARBOR.
CLEARWATER will provide SAFETY HARBOR prior written notice of any change to
CLEARWATER'S self-insurance retention.
SECTION 16. COMPLIANCE WITH ORDINANCES.
CLEARWATER, its successors and assigns, shall at all times comply with all
ordinances, rules and regulations enacted or passed by SAFETY HARBOR not in
conflict with the terms of this franchise and CLEARWATER shall have the right to
make, establish and maintain and enforce such reasonable regulations for the
operation of its distribution system as may be reasonably necessary and proper,
not inconsistent with the terms of this franchise and the ordinances of SAFETY
HARBOR, and to protect itself from fraud or imposition and may, in its discretion,
refuse to furnish Gas and to cut off the supply from any customer or customers
who are in default in payment of any bill rendered for such service.
SECTION 17. AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS; MAPS AND REPORTS;
AUDIT.
Within sixty (60) days after execution of this agreement, CLEARWATER shall
provide SAFETY HARBOR with a map showing all CLEARWATER'S Gas lines and
facilities within SAFETY HARBOR. Upon SAFETY HARBOR'S request, CLEARWATER
shall provide an up-date of such map to reflect changes in CLEARWATER'S Gas
lines and facilities. Further, CLEARWATER shall provide for review and inspection
of such maps and also accounts and records of CLEARWATER and/or all such
information regarding SAFETY HARBOR that SAFETY HARBOR or its representatives
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 24 of 29
~/d&
~~
City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
may from time to ~reasonabty.req~or require. O1kARWATE~'>ShaU~ppfy
information that SAFETY HARBOR or its representatives. may from time to time
reasonably request relative to the calculation of franchise fees. CLEARWATER'S
financial records shall be kept and maintained in accordance with generally.
accepted accounting principles. All of these records shall, on written request of
SAFETY HARBOR, be open for examination by SAFETY HARBOR and SAFETY
HARBOR'S representatives during ordinary business hours, and such records shall
be retained by CLEARWATER for a period of three (3) years. Upon any map
information of CLEARWATER becoming available in electronic format, CLEARWATER
shall at SAFETY HARBOR'S request make any map information available in that
format. SAFETY HARBOR may require an audit of CLEARWATER'S books not more
than once every five (5) years. CLEARWATER will reimburse SAFETY HARBOR'S
audit costs if the audit identifies errors in CLEARWATER'S franchise fee payments
of five percent (5%) or more for the period audited. Errors identified during the
audit process shall be projected for any additional time periods not covered during
the audit if there is a reasonable probability these errors occurred during the
unaudited period, but not for more than five (5) years. If an underpayment of
franchise fees has occurred, interest will be computed at a rate of ten percent
(10%) per annum. Both the underpayment and interest shall be paid within thirty
(30) days after receipt of demand therefore from SAFETY HARBOR.
SECTION 18. ASSIGNMENT OF GRANT.
This grant or franchise, or any renewals thereof, shall not be leased,
assigned, or otherwise alienated, except with the consent of SAFETY HARBOR
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 25 of 29
~/d&
~~
City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
expressed by ordinance, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and
evidenced by a written assignment and consent to same. In consideration of
consenting to such assignment the matters which may be considered by SAFETY
HARBOR should include, but not be limited to, the financial wherewithal and
technical experience and capabilities of the proposed Assignee.
SECTION 19. VENUE.
In the event that any legal proceeding is brought to enforce the terms of
this Franchise Agreement, the same shall be brought in Pinellas County, Florida, or,
if a federal claim, in the U.S. District Court in and for the Middle District of Florida.
Tampa Division.
SECTION 20. NOTICES.
Except for notices under Sections 3 and 5, all notices by either SAFETY
HARBOR or CLEARWATER to the other shall be made by either depositing such
notice in the United States Mail, Certified Mail return receipt requested or by
facsimile. All notices required under Sections 3 and 5 shall be made, in writing,
and served by Certified Mail return receipt requested. Any notice served by
certified mail return receipt shall be deemed delivered five (5) days after the date
of such deposit in the United States mail unless otherwise provided. Any notice
given by facsimile is deemed received by next Business Day. "Business Day" for
purposes of this section shall mean Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through
5:00 p.m., with Saturday, Sunday and SAFETY HARBOR and CLEARWATER
observed holidays excepted. All notices shall be addressed as follows:
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 26 of 29
~/d&
~~
City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
To SAFETY HARBOR:
To CLEARWATER:
City of Safety Harbor
Attn: City Manager
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Facsimile No.: 727/724-1566
Clearwater Gas System
Attn: Managing Director
400 Myrtle Avenue North
Clearwater, Florida 33755
Facsimile No.: 727/562-4903
With a copy to:
City Attorney
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Facsimile No.: 727/724-1566
City Attorney
Post Office Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33758-4748
Facsimile No.: 727/562-4021
Notices shall be given as required by this Franchise and for all other emergencies.
Notice shall be provided to the above-named addresses unless directed otherwise
in writing by SAFETY HARBOR or CLEARWATER.
SECTION 21. CONFLICT; FILING.
Upon adoption of this ordinance, the franchise provided in SAFETY
HARBOR's Ordinance 91-21 shall be of no further force and effect. Upon full
execution hereof, CLEARWATER shall file with the Clerk a fully executed copy of
this agreement for recording in the publiC records in and for Pinellas County,
Florida, and shall provide a copy to SAFETY HARBOR.
SECTION 22. SEVERABILITY.
If any section or sections of this agreement are declared invalid for any
reason, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining sections thereof.
SECTION 23. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 27 of 29
This agreement shall become effective upon the first day of the month after
approval this agreement by appropriate acts by CLEARWATER's and SAFETY
HARBOR's commissions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SAFETY HARBOR and CLEARWATER hereto have
executed this agreement on the day and year above written.
PASSED ON FIRST READING THIS 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2005.
PASSED AND ADOPTED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING THIS 2ND DAY OF MAY,
2005.
~~(b~
~ Mayor-Commissioner__
~~er
ATTEST:
L. -:"(u) ^' ~I. 1t~ d~~;~
Com missioner
c?-6ti" &~
City tlerk
~/d&
~~
City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
SafetyHarbor,FL34695 Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 28 of 29
~/d&
~~
City of Safety Harbor
750 Main Street
Safety Harbor, R. 34695
Accepted:
Resolution Number 05-<14 adopted on S-/9. t?S
-i<~, /
~
Mayor
~~
,
~1(~~~L
Ifyn i E. Goudeau
City Clerk-
Ord. No. 2005-08
Page 29 of 29
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