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IV.7. Approval of Environmental Consulting Services Proposal from Braun Intertec; Needham CITY OF HOPKINS City Council Report 2025-058 To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members Mike Mornson, City Manager From: Revée Needham, Community Development Manager Date: April 15, 2025 Subject: Approve Environmental Consulting Services Proposal from Braun Intertec _____________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDED ACTION MOTION TO Approve Environmental Consulting Services Proposal from Braun Intertec. OVERVIEW The City released a Request for Proposals in October 2024 for four city-owned lots and the Council has selected Footprint Development LLC as the developer for three of the lots. Two of the properties on Mainstreet were formerly gas stations, and the City completed some remediation work in the past. However, this work did not have an end- use in mind for the sites, so additional assessment and potentially cleanup is required at this time. The City worked with the developer, Footprint Development LLC, and Braun Intertec, a consultant, to submit an application to the Minnesota Brownfields program for grant funding to cover the cost of the environmental assessments. Beyond the costs covered by the $25,000 grant maximum, the sites will also require enrollment in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Brownfield program and the development of a Response Action Plan (RAP). After the Environmental Site Assessments are complete, the sites will be enrolled in the MPCA Brownfields program. The RAP will not occur until development plans are further along. If additional cleanup work is required, the City will work with Footprint and Braun to apply for grants. The City will cover the initial environmental remediation costs through the Economic Development Fund, and will be paid back through the purchase price of the properties, per the Pre-Development Agreement. SUPPORTING INFORMATION • Proposal for Environmental Consulting Services Planning & Economic Development Department AA/EOE Braun Intertec Corporation 11001 Hampshire Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55438 Phone: 952.995.2000 Fax: 952.995.2020 Web: braunintertec.com April 1, 2025 Proposal QTB210603 Revised Ms. Kersten Elverum City of Hopkins 1010 1st Street South Hopkins, MN 55343-7558 Mr. Cody Fischer Footprint Development Re: Revised Proposal for Environmental Consulting Services 501 Parcel and 15 Parcel 501 Mainstreet and 15 6th Avenue North Hopkins, Minnesota Hennepin County Parcels 2411722420009 & 2411722420017 Dear Ms. Elverum and Mr. Cody Fischer: Braun Intertec Corporation is pleased to present this revised proposal for environmental consulting services to City of Hopkins and Footprint Development related to the sale and proposed redevelopment of 501 Mainstreet (501 Parcel) and 15 6th Avenue North (15 Parcel) in Hopkins, Minnesota (Site). The Site is comprised of two non-contiguous parcels, each of which are currently vacant land owned by the City of Hopkins. The proposed environmental consulting services includes the completion of the following: ▪ Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Brownfield Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup (VIC) and/or Petroleum Brownfield (PB) Program(s) application ▪ Response Action Plan and Construction Contingency Plan (RAP/CCP) It is our understanding that these proposed services are intended to facilitate due diligence and project planning for private development of the Site between the City of Hopkins and an emerging developer, Footprint Development. The concept design has not been finalized but it is scoped for residential development with a portion being affordable housing. This proposal will outline the Scope of Services and provide estimated costs for the proposed work. Scope of Services Task 1 – MPCA Program Enrollment and Proposed Actions Letter Based on currently available information, future development, property transaction, and/or pursuit of environmental grant funding assistance in connection with the Site will require enrollment into the MPCA Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup (VIC) and/or Petroleum Brownfields (PB) Program(s) due to the identified on-Site impacts. The MPCA Brownfield Programs are a fee-for-service program that provides MPCA technical assistance to owners and voluntary parties for petroleum and non-petroleum contaminated sites. Enrolling in the MPCA Brownfield Program(s) requires preparation of an application City of Hopkins Footprint Development Proposal QTB210603 Revised April 1, 2025 Page 2 and associated submittals using the online e-Service portal. The goal of enrolling in the Program(s) for this Site is to facilitate development planning and/or notify the MPCA of the project’s intent to pursue environmental grant funding assistance in the near future. As part of this task, Braun Intertec will complete the online application, prepare a Proposed Actions Letter, and correspond with the MPCA Program staff as required to obtain available liability assurances and/or technical assistance determinations that would apply to both the City of Hopkins and Footprint Development for the Site. Task 2 – Response Action Plan and Construction Contingency Plan Preparation Braun Intertec will prepare a Response Action Plan (RAP)/Construction Contingency Plan (CCP) for the proposed redevelopment. The RAP/CCP will summarize existing environmental data for the Site, discuss contamination-related issues affecting the proposed redevelopment, present a framework for managing contaminated media removed/ encountered during redevelopment, and describe proposed remediation activities and required environmental monitoring/testing. The RAP/CCP will also include a conceptual soil vapor control design for the proposed buildings if warranted. Preparation of detailed vapor control design specifications/plans are not included as part of this Work Plan. The RAP/CCP report for the proposed redevelopment will be forwarded to you prior to report finalization and after comments are addressed, the RAP/CCP will be submitted to the MPCA for review and approval. Only an electronic copy of the RAP/CCP report will be submitted to you unless you request otherwise. Scheduling We will begin work on the project after completion of the Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). Cost Estimate Braun Intertec will provide the services described herein on an hourly and unit-cost basis. The estimated cost breakdown summary is listed below. Service Description Cost Task 1 – MPCA VIC Program Enrollment and Proposed Actions Letter Professional Services $2,313.00 Estimated Task 1 Total: $2,313.00 Task 2 – RAP/CCP Preparation Professional Services $5,648.50 Estimated Task 2 Total: $5,648.50 Total Estimated Costs $7,961.50 Braun Intertec will begin the project after completion of the Phase I and Phase II ESAs. The estimated cost of $7,961.50 presented is based on the Scope of Services described and the assumption that the proposal will be authorized within 30 days and that the project will be completed within the proposed schedule. You will be billed only for services provided on a time and material basis. City of Hopkins Footprint Development Proposal QTB210603 Revised April 1, 2025 Page 3 Acceptance of Proposal/General Remarks Braun Intertec appreciates the opportunity to present this proposal to you. This proposal is being sent in an electronic version only. Braun Intertec would be happy to meet with you to discuss our proposed Scope of Services further and clarify the various scope components. The Braun Intertec General Conditions are included with this proposal and are a part of our agreement. Braun Intertec appreciates the opportunity to provide professional services for you on this project. If you have questions regarding the contents of this proposal, please contact Kathryn Cleveland at 952.995.2489 (kcleveland@braunintertec.com). Sincerely, BRAUN INTERTEC CORPORATION Emily M. Lindvig Kathryn L. Cleveland Staff Scientist Project Scientist Imants Pone Senior Scientist Attachments: General Conditions (11/4/2024) The proposal including the Braun Intertec General Conditions is accepted, and you are authorized to proceed: _____________________________________ Authorizer’s Firm _______________________________________ Authorizer’s Signature _______________________________________ Authorizer’s Name (please print or type) _______________________________________ Authorizer’s Title _______________________________________ Date   Braun Intertec General Conditions  Rev. 2024-11-04 Page 1 of 2   SECTION 1: AGREEMENT  1.1 Agreement. This agreement consists of these General Conditions and the accompanying  written proposal or authorization (“Agreement”). This Agreement is the entire agreement  between Consultant and Client and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or  agreements, either written or oral.  1.2 Parties to the Agreement. The parties to this Agreement are the Braun Intertec entity  (“Consultant”) and the client (“Client”) as described in the accompanying written proposal  or authorization. Consultant and Client may be individually referred to as a Party or  collectively as the Parties.    SECTION 2: SCOPE OF SERVICES  2.1 Services. Consultant will provide services (“Services”) in connection with the project  (“Project”) which are specifically described in this Agreement. Client understands and agrees  that Consultant’s Services are limited to those which are expressly set forth in this  Agreement.   2.2 Additional Services. Any Services not specifically set forth in the Agreement constitute  “Additional Services.” Additional Services must be agreed upon in writing by the Parties prior  to performance of the Additional Services and may entitle Consultant to additional  compensation and schedule adjustments. Additional compensation will be based upon  Consultant’s then current rates and fees.   SECTION 3: PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES  3.1 Standard of Care. Consultant will perform its professional Services consistent with the  degree of care and skill exercised by members of Consultant’s profession performing under  similar circumstances at the same time and in the same locality in which the professional  Services are performed.  CONSULTANT DISCLAIMS ALL STATUTORY, ORAL, WRITTEN,  EXPRESS, AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,  FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES IN A GOOD AND  WORKMANLIKE MANNER.   3.2 Written Reports and Findings. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Consultant’s findings,  opinions, and recommendations will be provided to Client in writing and may be delivered  via electronic format. Client agrees not to rely on oral findings, opinions, or  recommendations.  3.3 Observation or Sampling Locations. Locations of field observations or sampling described  in Consultant’s report or shown on Consultant’s sketches reference Project plans or  information provided by others or estimates made by Consultant’s personnel. Consultant will  not survey, set, or check the accuracy of those points unless Consultant accepts that duty in  writing. Client agrees that such dimensions, depths, or elevations are approximations unless  specifically stated otherwise in the report. Client accepts the inherent risk that samples or  observations may not be representative of items not sampled or seen and further that site  conditions may vary over distance or change over time.  3.4 Project Site Information. Client will provide Consultant with prior environmental,  geotechnical and other reports, specifications, plans, and information to which Client has  access about the Project site and which are necessary for Consultant to carry out  Consultant’s Services. Client agrees to provide Consultant with all plans, changes in plans,  and new information as to Project site conditions until Consultant has completed its Services.  3.5 Subsurface Objects. To the extent required to carry out Consultant’s Services, Client  agrees to provide Consultant, in a timely manner, with information that Client has regarding  buried objects at the Project site. Consultant will not be responsible for locating buried  objects or utilities at the Project site unless expressly set forth in this Agreement, or expressly  required by applicable law. Client agrees to hold Consultant harmless, defend, and indemnify  Consultant from claims, damages, losses, penalties and expenses (including attorney fees)  involving buried objects or utilities that were not properly marked or identified or of which  Client had or should have had knowledge but did not timely notify Consultant or correctly  identify on the plans Client or others furnished to Consultant. Consultant, from time to time,  may hire a third party to locate underground objects or utilities and, unless otherwise  expressly stated in this Agreement, such action shall be for the sole benefit of Consultant  and in no way will alleviate Client of its responsibilities hereunder.   3.6 Hazardous Materials. Client will notify Consultant of any knowledge or suspicion of the  presence of hazardous or dangerous materials present on any Project site or in any sample  or material provided to Consultant. Client agrees to provide Consultant with information in  Client’s possession or control relating to such samples or materials. If Consultant observes  or suspects the presence of contaminants not anticipated in this Agreement, Consultant may  terminate Services without liability to Client or to others, and Client will compensate  Consultant for fees earned and expenses incurred up to the time of termination.  3.7 Supervision of Others. Consultant shall have no obligation to supervise or direct Client’s  representatives, contractors, or other third parties retained by Client. Consultant has no  authority over or responsibility for the means, methods, techniques, sequences, or  procedures of construction selected or used by Client, Client’s representatives, contractors,  or other third parties retained by Client.   3.8 Safety. Consultant will provide a health and safety program for its employees as well as  reasonable personal protective equipment (“PPE”) typical for the performance of the  Services provided by this Agreement and as required by law. Consultant shall be entitled to  compensation for all extraordinary PPE required by Client. Client will provide, at no cost to  Consultant, appropriate Project site safety measures which are necessary for Consultant to  perform its Services at the Project location or work areas in connection with the Project.  Consultant’s employees are expressly authorized by Client to refuse to work under  conditions that may, in an employee’s sole discretion, be unsafe. Consultant shall have no  authority over or be responsible for the safety precautions and programs, or for security, at  the Project site (except with respect to Consultant’s own Services and those of its  subconsultants).  3.9 Project Site Access and Damage. Client will provide or ensure access to the site. In the  performance of Services some Project site damage is normal even when due care is  exercised. Consultant will use reasonable care to minimize damage to the Project site. Unless  otherwise expressly stated in this Agreement, the cost of restoration for such damage has  not been included in the estimated fees and will be the responsibility of the Client.  3.10 Monitoring Wells. To the extent applicable to the Services, monitoring wells are Client’s  property, and Client is responsible for monitoring well permitting, maintenance, and  abandonment unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement.  3.11 Contaminant Disclosures Required by Law. Client agrees to make all disclosures related  to the discovery or release of contaminants that are required by law. In the event Client does  not own the Project site, Client acknowledges that it is Client’s duty to inform the owner of  the Project site of the discovery or release of contaminants at the site. Client agrees to hold  Consultant harmless, defend, and indemnify Consultant from claims, damages, penalties, or  losses and expenses, including attorney fees, related to Client’s failure to make any  disclosure required by law or for failing to make the necessary disclosure to the owner of the  Project site.  SECTION 4: SCHEDULE  4.1 Schedule. Consultant shall complete its obligations within a reasonable time and shall  make decisions and carry out its responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Standard of  Care. Specific periods of time for rendering Services or specific dates by which Services are  to be completed are provided in this Agreement. If Consultant is delayed in the performance  of the Services by actions, inactions, or neglect of Client or others for whom Client is  responsible, by changes ordered in the Services, or by other causes beyond the control of  Consultant, including force majeure events, then the time for Consultant’s performance of  Services shall be extended and Consultant shall receive payment for all expenses attributable  to the delay in accordance with Consultant’s then current rates and fees.  4.2 Scheduling On‐Site Observations or Services. To the extent Consultant’s Services require  observations, inspections, or testing be performed at the Project site, Client understands and  agrees that Client, directly or indirectly through its authorized representative, has the sole  right and responsibility to determine and communicate to Consultant the scheduling of  observations, inspections, and testing performed by Consultant. Accordingly, Client also  acknowledges that Consultant bears no responsibility for damages that may result because  Consultant did not perform such observations, inspections, or testing that Client failed to  request and schedule.  Client understands that the scheduling of observations, inspections,  or testing will dictate the time Consultant’s field personnel spend on the job site and agrees  to pay for all services provided by Consultant due to Client’s scheduling demands in  accordance with Consultant’s then current rates and fees.    SECTION 5: COST AND PAYMENT OF SERVICES  5.1 Cost Estimates. Consultant’s price or fees provided for in this Agreement are an estimate  and are not a fixed amount unless otherwise expressly stated in this Agreement. Consultant’s  estimated fees are based upon Consultant’s experience, knowledge, and professional  judgment as well as information available to Consultant at the time of this Agreement. Actual  costs may vary and are not guaranteed or warrantied.   5.2 Payment. Consultant will invoice Client on a monthly basis for Services performed.  Client  will pay for Services as stated in this Agreement together with costs for Additional Services  or costs otherwise agreed to in writing within thirty (30) days of the invoice date.  Unless  otherwise stated in this Agreement or agreed to in writing, Consultant’s costs for all services  performed will be based upon Consultant’s then current rates, fees, and charges. No  retainage shall be withheld by Client. All unpaid invoices will incur an interest charge of 1.5%  per month or the maximum allowed by law.   5.3 Other Payment Conditions. Consultant will require Client credit approval and Consultant  may require payment of a retainer fee. Client agrees to pay all applicable taxes. Client’s  obligation to pay for Services under this Agreement is not contingent on Client’s ability to  obtain financing, governmental or regulatory agency approval, permits, final adjudication of  any lawsuit, Client’s successful completion of any project, receipt of payment from a third  party, or any other event.  5.4 Third Party Payment.  Provided Consultant has agreed in writing, Client may request  Consultant to invoice and receive payment from a third party for Consultant’s Services.  Consultant, in its sole discretion, may also require the third party to provide written  acceptance of all terms of this Agreement. Neither payment to Consultant by a third party  nor a third party’s written acceptance of all terms of this Agreement will alter Client’s rights  and responsibilities under this Agreement.  Client expressly agrees that the Agreement  contains sufficient consideration notwithstanding Consultant being paid by a third party.  5.5 Non‐Payment. If Client does not pay for Services in full as agreed, Consultant may retain  work not yet delivered to Client and Client agrees to return all Project Data (as defined in this  Agreement) that may be in Client’s possession or under Client’s control. If Client fails to pay  Consultant in accordance with this Agreement, such nonpayment shall be considered a    Braun Intertec General Conditions  Rev. 2024-11-04 Page 2 of 2   default and breach of this Agreement for which Consultant may terminate for cause  consistent with the terms of this Agreement and without liability to Client or to others. Client  will compensate Consultant for fees earned and expenses incurred up to the time of  termination. Client agrees to be liable to Consultant for all costs and expenses Consultant  incurs in the collection of amounts invoiced but not paid, including but not limited to  attorney fees and costs.  SECTION 6: OWNERSHIP AND USE OF DATA  6.1 Ownership. All reports, notes, calculations, documents, and all other data prepared by  Consultant in the performance of the Services (“Project Data”) are instruments of  Consultant’s Services and are the property of Consultant. Consultant shall retain all common  law, statutory and other reserved rights, including the copyright thereto, of Project Data.   6.2 Use of Project Data. The Project Data of this Agreement is for the exclusive purpose  disclosed by Client and, unless agreed to in writing, for the exclusive use of Client.  Client may  not use Project Data for a purpose for which the Project Data was not prepared without the  express written consent of Consultant. Consultant will not be responsible for any claims,  damages, or costs arising from the unauthorized use of any Project Data provided by  Consultant under this Agreement. Client agrees to hold harmless, defend and indemnify  Consultant from any and all claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including attorney fees,  arising out of such unauthorized use.  6.3 Samples, Field Data, and Contaminated Equipment. Samples and field data remaining  after tests are conducted, as well as field and laboratory equipment that cannot be  adequately cleansed of contaminants, are and continue to be the property of Client. Samples  may be discarded or returned to Client, at Consultant’s discretion, unless within fifteen (15)  days of the report date Client gives Consultant written direction to store or transfer the  samples and materials. Samples and materials will be stored at Client’s expense.  6.4 Data Provided by Client. Electronic data, reports, photographs, samples, and other  materials provided by Client or others may be discarded or returned to Client, at Consultant’s  discretion, unless within 15 days of the report date Client gives Consultant written direction  to store or transfer the materials at Client’s expense.  SECTION 7: INSURANCE  7.1 Insurance. Consultant shall keep and maintain the following insurance coverages:  a. Workers’ Compensation: Statutory  b. Employer’s Liability: $1,000,000 bodily injury, each accident | $1,000,000 bodily injury  by disease, each employee | $1,000,000 bodily injury/disease, aggregate  c. General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence | $2,000,000 aggregate  d. Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit (bodily injury and property  damage)   e. Excess Umbrella Liability: $5,000,000 per occurrence | $5,000,000 aggregate  f. Professional Liability: $2,000,000 per claim | $2,000,000 aggregate  7.2 Waiver of Subrogation. Client and Consultant waive all claims and rights of subrogation  for losses arising out of causes of loss covered by the respective insurance policies.   7.3 Certificate of Insurance. Consultant shall furnish Client with a certificate of insurance  upon request.   SECTION 8: INDEMNIFICATION, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LIABILITY LIMITS  8.1 Indemnification. Consultant’s only indemnification obligation shall be to indemnify and  hold harmless the Client, its officers, directors, and employees from and against those  damages and costs incurred by Client or that Client is legally obligated to pay as a result of  third party tort claims, including for the death or bodily injury to any person or for the  destruction or damage to any property, but only to the extent proven to be directly caused  by the negligent act, error, or omission of the Consultant or anyone for whom the Consultant  is legally responsible. This indemnification provision is subject to the Limitation of Liability  set forth in this Section 8.  8.2 Intellectual Property. Client agrees to indemnify Consultant against losses and costs  arising out of claims of patent or copyright infringement as to any process or system that is  specified or selected by Client or others on behalf of Client.  8.3 Mutual Waiver of Consequential Damages. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE  CONTRARY HEREUNDER, NEITHER CONSULTANT NOR CLIENT SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE  OTHER FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES,  OR LOSS OF USE OR RENTAL, LOSS OF PROFIT, LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, LOSS OF  PROFIT OR REVENUE OR COST OF FINANCING, OR OTHER SUCH SIMILAR AND RELATED  DAMAGE ASSERTED IN THIRD PARTY CLAIMS, OR CLAIMS BY EITHER PARTY AGAINST THE  OTHER.  8.4 Limitation of Liability. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE TOTAL LIABILITY  IN THE AGGREGATE OF CONSULTANT, CONSULTANT’S OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, PARTNERS,  EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND SUBCONSULTANTS, TO CLIENT AND ANYONE CLAIMING BY,  THROUGH OR UNDER CLIENT FOR ANY CLAIMS, LOSSES, COSTS, OR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER  ARISING OUT OF, RESULTING FROM OR IN ANY WAY RELATED CONSULTANT’S  PERFORMANCE OF THE SERVICES OR THIS AGREEMENT, FROM ANY CAUSE OR CAUSES,  INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCE, PROFESSIONAL ERRORS AND OMISSIONS,  STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS OR BREACH OF  WARRANTY, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL COMPENSATION RECEIVED BY CONSULTANT OR  $50,000, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.  SECTION 9: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS  9.1 Services Prior to Agreement. Directing Consultant to commence Services prior to  execution of this Agreement constitutes Client’s acceptance of this unaltered Agreement in  its entirety.   9.2 Confidentiality. To the extent Consultant receives Client information identified as  confidential, Consultant will not disclose that information to third parties without Client  consent. Additionally, any Project Data prepared in performance of the Services will remain  confidential and Consultant will not release the reports to any third parties not involved in  the Project. Neither of the aforesaid confidentiality obligations shall apply to any information  in the public domain, information lawfully acquired from others on a nonconfidential basis,  or information that Consultant is required by law to disclose.  9.3 Relationship of the Parties. Consultant will perform Services under this Agreement as an  independent contractor, and its employees will at all times be under its sole discretion and  control. No provision in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed to create a joint  venture, partnership, agency or other such association between the Parties.   9.4 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. To the extent applicable to the Services,  neither this Agreement nor the providing of Services will operate to make Consultant an  owner, operator, generator, transporter, treater, storer, or a disposal facility within the  meaning of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, or within the meaning  of any other law governing the handling, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous  substances. Client agrees to hold Consultant harmless, defend, and indemnify Consultant  from any claims, damages, penalties or losses resulting from the storage, removal, hauling  or disposal of such substances.  9.5 Services in Connection with Legal Proceedings. Client agrees to compensate Consultant  in accordance with its then current fees, rates, or charges if Consultant is asked or required  to respond to legal process arising out of a proceeding related to the Project and as to which  Consultant is not a party.  9.6 Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by Consultant or Client without the  prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  9.7 Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended, or  will be construed, to confer upon or give any person or entity other than Consultant and  Client, and their respective permitted successors and assigns, any rights, remedies, or  obligations under or by reason of this Agreement.  9.8 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either Party for cause upon seven  (7) days written notice to the other Party. Should the other Party fail to cure and perform in  accordance with the terms of this Agreement within such seven‐day period, the Agreement  may terminate at the sole discretion of the Party that provided the written notice. The Client  may terminate this Agreement for its convenience. If Client terminates for its convenience,  then Consultant shall be compensated in accordance with the terms hereof for Services  performed, reimbursable costs and expenses incurred prior to the termination, and  reasonable costs incurred as a result of the termination.  9.9 Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable for damages or deemed in default of this  Agreement  to the extent that any delay or failure in the performance of its obligations (other  than the payment of money) results, without its fault or negligence, from any cause beyond  its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, acts of civil or military  authority, embargoes, pandemics, epidemics, war, riots, insurrections, fires, explosions,  earthquakes, floods, adverse weather conditions, strikes or lock‐outs, declared states of  emergency, and changes in laws, statutes, regulations, or ordinances.  9.10 Disputes, Choice of Law, Venue. In the event of a dispute and prior to exercising rights  at law or under this Agreement, Consultant and Client agree to negotiate all disputes in good  faith for a period of 30 days from the date of notice of such dispute. This Agreement will be  governed by the laws and regulations of the state in which the Project is located and all  disputes and claims shall be heard in the state or federal courts for that state. Client and  Consultant each waive trial by jury.   9.11 Individual Liability. No officer or employee of Consultant, acting within the scope of  employment, shall have individual liability for any acts or omissions, and Client agrees not to  make a claim against any individual officers or employees of Consultant.  9.12 Severability. Should a court of law determine that any clause or section of this  Agreement is invalid, all other clauses or sections shall remain in effect.  9.13 Waiver. The failure of either Party hereto to exercise or enforce any right under this  Agreement shall not constitute a release or waiver of the subsequent exercise or  enforcement of such right.  9.14 Entire Agreement. The terms and conditions set forth herein constitute the entire  understanding of the Parties relating to the provision of Services by Consultant to Client. This  Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both Parties. In the  event Client issues a purchase order or other documentation to authorize Consultant’s  Services, any conflicting or additional terms of such documentation are expressly excluded  from this Agreement.