HomeMy WebLinkAboutShane Randall Morlan dba Columbia Private Investigators - PSA to Provide Investigative Services for Indigent PersonsPROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE INVESTIGATIVE
SERVICES FOR INDIGENT PERSONS CHARGED WITH CRIMES IN PASCO
MUNICIPAL COURT
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between Shane Randall Morlan,
investigator, Washington State Investigator's License #4731 ("Investigator") dba Columbia
Private Investigation, LLC and CITY OF PASCO ("City"), Pasco Municipal Court ("Court").
THIS AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO BASED UPON THE FOLLOWING FACTS
AND CIRCUMSTANCES:
A. The City has the legal responsibility to provide investigative services to
support the publicly -provided legal defense of indigent persons charged with
criminal offenses alleged to have been committed within the jurisdictional
boundaries of the City.
B. Investigator is licensed in the state of Washington to engage in the business
of providing private investigative services, has direct experience in
investigating cases involving persons charged with criminal offenses, and
desires to contract with the City to provide such services to indigent persons
subject to criminal charges in the Municipal Court.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein, the City and Investigator hereby agree as follows:
1. AGREEMENT TERM. This Agreement shall be deemed effective for all purposes as
of November 3, 2022, and shall continue thereafter through December 31, 2024,
unless earlier terminated pursuant to the applicable terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
2. INVESTIGATOR'S OFFICE LOCATION.
a. Investigator presently and regularly maintains an office adequate and
appropriate for the business of providing private investigative services at 6 E
Alder Suite 418. Walla Walla, WA 99362 Investigator's current local office
telephone and fax numbers are (509) 866-8271; and Investigator's current
office/work e-mail address is shane@exainvestigations.com
Throughout the entire term of this Agreement, Investigator shall continue to
maintain such an office, such telephone and fax numbers, and such e-mail
address; provided that, however, Investigator may relocate Investigator's
office to another location within the greater Tri-Cities, Washington, area
and/or Investigator may change Investigator's telephone/fax number to
another greater Tri-Cities-area local telephone/fax number, and/or
Investigator may change Investigator's e-mail address, provided that
Investigator must provide immediate written notice of such change(s) to the
City of Pasco Contract Administrator ("CA").
C. The City prefers that Investigator locate and maintain Investigator's office in a
commercial/professional building. However, regardless of the location
Investigator decides to maintain his/her office, the office must be capable of
accommodating confidential face-to-face meetings between Investigator and
persons whom Investigator is assigned to assist under this Agreement, must
be capable of regularly receiving mail, and must have adequate telephone
service to facilitate and ensure prompt response to contact with or from such
persons Investigator is assigned to assist hereunder.
3. INVESTIGATOR'S QUALIFICATIONS. Investigator acknowledges and agrees that
the City has an obligation to provide competent and effective legal defense services
to indigent persons subject to criminal proceedings in the Courts. Investigator shall
perform all services hereunder in strict accordance with the usual skills and
professional ethical standards exercised by investigators engaged in providing
investigative services for persons accused of crimes in the state of Washington.
Investigator acknowledges and agrees that Investigator has a fundamental duty and
responsibility to effectively promote and protect the best interests and rights of all
persons whom Investigator is assigned to assist under this Agreement.
a. As of the date of this Agreement, Investigator represents and warrants that
Investigator is unconditionally licensed to provide private investigative
services within the state of Washington; has had at least one (1) year of direct
experience in providing investigation services in criminal defense or criminal
prosecution matters; has not been a party to an agreement to provide criminal
defense -related investigative services that was terminated due to
Investigator's conduct, errors, or omissions; has not been censured,
admonished, or otherwise formally disciplined for past conduct or behavior as
an investigator that would negatively reflect on Investigator's duty and ability
to effectively and competently render services hereunder; and does not have
any complaints or lawsuits filed and/or pending against him/her relating to, or
arising from, Investigator's past conduct or behavior as an investigator.
(i) This Agreement will be subject to review and, if applicable and/or
necessary, further action pursuant to paragraph 12 below in the event
that Investigator's license to provide investigative services in
Washington is revoked or otherwise limited or restricted in any
manner.
(ii) Investigator shall notify the City and the CA within three (3) business
days if any event specified in paragraph 3.a.(i) above occurs
To comply with the provisions of RCW 72.05,440, WAC 388-700-0010, and
RCW 13.40.570, Investigator acknowledges and agrees that the City may
conduct criminal history background check(s) on Investigator. Investigator
acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement shall be deemed immediately
and automatically terminated upon the City receiving a non -complying or
otherwise unsatisfactory criminal history background check report.
During each calendar year of the term of this Agreement Investigator shall be
required to pursue and participate in such training, education, and/or other
applicable actions required to maintain Investigator's license to provide
investigative services within Washington in full force and effect; and
Investigator shall provide the CA with written proof and confirmation that such
requirements have been met no later than December 31st of each calendar
year.
Investigator represents and warrants that, throughout the entire term of this
Agreement, Investigator's client caseload on matters outside of this
Agreement; Investigator's schedule; and Investigator's office resources,
equipment, and support staff; will allow Investigator to competently undertake
and effectively perform all services required under this Agreement.
Investigator represents and warrants that Investigator's client caseload and
schedule outside this Agreement will not interfere with Investigator's ability to
timely and efficiently perform services under this Agreement.
4. OTHER INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENTS. On or about the date of this
Agreement, the City contemplates entering into separate and independent
investigative services agreements with other licensed investigators to provide
investigative services to persons accused of crimes in the Courts. Investigator
agrees to fully cooperate and coordinate with such other investigators, the Courts,
and the CA to establish a process to effectuate the efficient and equitable distribution
of clients and cases requiring investigative services. The CA shall have the inherent
discretion and authority to monitor and control (and reasonably modify/change) such
process.
5. CASE ASSIGNMENTS. During the term of this Agreement, Investigator agrees to
and shall accept assignments from the CA to provide investigative services for
indigent persons (regardless of their race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital
status, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, personal background, creed, or
political or religious affiliation) on any matter in the Courts in which legal defense
services are furnished or required by law. For each case assigned hereunder,
Investigator shall provide investigative services as further described in "Exhibit A"
to this Agreement. Specifically, Investigator shall provide criminal defense
investigative services of the same quality as Investigator provides to private clients.
Optionally, whether in conjunction with an assigned case or as a separate matter,
Investigator may serve subpoenas on behalf of indigent defense attorneys
contracted by or employed by the City to provide public indigent defense services. If
Investigator desires to be considered for subpoena service assignments, then
Investigator shall furnish to the City, through their CA, with a written statement
stating the intent to accept such assignments at the rate provided in "Exhibit
B" to this Agreement, and providing a reliable means to receive any
subpoenas that need to be served. Investigator shall not accept assignments
in any other manner than as described in this section. Specifically,
Investigator shall not accept "indigent defense" or "appointed" case
assignments directly from indigent defense attorneys, as the indigent defense
attorneys have no authority whatsoever to directly assign or appoint an
investigator to any case.
Individual case assignments for cases shall be made by the CA utilizing the
following procedure:
(i) Upon determining that a case needs an investigator assigned, the
indigent defense attorney of record will contact the CA, request an
investigator, advise of the nature of the investigation, and request a
particular investigative cost expenditure limit.
(ii) Upon approval of the request for an investigator, the CA will assign the
case to an investigator from the list of approved investigators
(including Investigator described herein) with due attention (at the
CA's sole and absolute discretion) to efficiency, cost -savings,
matching of skill -sets to case types. While the CA will make
reasonable efforts to maintain the distribution equity of investigative
case assignments, nothing in this agreement shall be interpreted as
guaranteeing any level of equitable distribution of assignments.
Once an investigator has been assigned to a case, the CA will provide written
notice of the assignment to both the investigator and the indigent defense
attorney of record. Investigator shall not commence any work until written
notice of assignment has been received. Such written notice will contain an
expenditure limit which shall constitute the maximum compensation and cost
reimbursement payable to Investigator on the particular case unless
additional expenditures are requested as provided in paragraph 9(d)(iv).
C. Individual subpoena service assignments or "stand-alone" subpoena service
(i.e., service of subpoenas separate from investigative services on a case)
will be made by the CA utilizing the following procedure:
(i) Upon determining that subpoenas need to be served, the indigent
defense attorney of record will contact the CA and request approval to
serve such subpoenas.
(ii) Upon approval of the request, the CA will assign the service of the
subpoenas to a server from a list of approved subpoena servers on a
rotating basis. Investigator may elect not to be on this list. As
stated above, this Agreement does not obligate Investigator to
accept "stand-alone" subpoena service assignments.
(iii) Once the subpoena service has been assigned to a particular
investigator, both the investigator and the indigent defense attorney of
record will receive written notification of the assignment from the CA,
which notice shall constitute authorization for the investigator to
proceed.
Service of subpoenas in conjunction with an assigned investigation does not
need prior approval or authorization. However, compensation is limited to the
amount stated in Exhibit B to this Agreement.
6. CONTINUED SERVICES.
a. Investigator shall have a duty to timely and fully complete all cases assigned
to Investigator under this Agreement. Without limitation in that regard,
Investigator shall continue to provide investigative services for those persons
whom Investigator was assigned to assist and whose case was not
concluded prior to the effective date of termination of this Agreement for up to
ninety (90) days following the effective date of termination. Investigator's
obligation to continue providing post -termination services shall not in any way
entitle Investigator to receive any additional compensation beyond the
maximum investigative cost expenditure limit expressly specified in the
written notice from the CA authorizing Investigator's assignment to the case.
Investigator will be assigned to no new cases under this Agreement during
the thirty (30) day period prior to its expiration date specified in paragraph 1
above if Investigator provides written notice to the City at least sixty (60) days
prior to such termination date of Investigator's desire and intent to not pursue
contracting with the City again to provide investigative services in the Courts
after such expiration date. Investigator may belatedly provide such written
notice at any time within said sixty (60) day time period, but the assignment of
new cases to Investigator will not stop until thirty (30) days after the date such
notice has been received by the City.
CLIENT ELIGIBILITY. The Courts (or their designee), consistent with applicable
laws, rules and standards, shall determine the eligibility of any particular person for
assistance by Investigator under this Agreement. Investigator is under no obligation
to determine a person's eligibility or continuing eligibility to receive assistance,
However, if Investigator is assigned to provide services to a person and
subsequently discovers that such person may not be eligible to receive assistance
under applicable laws, rules and standards, Investigator, if able to do so within the
bounds of ethical rules and professional standards applicable to
investigators, shall promptly provide the indigent defense attorney(s) representing
the person with such information.
CONFLICTS. Notwithstanding any other terms or provisions contained in this
Agreement to the contrary, Investigator shall not be required to accept, and
Investigator shall decline to accept, an assignment under this Agreement if the
particular assignment would create a true and bona fide conflict of interest for
Investigator or would otherwise cause or constitute an actual violation of any
generally recognized ethical or professional standards common and applicable to
investigators in the State of Washington. Furthermore, in the event a true and bona
fide conflict of interest arises subsequent to Investigator receiving an assignment
under this Agreement (or in the event Investigator's continued involvement in a
pending assigned case would cause or constitute an actual violation of any such
ethical or professional standards), Investigator shall immediately make the indigent
defense attorney(s) representing the affected indigent person aware of such
development for purposes of the attorney(s) taking immediate action to pursue the
assignment of another investigator.
9. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT.
As full and exclusive compensation for Investigator's performance and
rendering of independent professional investigative services hereunder,
Investigator shall be compensated as provided in Exhibit B.
Payment of such compensation is based on time expended on the case by
Investigator only. Time expended by other persons (including, without
limitation, Investigator's support staff or associate investigators) on a case at
Investigator's request or direction shall be part of Investigator's business
overhead and shall not be billable to the City.
Investigator acknowledges and agrees that Investigator shall not be entitled
to claim or receive any reimbursement/payment from the City for any
business or office -related overhead costs or expenses incurred by
Investigator during the course of rendering services under this Agreement
(including, without limitation, costs and expenses associated with
Investigator's office, office staff, office equipment/facilities, and/or other office -
related resources). The City recognizes, however, that in certain
circumstances the need may arise for Investigator to incur certain types of
out-of-pocket expenses directly related to an indigent person's case such as
costs of out -of -area travel, meals and lodging.
(i) Investigator shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for the actual
cost of such out-of-pocket expenditures provided that, however,
Investigator shall not incur any such expense nor shall Investigator be
entitled to be reimbursed for any such expense unless such expense
has been pre -approved as necessary and reasonable by the CA in
accordance with applicable rules, procedures, and standards. Such
authorization shall state and provide a specific dollar amount for the
requested and authorized expenditure; provided that, in the event it is
not reasonably possible to state and provide a specific dollar amount
for a particular requested expenditure, such authorization may
nevertheless provide approval for the expenditure but shall establish
and set forth a maximum dollar expenditure amount. In regard to any
reimbursement to Investigator for any approved expenditures and
costs pertaining to case -related out -of -area travel, meals, and lodging,
any reimbursement to Investigator for such expenditures and costs
shall not exceed the amounts that are set forth in the Federal General
Services Administration ("GSA") reimbursement schedule existing for
the locality (if applicable) and period of time when the costs are
accrued.
(ii) Without limiting or expanding the preceding provisions of this
paragraph 9, Investigator shall be reimbursed only for Investigator's
vehicle mileage outside of the Tri-Cities (i.e., outside of the city limits
of the Cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland and Pasco)
accrued while directly engaged in investigations under this Agreement.
The rate of such reimbursement shall be equivalent to the rate
published by the GSA for the locality (if applicable) and period of time
when the mileage is accrued. Such vehicle mileage shall be
reimbursed only one time to Investigator, and Investigator shall not
attempt to seek duplicative or excessive reimbursement for mileage
accrued while simultaneously rendering services on more than one
case (e.g., if Investigator accrues 10 miles to travel to a particular
location to interview witnesses involved in two separate cases
assigned to Investigator hereunder, Investigator shall only be
reimbursed for that 10 miles, and not for 20 miles by attempting to
claim reimbursement of 10 miles for each case). For such
reimbursable case assignment travel, mileage shall be calculated
beginning from the City of Pasco City Hall in Kennewick to the location
where the investigative services are actually rendered (e.g., witness's
residence) utilizing and based on the most direct route over public
roadways.
As a precondition to Investigator being paid the above -mentioned
compensation and reimbursements for costs and expenses hereunder,
Investigator shall submit a "Claim for Compensation" in such form as is
prescribed by the CA, including with such submission an invoice that
descriptively sets forth and details the total number of hours (documented
and stated in one -tenth (1/10th) hour intervals) expended by Investigator on
the case and that further describes and details the particular actions taken by
Investigator on such case that correspond to such expended and billed hours
including the date when such actions were taken (exercising appropriate
discretion to protect client confidentiality given that such documents are
matters of public record unless sealed by the court at the request of the
defense attorney representing the client).
(i) Investigator's administrative time expended to prepare, submit, and
process Claims for Compensation shall not be billable to the City.
(ii) All Claims for Compensation under this Agreement may be subject to
the CA's review and approval for payment.
(iii) Investigator shall timely submit such Claims for Compensation within
sixty (60) days of the date on which Investigator expended time for
which compensation is sought, and the City shall have the right to
deny payment of any Claim for Compensation that is not timely and
properly submitted within said requisite sixty (60) day period or that is
not properly itemized and billed in 1/10 hour intervals as required
herein.
(iv) The cumulative sum of compensation and reimbursements being
claimed shall be limited to the unclaimed expenditure limit stated in the
written notice of assignment unless authorization for additional
expenditure is requested and granted prior to providing the additional
services that incur such additional expenditure. Such request for
authorization for additional expenditure shall be in writing and shall be
directed to the CA by email to indigentdefense@pasco-wa.gov or
delivered to the CA's office. Such a request shall contain the following
information:
(a) The court case number and name,
(b) The initial expenditure limit,
(c) How much of the expenditure limit has been expended and
whether it has been billed,
(d) What investigation has been completed,
(e) What investigation remains to be done, and
(f) The requested amount of the authorization for additional
expenditure.
(v) Investigator should expect processing time for requests for
authorization for additional expenditures of 2-3 business days. It is
Investigator's responsibility to plan investigations and the submission
of requests for authorization for additional expenditure in a manner
that takes into account this anticipated processing lead time.
(vi) In situations of bona fide emergency, requests for authorization for
additional expenditures may be submitted after additional services
have been provided. However, the amount of services provided shall
be limited to that amount which is essential to address the emergency,
and a request for authorization for additional expenditure shall be
submitted within 2 business days detailing and specifically describing
the circumstances of the emergency. For purposes of this paragraph,
the term "emergency" shall be defined as any situation where critically
necessary investigative work, beyond what has already been
authorized, must be completed within such a short timeframe that it is
not possible to obtain authorization from the CA in advance and the
inability to complete such investigative work is reasonably likely to
prejudice the rights of the indigent defendant whose criminal case
Investigator is assigned to provide investigative services for.
(vii) If Investigator or Investigator's staff wish to make billing inquiries, such
inquiries shall be made by email directed to such email address as the
CA designates for such purpose. Investigator should expect such
emailed inquiries to be responded to within 3 business days. Repeated
telephone contact with the CA or the CA's staff, for the sole purpose of
making billing inquiries, shall constitute a breach of this Agreement.
e. Claims for Compensation may be submitted throughout any given month.
However, Claims for Compensation will only be processed twice each month:
The first time on the business day immediately prior to the 15th day of the
month and the second time on the business day immediately prior to the 30th
day of the month ("Cutoff Day"). In order to facilitate the processing of claims
during those two days of the month, Investigator shall, by 5:00 pm no less
than two business days prior to each Cutoff Day, provide, via email to such
email address as is designated by the CA, a Billing Summary, which shall
clearly and concisely set out the following as to each Claim for Compensation
being submitted that the Investigator wants to be processed on the particular
Cutoff Day: case name, case number, date submitted, and total amount
claimed. Properly submitted Claims for Compensation that are also properly
referenced and included in an appropriate and duly submitted Billing
Summary will be paid within 30 calendar days. Failure to provide a Billing
Summary shall constitute cause to delay processing of a Claim for
Compensation until a summary is received, and may result in a delay in
excess of 30 days before the claim is paid.
The above -stated compensation to Investigator will immediately cease upon
the termination of this Agreement on, or for any reason prior to, the
termination date specified in paragraph 1 above. For example, if this
Agreement is terminated effective May 31, 2022, the above referenced
compensation to Investigator also would terminate as of such date, and
Investigator would not be entitled to receive any further compensation from
the City; provided that, Investigator would be entitled to receive any then -
accrued and unpaid compensation for services rendered hereunder prior to
such termination date; and further provided that Investigator may be entitled
to receive compensation for continuing post -termination services provided
pursuant to paragraph 6.a. above.
10. INDEMNIFICATIONS AND HOLD HARMLESS. Investigator agrees to and shall fully
indemnify the City and their elected/appointed representatives, officers, employees,
and agents; and to hold the City and their elected/appointed representatives,
officers, employees, and agents fully harmless; from and for any and all losses,
damages, costs, charges, claims, demands, suits, or actions of whatsoever nature
directly or indirectly arising out of or by reason of Investigator's (or any person,
employee, agent, contractor, or entity acting for or on behalf of Investigator or at
Investigator's request or direction) acts, defaults, errors and/or omissions of
whatsoever nature in the performance of investigative services for any person under
this Agreement. In the event any suit or legal proceeding is brought against the City
or any of their elected/appointed representatives, officers, employees or agents at
any time on account of or by reason of any such acts, defaults, errors and/or
omissions, Investigator hereby covenants and agrees to assume the defense thereof
(through counsel acceptable to the City) and to defend the same at Investigator's
sole cost and expense and to pay any and all costs, charges, attorneys' fees, and
other expenses as well as any and all judgments or awards that may be incurred by
or entered against the City or any of its elected/appointed representatives, officers,
employees or agents in such suits or other legal proceedings. Without limiting the
intended broad scope and application of the indemnification and hold harmless
provisions of this paragraph, for purposes of this paragraph, Investigator waives,
with respect to the City only, any immunity that would otherwise be available to
Investigator under the Industrial Insurance Act provisions of Title 51 RCW or any
other similar workers/employee disability or benefit law. The indemnification and hold
harmless provisions of this paragraph shall survive the termination or expiration of
this Agreement.
11. INSURANCE.
Investigator shall obtain and maintain, at Investigator's sole cost and
expense, a policy of Commercial General Liability insurance (including
Endorsement Form CG2011 and Contractual Liability coverage) in the
amount of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence nor less than
$2,000,000.00 in the aggregate during the policy term. Additionally, if
Investigator is an employer, Investigator shall obtain and maintain, at
Investigator's sole cost and expense, a policy of Statutory Workers
Compensation and Employers Liability/Stop Gap insurance in the amount of
not less than $1,000,000.00.
(i) The policy of Commercial General Liability insurance shall be written
on an occurrence basis; shall name the City, the Courts, and the City's
elected/appointed representatives, officers, employees and agents as
additional insureds; shall be primary coverage for both defense and
indemnity and non-contributory with any insurance coverage
maintained by the City; and shall provide for waiver of subrogation
rights as to the City.
(ii) The insurance policies required by this paragraph 11.a shall require
that the insurance company provide the City with no less than thirty
(30) days prior written notice in the event the policy is cancelled or
materially altered; shall comply with all applicable State of Washington
insurance requirements; and shall be issued by an insurance company
rated A- or better by A.M. Best authorized to conduct business and
issue insurance in the state of Washington.
(iii) Investigator shall continuously maintain the insurance coverage
required by this paragraph 11.a throughout the entire term of this
Agreement and throughout any other longer time period during which
Investigator is obligated to continue performing services and duties
hereunder.
b. Investigator shall also obtain and maintain, at Investigator's sole cost and
expense, a policy of professional liability or errors and omissions insurance
suitable for Investigator's profession, in the amount of no less than
$1,000,000.00 per claim nor less than $2,000,000.00 in the aggregate during
the policy term and with a maximum deductible of not more than $10,000.00.
(i) Said policy shall include coverage as an additional insured for any
other person(s) acting for or on behalf of Investigator in the
performance of this Agreement; shall provide professional liability
insurance coverage for any acts, errors and/or omissions by
Investigator (and/or such additional insureds) during the course of
performing services under this Agreement; shall require that the
insurance company provide the City with no less than thirty (30) days
prior written notice in the event the policy is cancelled or materially
altered; shall comply with all applicable state of Washington insurance
10
requirements; and shall be issued by an insurance company rated A -
or better by A.M. Best authorized to conduct business and issue
insurance in the state of Washington.
(ii) Investigator shall continuously maintain the professional liability
insurance coverage required by this paragraph 11.b throughout the
entire term of this Agreement, throughout any other longer time period
during which Investigator is obligated to continue performing services
and duties hereunder, and for a period of no less than thirty-six (36)
consecutive months after Investigator has fully completed all services
and duties required hereunder.
C. Contemporaneously with Investigator's execution of this Agreement,
Investigator shall provide the City and their designated Risk Manager(s) with
copies or certificates of the insurance policies and coverage (including any
endorsements) required under this paragraph 11, and Investigator shall
annually provide the Risk Manager(s) with the same type of documented
proof and confirmation that such insurance policies and coverage continue to
exist no later than thirty (30) days after the policies' annual renewal date(s).
12. TERMINATION.
a. In addition to any automatic termination provisions set forth in this
Agreement, the City may elect to terminate this Agreement in the event
Investigator fails for whatever reason to comply with any provision of this
Agreement after giving Investigator ten (10) business days advance written
notice to cure, which notice shall specify the reason(s) for the notice, the
act(s) necessary to cure Investigator's failure(s), and the consequence (i.e.,
termination without further notice) if the failure(s) is/are not cured within the
ten (10) day period. The City's right to terminate this Agreement in such
regard shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies available to the
City.
In addition to the foregoing provisions regarding termination, either
Investigator or the City may elect to terminate this Agreement with or without
cause or reason by providing the other party with ninety (90) days advance
written notice of such election. Without limiting/waiving other provisions of this
Agreement relating to Investigator's obligation and duty to accept and
complete cases assigned to Investigator, Investigator shall not be assigned to
any new cases during the last thirty (30) calendar days of said ninety (90) day
notice period.
13. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Investigator fully understands, acknowledges, and
agrees that Investigator shall not be an agent, representative, or employee of the
City or the Courts for any type of purpose or situation whatsoever (including, without
limitation, for purposes of any type of wage, hours/overtime, workers/industrial
insurance compensation, unemployment, fair labor, and/or employee benefit/leave
laws, disability act coverage or rules, and/or regulations) and that Investigator, as of
the date of this Agreement and throughout its entire term, is and will always be
11
acting and operating as a fully independent contractor. In that regard, strictly subject
to Investigator's duties, responsibilities and obligations imposed under this
Agreement, Investigator shall have sole and absolute discretion using Investigator's
best professional judgment to determine the manner and means of providing the
investigative services required under this Agreement; and neither the City, the CA,
nor the Courts shall have any authority or duty to directly control the actual
performance of Investigator's services hereunder.
14. NON -ASSIGNMENT: MILITARY LEAVE. Investigator shall not allow or arrange for
any other person to perform any of the services required by this Agreement, nor
shall Investigator assign, subcontract out, or otherwise delegate any of Investigator's
rights, responsibilities, or obligations under this Agreement. In the event Investigator
is called up for active military duty or for direct civilian support of active military
operations, Investigator shall provide the City and the CA with written notice of such
event within five (5) business days of Investigator being called up so that the CA and
Investigator can coordinate and arrange for an appropriate substitute to handle
Investigator's duties under this Agreement while Investigator is on military leave and
any reasonable back -to -civilian -life transition time requested by Investigator upon
return. Investigator shall receive no compensation under this Agreement while on
leave or during any such transition time.
15. VACANCY AND REPLACEMENT. In the event this Agreement is terminated by
either party prior to the termination date specified in paragraph 1 above, the City
may initiate, implement and pursue any actions or process deemed
appropriate/necessary to seek, select, and contract with another qualified
investigator to replace and succeed Investigator in providing investigative services to
indigent persons in the Courts.
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire integrated agreement
and understanding of the undersigned parties. No amendment, modification or other
type of change to this Agreement shall be valid or enforceable unless reduced to
writing and signed by the parties.
17. CAPTIONS: TIME COMPUTATION.
The captions and headings herein are for convenience only and shall not be
relied upon or used to interpret or construe this Agreement or any portion
thereof.
Unless otherwise expressly specified herein, any period of time specified in
this Agreement shall expire at 5:00 p.m. (PTZ) of the last calendar day of the
specified period of time, unless the last day is Saturday, Sunday, or a legal
holiday, as prescribed in RCW 1.16.050, in which event the specified period
of time shall expire at 5:00 p.m. (PTZ) of the next business day. Unless
otherwise expressly specified herein as being business days only, any period
of time specified in this Agreement shall mean and be calculated to include
calendar days.
12
18. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be exclusively construed under and
interpreted consistent with the laws of the state of Washington.
19. BINDING EFFECT. Strictly subject to the above restrictions against assignment,
subcontracting, or delegation, this Agreement shall be binding upon Investigator's
heirs, legal/personal representatives, successors, and assigns.
20. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any one or more provisions contained in this
Agreement shall, for whatever reason, be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provision(s) shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this
Agreement shall nevertheless be construed and enforced as if such invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provision(s) were not contained herein.
21. NON -WAIVER. A party's express or implied consent to or waiver of any breach or
default by the other party in the performance of such other party's obligations
hereunder shall not be deemed or construed to be a consent to or waiver of any
other breach or default in the performance by such other party of the same
obligations or any other obligation(s) of such other party hereunder.
22. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. In the event of a dispute regarding the enforcement,
breach, default, or interpretation of this Agreement, the Parties shall first meet in
good faith effort to resolve such dispute. If the dispute cannot be resolved by
agreement of the Parties, then said dispute shall be submitted to mediation using
mediator reasonably agreed to by the Parties. In the event the dispute cannot be
resolved by agreement of the Parties facilitated by a mediator, then said dispute will
be resolved by arbitration pursuant to RCW 7.04A, as amended, with both the
Parties waiving the right to a jury trial de novo, with venue being placed in Franklin
County, Washington. In any such arbitration, the substantially prevailing Party shall
be entitled its reasonable attorney fees and costs as additional award and judgement
against the other.
23. NOTICES.
a. Any notices required or permitted to be given by Investigator to the City under
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered to
the City's CA at his below -stated office address; mailed to the City's CA at his
below -stated office address via certified U.S. mail, postage prepaid; or
emailed to the City's CA at the below -stated official email address for notices:
Raymond Hui
525 N 3rd Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
indigentclefenseC@paco-wa.gov
509-302-3001
b. Any notices required or permitted to be given by the City to Investigator under
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered to
Investigator or mailed to Investigator via certified U.S. mail, postage prepaid,
at Investigator's office address specified and set forth in paragraph 2.a above;
13
or emailed to Investigator at his/her business email address set forth in
paragraph 2.a.
C. Any notices under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly given,
made and received when personally delivered against receipt or when duly
deposited in the U.S. mail in compliance with the provisions of this paragraph.
A party may change the address(es) to which notices or copies thereof are to
be sent by giving notice of such change of address in conformity with the
provisions of this paragraph for the giving of notice.
24. LEGAL COMPLIANCE. Investigator agrees to and shall strictly follow and comply
with any and all federal, state, local, and administrative laws, rules, and regulations
applicable to Investigator's pursuit and performance of activities and services under
this Agreement. Without limitation in that regard, Investigator shall timely and fully
pay all applicable taxes, fees, licenses, and other payments required by law; and
Investigator shall fully comply with any and all anti -discrimination laws and policies
including, without limitation, the City's policy that no person will be subjected to
discrimination by the City or its contractors based on race, color, national origin, age,
sex, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, personal background,
creed, or political or religious affiliation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into and executed this
Agreement on the date set forth below.
Investigator
tS Ran all Morlan Date
City of Pasco
14
s 3� 23
R Date
istrative & Community Services Director
EXHIBIT A — SCOPE OF SERVICES
INVESTIGATOR shall provide, as assigned and approved on a case -by -case basis,
professional quality criminal defense investigation services to defense attorneys assigned to
represent indigent defendants with criminal cases pending in Pasco Municipal Court.
The services to be provided under this agreement may include, but are not limited to:
• Attempting to locate witnesses
• Interviewing witnesses
• Interviewing victims
• Researching the criminal history or backgrounds of witnesses or victims
• Conducting surveillance of witnesses
• Diagramming crime scenes or other locations associated with a criminal case
• Photographing items, locations, persons or anything else relevant to defense of a
criminal case
• Cataloging and tracking evidence (only permitted in cases with large amounts of
evidence)
• Serving subpoenas
INVESTIGATOR may provide, as assigned, and only if CONTRACTOR elects to do so,
subpoena service. Provided, however, that the maximum compensation for such subpoena
services shall be as stated in Exhibit B — Compensation.
Absent specific written instruction to do so from CA, CONTRACTOR shall not be
compensated for any of the following services:
(a) "Evaluating" any legal document including search warrants
(b) Reviewing police reports or any other discovery for purposes of evaluating their
sufficiency or for the purposes of determining what, if any, investigation needs to be
done
(c) Spending time at any hearing or trial except when appearing for the purpose of
testifying as a witness
(d) Appearing at or waiting during any criminal pre-trial docket
Furthermore, INVESTIGATOR shall not arrange for or bill for, the services of third -party
experts since these experts are to be coordinated through the attorney of record with
authorization from CA. Experts include, but are not limited to*
➢ Polygraph examiners
➢ DNA, fingerprint, firearms experts
➢ Experts on the identification of substances including controlled substances
➢ Handwriting or document analysis experts
15
EXHIBIT B — COMPENSATION
Service Rate Comments
Investigator time $65 per hour Must be billed in
increments of 1/10th of an
hour together with date
and description of
services rendered.
Mileage Published US GSA rate Only for investigations
outside of Tri-Cities area.
Standard locate
$25 per locate
For locating addresses
using subscription
database services
Background investigation
$50 each
Only for background
investigations that involve
more than a WATCH
inquiry. WATCH inquiry
cases are compensated
on a reimbursement basis
only
Transcription
$5/page
Only upon specific
advance written
authorization
Subpoena service
$40 each service
Contractors are not
required to accept
subpoenas for service.
However, if they do serve
subpoenas, this is the
maximum compensation
for doing so.
Video and photo DVD
$35 each, $10 for extra
With menu, ready for trial
copies
format.
Photo CD
$10 each
Photocopies
$0.20 per page
16