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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-2007 ITEM VIII-B-4C ITY OF . AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM - WASHINGTON Agenda Subject: Date: Resolution No. 4148 January 16, 2007 Department: Attachments: Budget Impact: Public Works Resolution No. 4148 & Exhibit 1 $ 0 Administrative Recommendation: City Council adopt Resolution No. 4148. Background Summary: The City received a Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Grant, reimbursable for up to $10,000 before June 30, 2007. The grant is for the design and installation of a six (6) foot fence between the BNSF Right -of -Way and B Street NW. The fence will extend from West Main Street north for 250 linear feet. A construction and maintenance easement will likely be required from BNSF for completion of this project. W0205-2 F5.2.22 Reviewed by Council & Committees: Reviewed by Departments & Divisions: ❑ Arts Commission COUNCIL COMMITTEES: ❑ Building ❑ M&O ❑ Airport ❑ Finance ❑ Cemetery ❑ Mayor ❑ Hearing Examiner ❑ Municipal Serv. ❑ Finance ❑ Parks ❑ Human Services ❑ Planning & CD ❑ Fire ❑ Planning ❑ Park Board ®Public Works ® Legal ❑ Police ❑ Planning Comm. ❑ Other ® Public Works ❑ Human Resources Action: Committee Approval: ❑Yes []No Council Approval: ❑Yes ❑No Call for Public Hearing Referred to Until Tabled Until Councilmember: Wagner Staff: Dowd Meeting Date: February 5, 2007 Item Number: VIII.B.4 AUBURN *MOPE THAN YOU IMAGINED RESOLUTION NO. 4148 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A 250 LINEAR FOOT FENCE BETWEEN THE BNSF RIGHT-OF-WAY AND B STREET NW WHEREAS, the City desires to install a fence to prevent trespassers on the railroad tracks; and WHEREAS, a 250 linear foot gap currently exists in the fencing between the BNSF Right -of -Way and B Street NW, just north of West Main Street; and WHEREAS, the City applied for and was granted a Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) Grant in the amount of $10,000 to purchase and install a 6 -foot high chain link fence; and WHEREAS, there is no financial match required if the project cost does not exceed $10,000; and WHEREAS, project costs are eligible for reimbursement up to $10,000 until June 30, 2007; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to use grant monies to finance safety improvements. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES as follows: Resolution No. 4148 January 29, 2007 Page 1 Section 1. That the Mayor is hereby authorized to accept the WUTC grant for $10,000, in substantial conformity with the agreement attached hereto, marked as Exhibit "1" and incorporated herein by this reference. The WUTC Grant in the amount of $10,000 is eligible for purchase and installation of a fence between the BNSF Right - of -Way and B Street NW, just north of West Main Street. Section 2. That the Mayor is authorized to implement such other administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation. Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in full force upon passage and signatures hereon. Dated and Signed this day of , 2007. CITY OF AUBURN PETER B. LEWIS MAYOR ATTEST: Danielle E. Daskam, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Daniel B. Heid, City Attorney Resolution No. 4148 January 29, 2007 Page 2 } �X�•1Q 1�' - SERVICE DATE DEC 13 Zoos BEFORE THE WASHINGTON STATE UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION In the Matter of the Application of ) CITY OF AUBURN ) } Petitioner, ) Requesting Disbursement from the ) Grade Crossing Protective Fund ) ...................... ) DOCKET TR -061601 ORDER 01 ORDER GRANTING REQUEST FOR DISBURSEMENT FROM THE GRADE CROSSING PROTECTIVE FUND BACKGROUND 1 On September 1, 2006, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (Commission) sent a "Notice of Opportunity to Apply for Grant Monies from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund" in Docket TR -051633 to various interested parties eligible to apply for Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) grants. 2 On October 16, 2006, the city of Auburn filed an application with the Commission, requesting a disbursement of $10,000 from the GCPF to pay for a project related to pedestrian safety. The city seeks to install 250 feet of fencing between the tracks of BNSF Railway Company and West Meet in Auburn, Washington. 8 6A r est *40 3 A site visit by Commission Staff earlier this year confirms the safety problem described by the city exists and that the proposed fence will limit pedestrian access to the tracks in this area. 4 The city of Auburn seeks $10,000 to pay for the cost of the fencing. There are currently funds available to pay for the project. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS 5 (1) The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission is an agency of the State of Washington having authority to approve and administer disbursements from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund. Chapter 81.53.2 71 RCW and 81.53.281 RCW. 6 (2) ' Thb project for'which ditbhrsement from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund is sought is eligible for funding consideration under Commission rules and complies with the requirements of RCW 81.53.271 and RCW 81.53.281. DOCKET TR -061601 PAGE 2 ORDER 01 7 (3) Commission staff investigated the request based on the review criteria specified in the rules and recommended that it be granted. 8 (4) This matter was brought before the Commission at its regularly scheduled meeting on December 13, 2006. 9 (5) After examination of the application filed by the city of Auburn on October 16, 2006, and giving consideration to all relevant matters and for good cause shown, the Commission grants the request for disbursement of funds. ORDER THE COMMISSION ORDERS: 10 The request of the city of Auburn, proposing to install fencing between the railroad tracks and V;eft*taftrSUTM is granted, subject to the following conditions: 8 51 r e e:t N LO (t- (1) Expenditure from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund must not exceed $10,000. (2) The work for which the Grade Crossing Protective Fund disbursement was approved must conform to the project description specified in the application. (3) Payment will be made upon presentation of claim for reimbursement for costs incurred and verification by Commission staff that the work has been satisfactorily completed. (4) The project must be completed no later than June 30, 2007. DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective December 13, 2006. WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION CAROLE J. WASHBURN, Executive Secretary PROJECT AGREEMENT GRADE CROSSING PROTECTIVE FUND Docket: TR -061601 Commission Approval Date: December 13, 2006 A. PARTIES OF THE AGREEMENT This project grant agreement (agreement) is entered into between the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, Washington 98504-7250 and City of Auburn, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington 98001, and shall be binding upon the agents and all persons acting by or through the parties. B. PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT This agreement sets out the terms and conditions by which a grant is made from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund. The grant is administered by the UTC to the grantee for Docket TR -061601, identified above. C. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT TR -061601 involves a proposal by the grantee to install 250 feet of fencing between the tracks of BNSF Railway Company and in Auburn, Washington. D. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The project reimbursement period shall begin on December 13, 2006, and end June 30, 2007. No expenditure made before or after this period is eligible for reimbursement unless incorporated by written amendment into this agreement. E. PROJECT FUNDING Total grant funding awarded by the UTC for this project shall not exceed $10,000. The UTC shall not pay any amount beyond that approved for funding of the project. The grantee shall be responsible for all total project costs that exceed this amount. F. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS All rights and obligations of the parties to this agreement are subject to this agreement and its attachments, including the grantee's application, commission order, and the general provisions, all of which are attached and incorporated into this agreement. Except as provided, no alteration of any of the terms or conditions of this agreement will be effective unless provided in writing. All alterations must be signed by both parties. The grantee has read, fully understands, and agrees to be bound by all terms and conditions in these documents. Docket TR -061601 G. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATUTES, RULES, AND WUTC POLICIES This agreement is governed by, and the grantee shall comply with, all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including RCW 81.53.281, commission's rules in 480-62 (WAC), and the commission's order in this matter which are incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth. H. PROJECT GRANT AGREEMENT REPRESENTATIVE All. written communications sent to the grantee under this agreement will be addressed and delivered to: City of Auburn, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Tiffin Goodman Kathy Hunter 25 West Main Street 1300 S. Evergreen Park Drive S.W. Auburn, Washington 98001-4998 P.O. Box 47250 Olympia, Washington 98504-7250 These addresses shall be effective until receipt by one party from the other of a written notice of any change. I. ENTIRE AGREEMENT This agreement, along with all attachments, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other understandings, oral or otherwise, regarding this agreement shall exist or bind any of the parties. J. EFFECTIVE DATE This agreement for Docket TR -061601 shall be effective upon signing by all parties. State of W ington Utilitie Transportation Commission By: [Executfve Secretary] City of Auburn, Washington Title: Approved as to form: By: /s/ Assistant Attorney General Docket TR -061601 Date: Date: General Provisions Of the Project Agreement A. Heading and Definitions Section 1. Headings and Definitions........................................................................2 B. Performance and Requirements (General Responsibilities) Section 2. Performance by Grantee.....................................:...................................2 Section3. Assignment............................................................. ............................2 Section 4. Responsibility for Project.......................................................................3 Section5. Indemnification.......................................................................................3 Section 6. Independent Capacity of the Grantee......................................................3 Section 7. Conflict of Interest..................................................................................3 Section 8. Construction, Operation, Use and Maintenance.....................................4 Section 9. Acknowledgment....................................................................................4 C. Compliance with Laws, Records, and Inspections Section 10. Compliance with Applicable Law.......................................................4 Section 11. Records Maintenance....:.......................................................................5 Section 12. Right of Inspection........................................................ D. Funding, Reimbursements Section 13. Project Funding.....................................................................................5 Section 14. Project Reimbursements.......................................................................6 Section 15. Recovery of Payments..........................................................................6 Section 16. Covenant Against Contingent Fees.......................................................6 E. Remedies and Disputes Section 17. Order of Precedence..............................................................................6 Section18. Amendments.........................................................................................7 Section 19. Limitation of Authority.........................................................................7 Section 20. Waiver of Default.............................................................:.............:.....7 Section 21. Application Representations—Misrepresentations or Inaccuracy or Breach...........................................................................................................:..........7 Section 22. Termination and Other Remedies........................................................7 Section 23. Termination for Convenience...............................................................8 Section 24. Dispute Resolution................................................................................8 Section25. Attorneys' Fees.....................................................................................8 Section 26. Governing LawNenue..........................................................................8 Section27. Severability........................:......................................:............................9 Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Page 1 of 9 SECTION 1. HEADINGS AND DEFINITIONS A. Headings used in this agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not be considered a substantive part of this agreement. B. Definitions. As used throughout this agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below: Agreement - The accord accepted by all parties to the present transaction; the agreement, any supplemental agreement, and any intergovernmental agreement between the UTC and a grantee. Applicant - Any agency or organization that meets the qualifying standards, including deadlines, for submission of an application soliciting a grant of funds from the UTC. Application - The forms and support documents approved by the UTC or its Executive Secretary for use by applicants in soliciting project funds administered by UTC.. Contractor - shall mean one not in the employment of the grantee who is performing all or part of the eligible activities for this projects under a separate agreement with the grantee. The term "Contractor" and "Contractors" means Contractor(s) in any tier. Executive Secretary - The UTC Executive Secretary or the Secretary's designee. Grantee - The applicant who has been awarded a grant of funds and is bound by this executed agreement; includes its officers, employees and agents. Milestone — Important date(s) tracked in the agreement for monitoring the project status. Period of Performance - The time period specified in the agreement, under Section D, Period of Performance. Project - The undertaking that is the subject of this agreement and that is, or may be, funded in whole or in part with funds administered by the UTC. UTC — Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission created under Title 80 RCW. SECTION 2. PERFORMANCE BY GRANTEE The grantee shall undertake the project as described in this agreement, commission order, the grantee's application, and in accordance with the grantee's proposed goals and objectives described in the application or documents submitted with the application, all as finally approved by the UTC. All submitted documents are incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth herein. The Order of Precedence is covered in Section 17. Timely completion of the project is important. Failure to do so, as set out in this .agreement, is a material breach of the agreement. SECTION 3. ASSIGNMENT Neither this agreement, nor any claim arising under this agreement, shall be transferred or assigned by the grantee'without prior written consent of the UTC. Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Page 2 of 9 SECTION 4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROJECT While the UTC undertakes to. assist the grantee with the project by providing a grant pursuant to this agreement, the project itself remains the sole responsibility of the grantee. The UTC undertakes no responsibilities to the grantee, or to any third party, other than as is expressly set out in this agreement. The responsibility for the implementation of the project, as those phases are applicable to this project, is solely that of the grantee, as is responsibility for any claim or suit of any nature by any third party related in anyway to the project. SECTION 5. INDEMNIFICATION To the fullest extent permitted by the law, the grantee expressly agrees to and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the state and its agencies, officials, agents and employees from and against all claims, actions, costs, damages, or expenses of any nature arising out of or incident to the grantee's or any contractor's performance or failure to perform the agreement. Grantee's obligation to indemnify, defend and hold harmless also includes any claim by grantee's agents, employees, representatives or any contractor or its employees. Grantee's obligation to defend includes payment of any costs or attorneys' fees. Grantee's obligation shall not include such claims that may be caused by the sole negligence of the state and its agencies, officials, agents, and employees. If the claims or damages are caused by or result from the concurrent negligence of (a) the state, its agents or employees and (b) the grantee, its contractors, agents, or employees, this indemnity provision shall be valid and enforceable only to the extent of the negligence of the Grantee or its contractors, agents, or employees. The grantee expressly agrees to waive his/her immunity under Title 51 RCW to the extent required to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the state and its agencies, officials, agents or employees. SECTION 6. INDEPENDENT CAPACITY OF THE GRANTEE The grantee and its employees or agents performing under this agreement are not employees or agents of the UTC. The grantee will not hold itself out as nor claim to be an officer or employee of UTC or of the state of Washington by reason hereof, nor will the grantee make any claim of right, privilege or benefit which would accrue to an employee under Chapters 41.06 or 28B.16 RCW. The grantee is responsible for withholding and/or paying employment taxes, insurance, or deductions of any kind required by federal, state, and/or local laws. SECTION 7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Notwithstanding any determination by the Executive Ethics Board or other tribunal, the UTC may, in its sole discretion, by written notice to the grantee terminate this agreement if it is found after due notice and examination by UTC that there is a violation of the Ethics in Public Service Act, Chapter 42.52 RCW; or any similar statute involving the grantee in the procurement of, or performance under this agreement. In the event this agreement is terminated as provided above, UTC shall be entitled to pursue the same remedies against the grantee as it could pursue in the event of a breach of the agreement by the grantee. The rights and remedies of UTC provided for in this clause shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law. The Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Page 3 of 9 existence of facts upon which the UTC makes any determination under this clause shall be an issue and may be reviewed as provided in the "Dispute Resolution" clause of this agreement. SECTION 8. CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, USE AND MAINTENANCE Grantees must ensure that properties or facilities assisted with UTC funds, are built, operated, used, and maintained: A. According to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including public health standards and building codes. B. In a reasonably safe condition for the project's intended use. C. Throughout its estimated life so as to prevent undue deterioration. D. In compliance. with all federal and state nondiscrimination laws, regulations and policies. SECTION 9. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The grantee shall include language which acknowledges the funding contribution of the program to this project in any publication developed or modified for, or referring to, the proj ect. SECTION 10. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW The grantee will implement the agreement in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The grantee shall comply with, and UTC is not responsible for determining compliance with, any and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and/or policies, including, but not limited to, State Environmental Policy Act; Industrial Insurance Coverage; Architectural Barriers Act; permits (shoreline, Hydraulics Project Approval, demolition); land use regulations (comprehensive areas ordinances, Growth Management Act); federal and state safety and health regulations (Occupational Safety and Health Administration/Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act); and Buy American Act. The grantee shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws and/or policies, including but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act; Civil Rights Act; and the Age Discrimination Act. In the event of the grantee's noncompliance or refusal to comply with any nondiscrimination law or policy, the agreement may be rescinded, cancelled, or terminated in whole or in part, and the grantee may be declared ineligible for further grant awards from UTC. The.grantee is responsible for any and all costs or liability arising from the grantee's failure to so comply with. applicable law. No part of any funds provided under this grant shall be used, other than for normal and recognized executive -legislative relationships, for publicity or propaganda purposes, or for the preparation, distribution, or use of any kit, pamphlet, booklet, publication, radio, television, or video presentation designed to support or defeat legislation pending before the U.S. Congress or any state legislature. Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Page 4 of 9 No part of any funds provided under this grant shall be used to pay the salary or expenses of any grantee, or agent acting for such grantee, related to any activity designed to influence legislation or appropriations pending before the U.S. Congress or any state legislature. SECTION 11. RECORDS MAINTENANCE The grantee shall maintain books, records, documents, data and other evidence relating to this agreement and performance of the services described herein, including but not limited to accounting procedures and practices which sufficiently and properly reflect all direct and indirect costs of any nature expended in the performance of this agreement. Grantee shall retain such records for a period of six years following the date of final payment. At no additional cost, these records, including materials generated under the agreement, shall be subject at all reasonable times to inspection, review or audit by UTC, personnel duly authorized by UTC, the Office of the State Auditor, and federal and state officials so authorized by law, regulation or agreement. If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the six (6) year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved. SECTION 12. RIGHT OF INSPECTION The grantee shall provide right of access to its facilities to UTC or any of its officers, or to any other authorized agent or official of the state of Washington or the federal government, at all reasonable times, in order to monitor and evaluate performance, compliance, and/or quality assurance under this agreement. SECTION 13. PROJECT FUNDING A. Additional Amounts. UTC shall not be obligated to pay any amount beyond the dollar amount as identified in this agreement, unless an additional amount has been approved in advance by UTC or the Executive Secretary and incorporated by written amendment into this agreement. B. Before the agreement. No expenditure made, or obligation incurred, by the grantee before the effective date of this agreement shall be eligible for grant funds, in whole or in part, unless specifically provided for by UTC policy. The dollar amounts identified in this agreement may be reduced as necessary to exclude any such expenditure from reimbursement. C. After the Period of Performance. No expenditure made, or obligation incurred, following the period of performance shall be eligible, in whole or in part, for grant funds hereunder. In addition to any remedy the UTC may have under this agreement, the amounts identified in this agreement shall be reduced to exclude any such expenditure from participation. Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Page 5 of 9 SECTION 14. PROJECT REIMBURSEMENTS A. Compliance and Payment. The obligation of UTC to pay any amounts) under this agreement is expressly conditioned upon strict compliance with the terms of this agreement by the grantee. B. The grantee will submit an invoice for full payment when the project is completed. UTC staff will inspect the project and process payment. A project is considered "complete" when: 1. all approved or required activities outlined in the agreement are complete; 2. a grantee's final request for reimbursement; 3. the completed project has been approved by UTC; 4. final amendments have been processed; and 5. fiscal transactions are complete. C. Advance payments are not allowable. SECTION 15. RECOVERY OF PAYMENTS In the event that the grantee fails to expend funds under this agreement in accordance with -state and federal laws, and/or the provisions of the agreement, UTC reserves the right to recover grant award funds in the amount equivalent to the extent of noncompliance in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity. The grantee shall reimburse UTC for any overpayment or erroneous payments made under the agreement. Repayment by the grantee of such funds under this recovery provision shall occur within 30 days of demand by UTC. Interest shall accrue at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum from the time that payment becomes due and owing. SECTION 16. COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES The grantee warrants that no person or selling agent has been employed or retained to solicit or secure this agreement upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee, excepting bona fide employees or bona fide established agents maintained by the grantee for the purpose of securing business. UTC shall have the right, in the event of breach of this clause by the grantee, to annul this agreement without liability or, in its discretion, to deduct from the agreement price or consideration or recover by other means the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee. SECTION 17. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE This agreement is entered into, pursuant to, and under the authority granted by applicable state law. The provisions of the agreement shall be construed to conform to that law. In the event of an inconsistency in the terms of this agreement, or between its terms and any applicable statute, rule, or policy or procedure, the inconsistency shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Wage 6 of 9 A. Applicable statutes, orders, or policy and interpretive statements; B. Project agreement including attachments; C. Additional provisions or modifications of General Provisions; D. General Provisions. SECTION 18. AMENDMENTS This agreement may be amended by mutual agreement of the parties. Such amendments shall not be binding unless they are in writing and signed by personnel authorized to bind each of the parties. SECTION 19. LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY Only UTC or UTC's delegate by writing (delegation to be made prior to action) shall have the express, implied, or apparent authority to alter, amend, modify, or waive any clause or condition of this agreement. Furthermore, any alteration, amendment, modification, or waiver or any clause or condition of this agreement is not effective or binding unless made in writing and signed by the L1TC. SECTION 20. WAIVER OF DEFAULT Waiver of any default shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent default. Waiver of breach of any provision of the agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach and shall not be construed to be a modification of the terms of the agreement unless stated to be such in writing, signed by the Executive Secretary, or the Executive Secretary's designee, and attached to the original agreement. SECTION 21. APPLICATION REPRESENTATIONS -- MISREPRESENTATIONS OR INACCURACY OR BREACH The UTC relies upon the grantee's application in making its determinations as to eligibility for, selection for, and scope of, funding grants. Any misrepresentation, error or inaccuracy in any part of the application may be deemed a breach of this agreement. SECTION 22. TERMINATION AND OTHER REMEDIES UTC may require strict compliance by the grantee with the terms of this agreement including, but not limited to, the requirements of the applicable statutes, rules and UTC policies which are incorporated into this agreement, and with the representations of the grantee in its application for a grant as finally approved by UTC. UTC or the Executive Secretary, may suspend, or may terminate, the obligation to provide funding to the grantee under this agreement: A. In the event of any breach by the grantee of any of the grantee's obligations under this agreement; or B. If the grantee fails to make progress satisfactory to UTC or Executive Secretary toward completion of the project by the completion date set out in this agreement. Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Page 7 of 9 UTC may enforce this agreement by the remedy of specific performance, which usually will mean completion of the Project as described in this agreement. However, the remedy of specific performance shall not be the sole or exclusive remedy available to UTC. No remedy available to UTC shall be deemed exclusive. UTC may elect to exercise any, any combination, or all of the remedies available to it under this agreement, or under any provision of law, common law, or equity. SECTION 23. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE Except as otherwise provided in this agreement, UTC may, by ten (10) days written notice, beginning on the second day after the mailing, terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part. If this agreement is so terminated, UTC shall be liable only for payment required under the terms of this agreement for project expenses incurred prior to the effective date of termination. SECTION 24. DISPUTE RESOLUTION Except as may otherwise be provided in this agreement, when a dispute arises between the grantee and the staff of the UTC, which cannot be resolved, either party may request a hearing according to the process set out in this section. Either party's request for a hearing must be in writing and clearly state: A. The disputed issues; B. The relative positions of the parties; C. The grantee's name, address, project title, and the assigned project number. A request for a hearing under this section by either the UTC Staff or the grantee shall be delivered or mailed to the other party and to the Executive Secretary of the UTC. The request shall be delivered or mailed within thirty (30) days of the date the requesting party has received notice of the action or position of the other party which it wishes to dispute. The UTC shall treat such a request, when made by a grantee, as an application for an adjudicative proceeding under RCW 34.05.419. SECTION 25. ATTORNEYS' FEES If either party brings litigation to enforce any term or condition of this agreement, or as a result. of this agreement, the prevailing party shall be awarded its reasonable attorneys' fees together with necessary fees, expenses, and costs incurred for such litigation at both trial and appellate levels, as well as in obtaining execution of judgment. The reasonableness of such costs and attorneys' fees shall be determined by the court and not a jury. SECTION 26. GOVERNING LAW/VENUE This agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state of Washington. In the event of a lawsuit involving this agreement, venue shall be proper only in Thurston County Superior Court. The grantee, by execution of this agreement acknowledges the jurisdiction of the courts of the state of Washington. Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Page 8 of 9 In the cases where this agreement is between UTC and a federally recognized Indian tribe, the following Governing LawNenue applies: A. The state of Washington agrees that it shall initiate any lawsuit against a federally recognized Indian tribe arising out of or relating to the performance, breach or enforcement of this agreement in Federal Court. Interpretation shall be according to the law of the state of Washington. In the event that the Federal Court determines that it lacks subject matter jurisdiction to resolve the dispute between the state and Tribal Party, then the parties agree to venue in Thurston County Superior Court, but the parties agree that the matter shall not be pursued in superior court unless there is a Federal Court determination that it lacks subject matter jurisdiction. B. Any judicial award, determination, order, decree or other relief, whether in law or equity or otherwise, resulting from the action shall be binding and enforceable upon the parties. Any money judgment or award against the Tribe, tribal officers and members, or the state of Washington and its officers and employees may not exceed the amount provided for in Section E- Project Funding of the Agreement. C. The Tribe hereby waives its sovereign immunity as necessary to give effect to this section, and the state of Washington has waived its immunity to suit in state court. These waivers are only for the benefit of the Tribe and state and shall not be enforceable by any third party or by any assignee or delegate of the parties. In any enforcement action, the parties shall bear their own enforcement costs, including attorneys' fees. SECTION 27. SEVERABILITY The provisions of this agreement are intended to be severable. If any term or provision is illegal or invalid for any reason whatsoever, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the agreement. Grade Crossing Protective Fund Grant — General Provisions Page 9 of 9