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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20174236.tiffRESOLUTION RE: APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STORAGE SPACE WITHIN THE REALLOCATION POOL FOR THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TIMED RELEASES TO ALLEVIATE LOW FLOW CONDITIONS DOWNSTREAM OF CHATFIELD RESERVOIR AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN - THE GREENWAY FOUNDATION WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with an Agreement for Contribution to Environmental Storage Space within the Reallocation Pool for the primary purpose of timed releases to alleviate low flow conditions downstream of Chatfield Reservoir between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, and The Greenway Foundation, commencing upon full execution of signatures, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said agreement, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the Agreement for contribution to environmental storage space within the Reallocation Pool for the primary purpose of timed releases to alleviate low flow conditions downstream of Chatfield Reservoir between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, and The Greenway Foundation be, and hereby is, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to sign said agreement. c.c.'. c.a.. C pJC3), 0.cTCgG), G• PP 1. OI/I7/l8< 2017-4236 BC0050 RE: AGREEMENT FOR CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STORAGE SPACE WITHIN THE REALLOCATION POOL FOR THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TIMED RELEASES TO ALLEVIATE LOW FLOW CONDITIONS DOWNSTREAM OF CHATFIELD RESERVOIR — THE GREENWAY FOUNDATION PAGE 2 The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 18th day of December, A.D., 2017. ATTEST: datifet) Weld County Clerk to the Board BY: Deputy Cler APPO ED AS ouAttorney Date of signature: O/40 -/g BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COU TY, COLORADO Ju . Cozad, Chair Steve Moreno, Pro -Tern EXCUSED Sean P. Conway Mike Freeman rbara Kirkm y 2017-4236 BC0050 AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into between the County of Weld, a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County("Weld County"), whose address is P.O. Box 758, 1150 O Street, Greeley, CO 80632, and The Greenway Foundation ("Greenway"), a Colorado nonprofit corporation doing business at 1855 S. Pearl Street, Suite 40, Denver, CO 80210, jointly referred to herein as the "Parties." RECITALS WHEREAS, the United States Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District ("Corps") owns and operates Chatfield Reservoir and Dam. By Contract dated March 1, 1979, the Corps provided storage space to the State of Colorado ("State") to control and manage the use of water stored in the space including and below elevation 5432 feet; and WHEREAS, by letter of approval and record of decision ("ROD") dated May 29, 2014, the Corps authorized the reallocation of an additional 20,600 acre feet of storage space, as determined by the volume between elevation 5,432 feet and elevation 5,444 feet, from the exclusive flood control pool to joint use flood control -conservation purposes, including storage for municipal and industrial water supply, agriculture, environmental restoration, and recreation and fishery habitat protection and enhancement ("Reallocation Pool"); and WHEREAS, the Department of the Army and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources ("CDNR") entered into an agreement dated October 9, 2014 by which CDNR acquired the right to use for water storage purposes the Reallocation Pool storage space referenced above; and WHEREAS, the State and various water providers along the South Platte River Basin ("Water Providers") negotiated and agreed upon a Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Mitigation Plan for the Chatfield Reallocation Project, approved by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission on January 9, 2014, pursuant to Section 37-60-122.2, C.R.S., and subsequently approved by the Colorado Water Conservation Board ("CWCB") on January 28, 2014, defining the mitigation actions required by the State of Colorado in connection with the Chatfield Reallocation Project ("Mitigation Plan"); and WHEREAS, Section 4.2.1.2.4 of the Mitigation Plan calls for the creation of an environmental storage space ("Environmental Pool") within the Reallocation Pool for the primary purpose of timed releases to alleviate low flow conditions downstream of Chatfield Reservoir. The Plan proposes that 1,000 acre feet of the Environmental Pool will be acquired by Colorado Parks & Wildlife ("CPW"), and 600 acre feet will be acquired by the CWCB. The Plan states that CPW will have control over water stored within the Environmental Pool and will have the authority to make releases as it deems appropriate; and WHEREAS, CDNR entered into agreements with Water Providers by which the right to store water in the Reallocation Pool, as well as the costs of construction and mitigation associated Page 1 of 6 2017-4236 therewith, are allocated to Water Providers. As relevant here, by agreement effective October 16, 2015, CDNR granted to the CWCB the right to use 7,057 acre feet of storage space in Chatfield Reservoir. Additionally, by agreement effective October 16, 2015, CDNR granted to CPW the right to use 1,000 acre feet of storage space in Chatfield Reservoir; and WHEREAS, the State, Water Providers, and Weld County and County of Denver acting by and through its Board of Water Commissioners ("Denver Water"), entered into an agreement dated October 15, 2015, by which the parties agreed to collaborate to create the Environmental Pool. The parties agreed that CPW would manage the Environmental Pool in accordance with the terms of the Mitigation Plan and that the Environmental Pool would have a maximum volume of 2,100 acre feet, unless enlarged by the mutual consent of all the parties; and WHEREAS, Weld County has been asked to contribute to the Environmental Pool shares. Weld County's economy is dependent upon agricultural and the growing economy in areas of energy, technology, and manufacturing. All of Weld County's economic sectors are dependent upon water resources. Such dependence will continue well into the future. The added water resource from the Environmental Pool will allow continuation of economic growth in Weld County, while still maintaining a strong agricultural heritage, thereby benefitting the citizens of Weld County. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows: Article I — Contribution to Environmental Pool Shares 1. Overview A. The Parties agree that increasing the capacity of the Environmental Pool will serve to enhance to flow of the South Platte River during low -flow conditions, which will benefit the citizens of Weld County and the County's environment by improving water quality, enhancing habitat for plant and animal species, and facilitating recreation along the River. B. Currently, only 1,600 of the 2,100 acre feet available storage capacity have been dedicated to the Environmental Pool. Greenway and Denver Water have partnered to obtain commitments to fund the remaining 500 acre feet of available storage space. C. Specifically, Denver Water has agreed to fund 250 acre feet of storage space for the Environmental Pool so long as Greenway successfully obtains funding for the remaining 250 acre feet. D. As part of the partnership described above, Weld County has pledged to fund 15 acre feet of storage capacity for the Environmental Pool at a cost of $7,500 per acre foot. Weld County will pay $112,500 to Greenway, which Greenway will subsequently pay to CWCB for the purpose of dedicating 15 acre feet of storage capacity to the Environmental Pool. Page 2 of 6 E. The $7,500 per acre foot cost represents the full cost to Weld County. Future costs related to the Corps' operations, maintenance, and repairs to its facilities are not part of the Weld County's pledge and will be funded by others. 2. Agreement A. Weld County agrees to pay to Greenway on or before December 31, 2018, ONE - HUNDRED TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE -HUNDRED DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($112,500) ("Contract Amount") in one lump sum to enable Greenway to purchase 15 acre feet of storage capacity in Chatfield Reservoir to the Environmental Pool, in accordance with the Mitigation Plan. B. Upon receipt of payment from Weld County, Greenway agrees to pay the Contract Amount to the CWCB on or before December 31, 2018, to dedicate 15 acre feet of storage capacity in Chatfield Reservoir to the Environmental Pool, in accordance with the Mitigation Plan. C. If Greenway does not perform its obligations as set forth in Section 2(B) above, Greenway will return the Contract Amount to Weld County within thirty (30) days. D. If the ROD authorizing the Reallocation Project is overturned pursuant to Audubon Society of Greater Denver v. United States Army Corps of Engineers, case no. 1:14-cv-02749- PAB, Greenway shall return the Contract Amount to Weld County within thirty (30) days after a final judgment is issued. Article II — General Provisions 1. No Assignment. No right or obligation granted by this Agreement shall be assigned by either party. 2. Waiver. No party shall waive its rights by failing to exercise its rights; any such failure shall not affect the right of the party to exercise at some future time the rights not previously exercised. 3. Venue; Governing Law. Venue for any dispute over any issue resulting from this Agreement shall be in the Weld County District Court. 4. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will commence on the date executed by Weld County as indicated on its signature page. Although the payment obligations of the Parties shall be completed by December 31, 2017, the provisions of this Agreement shall remain effective without termination. 5. Integration. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced as the fully integrated expression of the Parties' contract with respect to the matters and subjects addressed in this Agreement. No express or implied covenant not specifically set forth shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement. Page 3 of 6 6. Effect on Prior Contracts. Except as specifically referenced and altered by this Agreement, any other agreements between the Parties shall remain in full force and effect. 7. Examination of Records. Any authorized agent of Weld County shall have the right to access and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers and records of Greenway, involving transactions related to the Agreement, until the latter of three (3) years after the final payment under the Agreement or expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. 8. Electronic Signatures & Records. The Parties consent to the use of electronic signatures. The Agreement, and any other documents requiring a signature hereunder, may be signed electronically. The Parties agree not to deny the legal effect or enforceability of the Agreement solely because it is in electronic form or because an electronic record was used in its formation. The Parties agree not to object to the admissibility of the Agreement in the form of an electronic record, or a paper copy of an electronic document, or a paper copy of a document bearing an electronic signature, on the grounds that it is an electronic record or electronic signature or that it is not in its original form or is not an original. 9. Representatives. The following representatives are designated to accept or give any request, approval, notice or the like provided for by this agreement: For Weld County: Julie A. Cozad, Chair Board of County Commissioners of Weld county P.O. Box 758 1150 O Street Greeley, CO 80632 For Greenway: Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation 1855 S. Pearl St., Suite 40 Denver, CO 80210 10. No Third -Party Beneficiary. Enforcement of the terms of the Agreement and all rights of action relating to enforcement are strictly reserved to the Parties. Nothing contained in the Agreement gives or allows any claim or right of action to any third person or entity. Any person or entity other than Weld County or Greenway receiving services or benefits pursuant to the Agreement is an incidental beneficiary only. 11. No Authority to Bind Weld County to Contracts. Greenway lacks any authority to bind the Weld County on any contractual matters. 12. Severability. Except for the provisions of the Agreement requiring appropriation of funds and limiting the total amount payable by the Weld County, if a court of competent Page 4 of 6 jurisdiction finds any provision of the Agreement or any portion of it to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity of the remaining portions or provisions will not be affected, if the intent of the Parties can be fulfilled. 13. Conflict of Interest. Greenway shall not engage in any transaction, activity or conduct that would result in a conflict of interest under the Agreement. Greenway represents that it has disclosed any and all current or potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest shall include transactions, activities or conduct that would affect the judgment, actions or work of Greenway by placing Greenway's own interests, or the interests of any party with whom Greenway has a contractual arrangement, in conflict with those of Weld County. Weld County, in its sole discretion, will determine the existence of a conflict of interest and may terminate the Agreement if it determines a conflict exists, after it has given Greenway written notice describing the conflict. 16. No Discrimination in Employment. In connection with the performance of work under the Agreement, Greenway may not refuse to hire, discharge, promote or demote, or discriminate in matters of compensation against any person otherwise qualified, solely because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, or physical or mental disability. 17. Compliance with All Laws. Greenway shall perform or cause to be performed all services in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and codes of the United States and the State of Colorado. 18. Legal Authority. Greenway represents and warrants that it possesses the legal authority, pursuant to any proper, appropriate and official motion, resolution or action passed or taken, to enter into the Agreement. Each person signing and executing the Agreement on behalf of Greenway represents and warrants that he or she has been fully authorized by Greenway to execute the Agreement on behalf of Greenway and to validly and legally bind Greenway to all the terms, performances and provisions of the Agreement. Weld County shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to either temporarily suspend or permanently terminate the Agreement if there is a dispute as to the legal authority of either Greenway or the person signing the Agreement to enter into the Agreement. 19. Survival of Certain Provisions. The terms of the Agreement and any exhibits and attachments that by reasonable implication contemplate continued performance, rights, or compliance beyond expiration or termination of the Agreement survive the Agreement and will continue to be enforceable. 20. No Construction Against Drafting Party. The Parties and their respective counsel have had the opportunity to review the Agreement, and the Agreement will not be construed against any party merely because any provisions of the Agreement were prepared by a particular party. 21. Weld County Execution of Agreement. The Agreement will not be effective or binding on Weld County until it has been approved by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County and fully executed by the Chair of such Board. Page 5 of 6 22. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties hereto and their successors in interest. 23. No Third -Party Enforcement. It is expressly understood and agreed that the enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and all rights of action relating to such enforcement, shall be strictly reserved to the undersigned parties and nothing in this Agreement shall give or allow any claim or right of action whatsoever by any other person not included in this Agreement. It is the express intention of the undersigned parties that any entity other than the Parties receiving services or benefits under this Agreement shall be an incidental beneficiary only. 24. No Waiver of Immunities. No portion of this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any immunities the Parties or their officers or employees may possess, nor shall any portion of this Agreement be deemed to have created a duty of care which did not previously exist with respect to any person not a party to this Agreement. Signed this l8'+h day of Qectmbcr , 2017. ATTEST: f®�4/ OUNTY OF WELD, a political subdivision Weld County Clerk to the Boa _.l� y�;e STATE OF COLORADO By eputy `J r t the Bo It lei ie A. Cozad, Chair, poard of County ommissioners of Weld County DEC 1 8 2017 THE GREENWAY FOUNDATION By: Title: _ _ Page 6 of 6 0t0/7- yo23!0 RE: AGREEMENT FOR CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENT STORAGE SPACE WITHIN THE REALLOCATION POOL FOR THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TIMED RELEASES TO ALLEVIATE - THE GREENWAY FOUNDATION PAGE 2 AP,,-•ZS Elected Official Department Nead Controller APPROVED AS TO FORM: Cou tome Hello