Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout32593Court 10-2015-ACT-O County Agt #____________ COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 1 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this _____ day of ______________, 2016, by and between the COUNTY OF FRESNO, a political subdivision of the State of California, hereinafter referred to as "COUNTY", and the SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF FRESNO, whose address is 1100 Van Ness, Fresno, California 93721, hereinafter referred to as "COURT". W I T N E S S E T H: WHEREAS, COURT has established an After Criminal, Traffic, Infraction One-stop Network (ACTION) Center (“Center”) to provide a one stop place for court users to make payment arrangements and arrange for probation and other court-ordered services; and WHEREAS, the goal of the Center is to provide information and assistance to the public with sentencing, probation, fines, community service, and programs; and WHEREAS, COUNTY will provide one staff person, a County Probation Department employee, to provide probation and other program information at the Center ; and WHEREAS, COURT will provide two staff persons to provide program information at the Center; and, WHEREAS, staff of both COUNTY and COURT will collect and accept monies from the public in payment of fees for Court services and various fines (“Public Funds”) as part of their duties in manning the Center; and WHEREAS, COURT can provide daily direction and a work space within the Center for the COUNTY/Probation employee. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual covenants and conditions, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. SERVICES A. The COUNTY and COURT shall provide direction to their respective employees in the provision of program information, as well as acceptance of Public Funds as a part of this assistance. The COUNTY employee will work at the main courthouse Center between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except COURT holidays and other closure days. B. The COURT Misdemeanor department manager shall be the point of contact for Court 10-2015-ACT-O County Agt #____________ COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 2 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 COURT and the COUNTY’s Chief Probation Officer or his designee shall be the point of contact for COUNTY. C. All COUNTY staff assigned (permanently or temporarily) to the Center will adhere to the COURT's ethics and cash handling policies attached to this document as Exhibit 1 and incorporated herein by reference. The On-site Supervisor will report to the Court Project Manager within one Court business day any identified violation of the Court's ethics policy that directly and/or indirectly involves COUNTY employees. 2. TERM This Agreement shall become effective immediately upon approval by both parties and shall terminate on June 30, 2019. This Agreement may be extended for two (2) additional consecutive twelve (12) month periods upon written approval of both parties no later than thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the next twelve (12) month extension period with the same terms and conditions herein set forth. The Chief Probation Officer or his/her designee is authorized to execute such written approval on behalf of the COUNTY. 3. TERMINATION Either Party may terminate this Agreement without cause by giving at least ninety (90) calendar days’ advance written notice to the other party. 4. COMPENSATION COUNTY shall perform all COUNTY services provided under this Agreement at its sole cost and expense. COURT shall likewise perform all COURT services provided under this Agreement at its sole cost and expense. 5. MODIFICATION Any matters of this Agreement may be modified from time to time by the written consent of all the parties without, in any way, affecting the remainder. 6. NON-ASSIGNMENT Neither party shall assign, transfer or subcontract this Agreement nor their rights or duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party. Court 10-2015-ACT-O County Agt #____________ COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 3 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 7. RISK ALLOCATION It is the intention of both Parties that neither will be responsible for the negligent and/or intentional acts and/or omissions of the other, or its employees, including cash and cash equivalents overages or shortages. The Parties therefore disclaim in its entirety the pro rata risk allocation that could otherwise apply to this Agreement pursuant to Government Code 895.6. Instead, pursuant to Government Code section 895.4, the Parties agree to use principles of comparative fault when apportioning any and all losses that may arise out of the performance of this Agreement. 8. INSURANCE Without limiting the COUNTY's or COURT’s right to obtain indemnification from the other, each party at its sole expense, shall maintain in full force and effect their participation in a program of self-insurance, including but not limited to, an insurance pooling arrangement or Joint Powers Agreement (JPA ) throughout the term of the Agreement. COUNTY shall provide verification to COURT of continued coverage with CSAC for excess liability and demonstrate their ability to meet the Self-Insured Retention liability coverage. Each party shall provide coverage of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and three million dollars ($3,000,000) aggregate per year. This coverage shall apply to general and automobile liability. Transportation in connection with this Agreement shall be by vehicles owned by COUNTY, COURT, or by sub-contractors with Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance with limits for bodily injury of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) per person, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) per accident and for property damages of not less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), or such coverage with a combined single limit of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000). Professional Liability. When the parties employ licensed professional staff (e.g., Ph.D., R.N., L.C.S.W., M.F.T.) in connection with this agreement, each party shall provide Professional Liability Insurance with limits of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence, and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) annual aggregate coverage for their own professional staff. Court 10-2015-ACT-O County Agt #____________ COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 4 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Workers Compensation. Each party shall maintain a policy of worker’s compensation insurance as required by the California Labor Code in an amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000). This required insurance coverage shall not be cancelled or changed without a minimum of thirty (30) days advance written notice given to the other party. Either party may require the other to provide proof of professional and workers’ compensation coverage. In the event that either party fails to keep in effect at all times insurance coverage as herein provided, the other party may, in addition to other remedies it may have, suspend or terminate this Agreement upon the occurrence of such event. Policies other than self-insurance and joint powers coverage shall be with admitted insurers licensed to do business in the State of California. Insurance purchased shall be from companies possessing a current A.M. Best, Inc. rating of A FSC VII or better. 9. NON-DISCRIMINATION During the performance of this Agreement, COURT and COUNTY shall not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment, or recipient of services, because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition, marital status, age or sex, or other protected class, pursuant to all applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations. 10. CONFIDENTIALITY All services performed by COURT and COUNTY under this Agreement shall be in strict conformance with all applicable Federal, State of California and/or local laws and regulations relating to confidentiality. 11. QUALITY CONTROL Public confidence is of utmost importance to the COUNTY and to the COURT. The proper handling of Public Funds is directly related to the public confidence in their local government, as are professional dress and business ethics. The Parties will work cooperatively to maximize the quality of customer service being provided. Good cause showing, COURT shall have the right to request that COUNTY remove a COUNTY employee from the future collection of COURT accounts in the manner of public funds. Court 10-2015-ACT-O County Agt #____________ COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 5 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 COUNTY agrees to maintain a quality assurance program for its employees, which shall include, but not be limited to, periodic instruction of proper cash handling procedures, appropriate dress, and ethics. The COURT will provide cash handling instruction per the Trial Court Financial Policies and Procedures Manual (FIN) from time to time and COUNTY may avail itself of this free training. 12. COUNTY RESPONSIBILITIES A. COUNTY-Owned Computer Equipment COUNTY will provide COUNTY-owned computer and computer peripherals (including monitor, keyboard and mouse) at the Center for use by COUNTY employee(s) only. B. Forms. COUNTY will provide all COUNTY program forms for Center staff - COUNTY as well as COURT staff. COUNTY shall be responsible to employ strict controls to ensure the integrity and security of COURT’s cash and cash equivalents and to prevent loss or abuse of cash and/or cash equivalents stored or processed by COUNTY employees. 13. COURT RESPONSIBILITIES A. COURT-Owned Equipment COURT will provide a Cisco telephone, cash drawer and use of copier and printer for use by COUNTY employees. B. COURT-Owned Computer Equipment COUNTY may use COURT-owned computer and computer peripherals (including monitor, keyboard and mouse) located at the Center without prior authorization from the COURT’s Chief Information Officer, and/or designee(s). COURT will provide COUNTY-staffed desk with Outlook access and appropriate access to its case management system (Odyssey-Criminal Node) as necessary for administrative purposes related to the operation of the Center and this Agreement. 14. COURTHOUSE ACCESS AND KEYS COUNTY probation staff working in the Center must enter the courthouse through the main lobby. After they go through security screening, they will take the elevator or stairs to the 4 th Court 10-2015-ACT-O County Agt #____________ COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 6 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 floor clerk’s office to retrieve their money bag from accounting. Once they have their money bag, they must use the back elevator to access the Center. Money bags will be returned to the 4th floor at least twice a day, and as needed – at lunch and at day’s end - via the back elevator, for security purposes. Any required keys and badges will be handled by the COURT Facilities Department. 15. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR In performance of the work, duties, and obligations assumed by the parties under this Agreement, it is mutually agreed and understood that each party, including its officers, agents, subcontractors and employees, will at all times be acting and performing as an independent contractor, and shall act in an independent capacity and not as an officer, agent, servant, employee, joint venturer, partner or associate of the other party. Furthermore, the parties acknowledge that each party controls the manner and means of which the Services are performed by each party’s employees. However, each party shall retain the right to administer this Agreement so as to verify that the other party is performing its obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions specified herein. COUNTY and COURT shall comply with all applicable provisions of law and the rules and regulations, if any, of governmental authorities having jurisdiction over matters which are directly or indirectly the subject of this Agreement. Because of each party’s status as independent contractors, employees of COUNTY or COURT shall have absolutely no right to employment rights and benefits available from the other entity. COUNTY and COURT shall be solely liable and responsible for providing to, or on behalf of, its employees all legally required employee benefits. In addition, COUNTY shall be solely responsible and save COURT harmless from all matters relating to payment of COUNTY’S employees, including compliance with Social Security withholding and State withholding. COURT shall save COUNTY harmless from all matters relating to payment of COURT employees, including compliance with social security withholding and State withholding. COUNTY shall ensure that all personnel used as contractors, sub-contractors and employees to perform the services reserved for COURT, are aware that COURT is not responsible for any benefits or coverage for their efforts. 16. INDEMNIFICATION COUNTY agrees to indemnify, save, hold harmless, and at COURT’S request, Court 10-2015-ACT-O County Agt #____________ COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 7 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 defend COURT, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all costs and expenses, including Attorney’s fees and court cost, damages, liabilities, claims, and losses occurring or resulting to COURT in connection with the performance, or failure to perform, by COUNTY, its officers, agents, or employees under this Agreement, and from any and all costs and expenses, damages, liabilities, claims, and losses occurring or resulting to any person, firm, or corporation who may be injured or damaged by the performance, or failure to perform, of COUNTY, its officers, agents, or employees under this Agreement. COURT agrees to indemnify, save, hold harmless, and at COUNTY'S request, defend COUNTY, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all costs and expenses, including Attorney’s fees and court cost, damages, liabilities, claims, and losses occurring or resulting to COUNTY in connection with the performance, or failure to perform, by COURT, its officers, agents, or employees under this Agreement, and from any and all costs and expenses, damages, liabilities, claims, and losses occurring or resulting to any person, firm, or corporation who may be injured or damaged by the performance, or failure to perform, of COURT, its officers, agents, or employees under this Agreement 17. NOTICES The persons and their addresses having authority to give and receive notices under this Agreement include the following: COUNTY COURT Chief Probation Officer Fresno County Probation Department 3333 E American Ave., Ste. B Fresno, CA 93725 Court Executive Officer, Superior Court of California, County of Fresno 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno, CA 93721 Any and all notices between the COUNTY and the COURT provided for or permitted under this Agreement or by law shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly served when personally delivered to one of the parties, or in lieu of such personal services, when deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such party. 18. GOVERNING LAW Court 10-2015-ACT-O County Agt #____________ COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 8 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Venue for any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall only be in Fresno County, California. 19. ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement, including all exhibits, constitutes the entire Agreement between COUNTY and COURT with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous agreement negotiations, proposals, commitments, writings, advertisements, publications and understandings of any nature whatsoever unless expressly included in this Agreement. /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// /// Court 10-2015-ACT-0 County Agt # ___ _ IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by the 2 signatures below: 3 ATTEST: 4 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 5 6 7 COUNTY OF FRESNO 8 Print Name : Sheran L. Morton 9 Title: Court Executive Officer 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 1 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Date : 4/l+t I~ By: J<;,: -{ #u~ c Print Name: Kimberly A. Gaab Title : Presiding Judge of the Court Date : /--0 7--/J f? PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL SIGNATURE PAGE ATTACHED Mailing Address: 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno , California 93724-0002 Phone No .: (559) 457-2010 Contact: Court Executive Officer COUNTY OF FRESNO C' ~ By :~ ~/A~~~~ Chairman , Board of Supervisors Date: 7-I d-. -\ l.o BERNICE E. SEIDEL, Clerk Board of Supervisors Date : _ ___:/_-_..;.l ..... d...:._-__,\_,_lp'"'--- -9 -COUN TY OF FRES NO Fres n o, CA EXHIBIT 1 COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 1 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 COURT CODE OF ETHICS As promulgated by the Judicial Council of California, a fair and independent court system is essential to the administration of justice in a democratic society. The tenets set forth below have been established by the Judicial Council of California and have been adopted by the Court. Exemplary conduct by court employees inspires public confidence and trust in the court, and conveys the values of impartiality, equity, and fairness that bring integrity to the Court’s work. Further, Court employees are expected to adhere to a high standard of ethical behavior. To advance these values and to achieve justice we believe certain ethical principles should govern all that we do. We, therefore, commit ourselves to: Tenet One Provide impartial and evenhanded treatment of all persons; Tenet Two Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity and honesty in all our professional and personal dealings, avoiding the misuse of Court’s time, equipment, supplies or facilities for personal business; Tenet Three Behave toward all persons with respect, courtesy, patience, and responsiveness, acting always to promote public esteem in the court system; Tenet Four Safeguard confidential information, both written and oral, unless disclosure is authorized by the Court, refusing ever to use such information for personal advantage, and abstain at all times from public comment about pending court proceedings, except for strictly procedural matters; Tenet Five Refrain from any actual impropriety, such as: Violating the law; Soliciting funds on the job; Receiving gifts or favors related to court employment; Accepting outside employment that conflicts with the employee’s duties; Recommending private legal service providers to the public on the job, or; Using position at court to benefit self, friends, or relatives; Tenet Six Avoid any appearance of impropriety that might diminish the integrity and dignity of the Court; Tenet Seven Serve the citizens of California by providing accurate information about court processes that is as helpful as possible without taking one side over the other, or appearing to favor one side of a case; Tenet Eight Provide responsible and accountable stewardship of public resources; Tenet Nine Provide accurate information as requested in a competent, courteous, and timely manner. Improve personal work skills and performance through continuing professional education and development; EXHIBIT 1 COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 2 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Tenet Ten Guard against and, when necessary, repudiate any act of discrimination or bias based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or sexual orientation; Tenet Eleven Renounce any use of positional or personal power to harass another person sexually or in any other way based on that person’s race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or other personal choices and characteristics; and Tenet Twelve Protect the technological property of the Court by preserving the integrity of electronically stored information. Violations of the code of ethics will not be tolerated. Court employees who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Violations that include criminal activity may also be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. Cash Discrepancy Policy The Court’s Cash Discrepancy policy provides a guide for monitoring cash discrepancies that may occur with employees who handle cash transactions. Cash discrepancies can be defined as any overage or shortage that is discovered when balancing the monies. It also applies to mishandling of cash, i.e. leaving money out, not following protocol on the handling of a cash bag or drawer, not turning in money on time, etc. Any job that involves handling of cash is to be monitored. Discrepancies are an indication that job performance is under satisfactory standards. It is the responsibility of the employee who handles cash to be attentive to their duties with each and every transaction. It is an expectation that each transaction be handled with accuracy and reviewed w ith the customer before they leave the courthouse. It is also an expectation that maintaining focus on the task at hand, knowing the policies and procedures to apply to the transaction, and following those procedures appropriately would result in no cash discrepancies. Failure to balance impacts the customer who received inaccurate service, lessens the court’s ability to serve its customers, and costs staff time and effort to find, fix, and determine the cause of the discrepancy. Any mitigating factor that would or could result in an employee having a cash discrepancy should be brought to the immediate attention of management. It is the frequency and/or the EXHIBIT 1 COUNTY OF FRESNO Fresno, CA - 3 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 excessiveness of a cash discrepancy that will result in immediate action being taken by management. Trial Court Financial Policies and Procedure Manual (FIN) FIN was established, among other things, to promote public confidence in the courts. It provides uniform guidelines for employees that handle court monies to use in receiving and accounting for payments from the public in the form of fees, fines, forfeitures, restitutions, penalties, and assessments resulting from court orders. The Court has instituted procedures and internal controls that assure safe and secure collection, and accurate accounting of all payments. To further promote public confidence, as well as ensure accurate processing and reporting, it is desired that all employees that accept money on behalf of the court follow these same guidelines. All County-provided staff that handle court money shall adhere to the following procedures: 1. All checks received by the Court shall be restrictively endorsed immediately upon receipt. 2. Supervisor and/or lead clerk review, and initial or signature will be sought on all voided original receipts to demonstrate their review and approval of void transactions. Voided original receipts shall be retained by the supervisors and lead clerks for future reference. 3. Cash drawer overages and/or shortages shall be immediately investigated upon discovery. \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\