TR9303-CS 930907NICHOLS, JACKSON, KIRK & DILLARD, L.L.P.
Attorneys & Counselors at Law
1800 Lincoln Plaza
500 North Akard
Dallas, Te×as 75201
(214) 954-3333
Facsimile (214) 954-3334
September 7, 1993
ROBERT L DILLARD. JR
H LOUIS NICHOLS
OF COUNSEL
VIA FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION AND REGULAR MAIL
Mr. Ken Griffin
City Engineer
City of Coppell
P. O. Box 478
Coppell, Texas 75019
Re: Roadway Impact Fee Contract
Dear Ken:
Pursuant to your request, the undersigned reviewed the proposed contract between
the City of Coppell, Texas and Johnson, Brickell, Mulcahy and Associates, Inc. for
engineering services in connection with the preparation of a Roadway Impact Fee
Ordinance~
Initially, we note that we must rely upon your expertise in determining whether the
contract adequately describes the scope of engineering services to be provided to the City
in the preparation of a Roadway Impact Fee Ordinance, pursuant to Chapter 395 of the
Local Government Code. We do recommend the following provisions be added to the
paragraph:
1. Consultant shall devote such time as is reasonably necessary for the
satisfactory performance of the duties under this agreement. Should the City
require additional services not included under this agreement, the Consultant
shall make reasonable effort to fit such additional services into the time
schedule without decreasing the effectiveness of performance of the duties
required under this agreement.
2. This agreement constitutes the sole and only agreement of the parties
and supersedes any prior understanding or written or oral agreements
between the parties respecting this subject matter.
3. If any action at law or in equity is brought to enforce or interpret the
provisions of this agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
reasonable attorney's fees, in addition to any other remedy to which the party
September 7, 1993
Page 2
may be entitled.
4. The validity of this agreement and any of its terms or provisions, as
well as the rights and duties of the parties, shall be governed by the laws of
the State of Texas, and any venue for any action concerning this agreement
shall be in Dallas County, Texas.
5. This agreement may be amended by the mutual agreement of the
parties to it, in a writing to be attached to and incorporated in this agreement.
6. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this
agreement shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall
not affect any other provision, and the agreement shall be construed as if such
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained in it.
7. It is the intent of this agreement to secure the personal services of the
consultant, or a duly authorized and competent representative or
representatives acceptable to the City. Failure of the consultant for any
reason to make the personal service of such a person available to the City to
the extent necessary to perform the services required skillfully and promptly
shall be cause for termination of the contract. The consultant, its officers,
agents and employees shall make themselves available to consult with the
City, its officers, agents and employees at reasonable times concerning any
matter pertaining to the subject matter of this agreement.
8. Acceptance by the consultant, his successor or assigns, of any payment
made on the final statement for services under this agreement, or any final
payment due on termination of this agreement, shall constitute a full and
complete release of the City from all claims, demands and causes of action
that the consultant, successor or assigns have or may have against the City
under the provisions of this agreement.
9. The consultant shall not assert any claim arising out of any act or
omission of any officer, agent or employee of the City in the execution or
performance of this agreement against that officer, agent or employee. Those
claims may be made against the City.
10. Any notice required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be
deemed received when sent by United States mail, postage prepaid, certified
mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the City or consultant, as the case
may be, at the address set forth opposite the signature of the party.
September 7, 1993
Page 3
In addition, since paragraph 4 of Article II provides that the consultant is entitled to
fees based upon an hourly rate plus expenses not to exceed the sum of Forty-Five Thousand
Dollars ($45,000.00), it would be in the City's best interest to be provided, prior to the
execution of the agreement and within the invoices for services rendered, a breakdown as
to the hourly charges and an itemization of the expenses. Also enclosed for your review is
a copy of the DeSoto contract with Barton-Aschman, Inc. for the same or similar services.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Very truly yours,
NICHOLS, JACKSON, KIRK & DILLARD, L.L.P.
By:
PeterG. S '-
PGS/jd