UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

  X
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: November 30, 2014
or
 __
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number 0-8814

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Colorado
 
84-0705083
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
     
34501 E. Quincy Avenue, Bldg. 34, Box 10, Watkins, CO
 
80137
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     
(303) 292 – 3456
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
     
1490 Lafayette Street, Suite 203, Denver, CO 80218
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes [X] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter)
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes [X] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer [ ]  Accelerated filer [X]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller Reporting Company [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of January 9, 2015:
 
Common stock, 1/3 of $.01 par value   24,037,598
       (Class)  (Number of Shares)
 
 
 
 

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
INDEX TO NOVEMBER 30, 2014 FORM 10-Q

                    Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 Item 1 – Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)  1
   
 Consolidated Balance Sheets:
  November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014 (audited)
 1
   
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):
  For the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013   
 2
   
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
   For the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013
 3
   
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  4
   
 Item 2 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
   and Results of Operations
 18
   
 Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  30
   
 Item 4 – Controls and Procedures  30
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
 Item 1 – Legal Proceedings  31
   
 Item 6 – Exhibits  31
   
 Signature Page  32
 
 
 
 

 
 Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited )
 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS:
 
November 30, 2014
   
August 31, 2014
 
Current assets:
 
(unaudited)
       
    Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,927,541     $ 1,749,558  
    Trade accounts receivable
    945,104       1,626,090  
    Sky Ranch receivable
    52,415       50,915  
    Land and water held for sale
    -       699,826  
    Prepaid expenses
    284,135       336,867  
   Total current assets
    3,209,195       4,463,256  
                 
Investments in water and water systems, net
    91,901,001       90,823,916  
Land - Sky Ranch
    3,663,565       3,662,754  
Land and water held for sale
    1,500,000       1,500,000  
Note receivable - related party:
               
    Rangeview Metropolitan District, including accrued interest
    596,024       568,022  
HP A&M receivable
    7,114,391       7,069,511  
Other assets
    87,830       86,363  
   Total assets
  $ 108,072,006     $ 108,173,822  
                 
LIABILITIES:
               
Current liabilities:
               
    Accounts payable
  $ 438,558     $ 1,379,647  
    Current portion of promissory notes payable
    848,325       925,980  
    Accrued liabilities
    197,326       257,893  
    Deferred revenues
    147,215       65,124  
    Deferred oil and gas lease payment
    645,720       645,720  
   Total current liabilities
    2,277,144       3,274,364  
                 
Deferred revenues, less current portion
    1,153,145       1,167,095  
Deferred oil and gas lease payment, less current portion
    218,335       379,765  
Promissory notes payable, less current portion
    5,006,471       4,032,227  
Participating Interests in Export Water Supply
    348,219       354,628  
Tap Participation Fee payable to HP A&M,
               
    net of $292,600 and $4.1 million discount, respectively
    1,731,812       7,935,262  
    Total liabilities
    10,735,126       17,143,341  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock:
               
     Series B - par value $.001 per share, 25 million shares authorized;
               
         432,513 shares issued and outstanding
               
        (liquidation preference of $432,513)
    433       433  
Common stock:
               
     Par value 1/3 of $.01 per share, 40 million shares authorized;
               
       24,037,598 shares outstanding both periods presented
    80,130       80,130  
Additional paid-in capital
    175,090,487       168,794,396  
Accumulated deficit
    (77,834,170 )     (77,844,478 )
    Total shareholders' equity
    97,336,880       91,030,481  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 108,072,006     $ 108,173,822  
 
 
1

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenues:
           
    Metered water usage
  $ 491,823     $ 321,573  
    Wastewater treatment fees
    11,705       9,835  
    Special facility funding recognized
    10,377       10,377  
    Water tap fees recognized
    3,574       3,574  
    Farm operations
    263,813       220,269  
    Other
    52,485       12,875  
      Total revenues
    833,777       578,503  
                 
Expenses:
               
    Water service operations
    (136,807 )     (102,458 )
    Wastewater service operations
    (6,353 )     (10,450 )
    Farm operations
    (26,486 )     (20,669 )
    Depletion and depreciation
    (43,456 )     (33,040 )
    Other
    (10,073 )     (13,831 )
      Total cost of revenues
    (223,175 )     (180,448 )
Gross margin
    610,602       398,055  
                 
   General and administrative expenses
    (647,529 )     (619,924 )
   Depreciation
    (35,409 )     (15,488 )
Operating loss
    (72,336 )     (237,357 )
                 
Other income (expense):
               
    Oil and gas lease income, net
    161,430       106,755  
    Interest income
    3,190       3,041  
    Other
    6,292       2,396  
    Interest expense
    (64,452 )     (64,102 )
    Interest imputed on the Tap Participation Fee 
    payable to HP A&M
    (23,816 )     (657,235 )
    Net income (loss)
  $ 10,308     $ (846,502 )
    Net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted
    *     $ (0.04 )
                 
    Weighted average common shares outstanding 
     – basic and diluted
    24,037,598       24,037,598  
                 
* Amount is less than $.01 per share
               
 
2

 


 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
November 30, 2014
   
November 30, 2013
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
    Net income (loss)
  $ 10,308     $ (846,502 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
               
        used for operating activities:
               
        Imputed interest on Tap Participation Fee payable to HP A&M
    23,816       657,235  
        Depreciation and depletion
    78,865       48,528  
        Investment in Well Enhancement Recover Systems, LLC
    (3,871 )      
        Stock-based compensation expense
    68,825       54,794  
        Interest income and other non-cash items
    (104 )     -  
        Interest added to receivable from Rangeview Metropolitan District
    (3,002 )     (3,002 )
        Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
            Trade accounts receivable
    680,986       118,586  
            Receivables held in escrow
    -       (246,581 )
            Sky Ranch receivable
    (1,500 )     1,807  
            Prepaid expenses
    52,732       28,015  
            Receivable from HP A&M
    (44,880 )     (185,716 )
            Note receivable - related party: Rangeview Metropolitian District
    (25,000 )     -  
            Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (1,001,656 )     234,893  
            Interest accrued on agriculture land promissory notes
    (20,058 )     64,102  
            Deferred revenues
    68,141       59,745  
            Deferred oil & gas lease
    (161,430 )     (106,755 )
                Net cash used in operating activities
    (277,828 )     (120,851 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
    Investments in water, water systems, and land
    (1,154,253 )     (397,302 )
    Purchase of property and equipment
    -       (2,250 )
    Proceeds from sale of farm land
    699,826       -  
                Net cash used in investing activities
    (454,427 )     (399,552 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
   Payments to contingent liability holders
    (6,409 )     (1,684 )
   Proceeds from borrowings on promissory notes payable
    2,311,656        
   Payments made on promissory notes payable
    (1,395,009 )     (445,283 )
                Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    910,238       (446,967 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    177,983       (967,370 )
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period
    1,749,558       2,448,363  
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period
  $ 1,927,541     $ 1,480,993  
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLSOURES OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES
               
   Reduction in Tap Participation Fee liability resulting from remedies under
               
        the Arkansas River Agreement
  $ 6,227,266     $ 12,031,814  
 
 
3

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
 
 
NOTE 1 – PRESENTATION OF INTERIM INFORMATION

The November 30, 2014 consolidated balance sheet and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared by Pure Cycle Corporation (the “Company”) and have not been audited. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at November 30, 2014, and for all periods presented.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2014 Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 14, 2014. The results of operations for interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year. The August 31, 2014 balance sheet was taken from the Company’s audited financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised entirely of money market funds maintained at a high quality financial institution in an account which as of November 30, 2014 exceeded federally insured limits. At various times during the three months ended November 30, 2014, the Company’s main operating account exceeded federally insured limits.

Financial Instruments – Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places its cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. The Company has historically invested its idle cash primarily in certificates of deposit, money market instruments, commercial paper obligations, corporate bonds and US government treasury obligations. To date, the Company has not experienced significant losses on any of these investments.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are reported using the values as reported by the financial institution where the funds are held. These securities primarily include balances in the Company’s operating and savings accounts. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value.

Trade Accounts Receivable – The Company records accounts receivable net of allowances for uncollectible accounts.

Accounts Payable – The carrying amounts of accounts payable approximate fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity for these instruments.

 
4

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
Long-Term Financial Liabilities The Comprehensive Amendment Agreement No. 1 the “CAA” is comprised of a recorded balance and an off-balance sheet or “contingent” obligation associated with the Company’s acquisition of its “Rangeview Water Supply” (defined in Note 4 below). The amount payable is a fixed amount but is repayable only upon the sale of “Export Water” (defined in Note 4 below). Because of the uncertainty of the sale of Export Water, the Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value. The CAA is described further in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply .

The recorded balance of the “Tap Participation Fee” liability (as described below) is its estimated fair value determined by projecting new home development in the Company’s targeted service area over an estimated development period.

Notes Receivable – Related Party The fair value of the note receivable – related party: Rangeview Metropolitan District (the “District”) is not practical to estimate due to the related party nature of the underlying transaction.

Receivable from HP A&M In conjunction with HP A&M defaulting on certain promissory notes in fiscal year 2012, the Company has the right to collect from HP A&M any amounts the Company spends to cure the defaulted notes. Accordingly the Company has recorded the entire amount of the HP A&M notes at default as well as expenses incurred to cure the defaults as a receivable from HP A&M less proceeds received from the sale of shares pledged by High Plains A&M as security. Due to the fact that HP A&M was a related party the fair value of the accounts receivable is not practical to determine.
 
Promissory Notes Payable – During fiscal 2013, the Company began acquiring the defaulted and non-defaulted promissory notes that are payable by HP A&M. The majority of the notes issued by the Company have a five-year term, bear interest at an annual rate of five percent and require semi-annual payments with a straight-line amortization schedule. The carrying value of the notes payable approximate the fair value as the rates are comparable to market rates.

During the three months ended November 30, 2014, the Company borrowed $4,450,000 from the First National Bank of Las Animas. The note has a 20-year term, requires semi-annual payments, and carries a 5.27% per annum rate for the first five years. After the first five years the interest rate on the note is subject to change (no more often than annually) based on the changes in the First National Bank of Las Animas Ag/​Commercial Real Estate Rate. The Company may pay the note in full at any time without penalty. The carrying value of this note approximates the fair value as the rate is comparable to market rates.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments – The Company’s off-balance sheet instruments consist entirely of the contingent portion of the CAA. Because repayment of this portion of the CAA is contingent on the sale of Export Water, which is not reasonably estimable, the Company has determined that the contingent portion of the CAA does not have a determinable fair value. See further discussion in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease – Participating Interests in Export Water Supply .

Tap Participation Fee

This note should be read in conjunction with Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease below.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 10, 2006 (the “Arkansas River Agreement”), the Company is obligated to pay HP A&M a defined percentage of a defined number of water tap fees the Company receives after the date of the Arkansas River Agreement. A Tap Participation Fee (“TPF”) is due and payable once the Company has sold a water tap and received the consideration due for such water tap. The Company did not sell any water taps during the three months ended November 30, 2014 or 2013.

The Company imputes interest expense on the unpaid TPF using the effective interest method over an estimated period which is utilized in the valuation of the liability. The Company imputed interest of $23,800 and $657,200 during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Due to HP A&M’s default and the Company’s remedies under the Arkansas River Agreement, the Company has retired certain water taps subject to the TPF and at November 30, 2014, there remain 383 water taps subject to the TPF, compared to the 2,184 water taps subject to the TPF at August 31, 2014.

 
5

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
Revenue Recognition

Wholesale Water and Wastewater Fees – Monthly wholesale water usage charges are assessed to the Company’s customers based on actual metered usage each month plus a base monthly service fee. The Company recognizes wholesale water usage revenues upon delivering the water to its customers or its governmental customer’s end-use customers, as applicable.  The water revenues recognized by the Company are shown net of royalties to the State of Colorado Board of Land Commissioners (the “Land Board”) and, when applicable, amounts retained by the District. The Company recognized $491,823 and $321,573 of metered water usage revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively

The Company recognizes wastewater treatment fees monthly based on usage.  The monthly wastewater treatment fees are shown net of amounts retained by the District. The Company recognized $11,705 and $9,835 of wastewater treatment fees during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Costs of delivering water and providing wastewater services to customers are recognized as incurred.

Tap and Construction Fees – In August 2005, the Company entered into the Water Service Agreement (the “County Agreement”) with Arapahoe County (the “County”). In fiscal 2006, the Company began recognizing water tap fees as revenue ratably over the estimated service period upon completion of the “Wholesale Facilities” (defined in Part I, Item 1 of the 2014 Annual Report) constructed to provide service to the County. The Company recognized $3,600 of water tap fee revenues during each of the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The water tap fees to be recognized over this period are net of the royalty payments to the Land Board and amounts paid to third parties pursuant to the CAA as further described in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease below.

The Company recognized $10,400 of “Special Facilities” (defined in Part I, Item 1 of the 2014 Annual Report) funding as revenue during each of the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. This is the ratable portion of the Special Facilities funding proceeds received from the County pursuant to the County Agreement as more fully described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the 2014 Annual Report.

As of November 30, 2014, and August 31, 2014, the Company has deferred recognition of approximately $1,215,900 and $1,232,200, respectively, of water tap and construction fee revenue from the County, which will be recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated useful accounting life of the assets constructed with the construction proceeds as described above.

Agriculture Farming Operations – The Company leases its Arkansas River water and land to area farmers who actively farm the properties. The Company records farm lease income ratably each month based on estimated annual lease income the Company anticipates collecting from its land and water leases. The Company recorded these amounts as receivables, less an estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts. The allowance as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, was determined by the Company’s specific review of all past due accounts. The Company has recorded allowances for doubtful accounts totaling $26,300 as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014. As of November 30, 2014 the Company has recorded deferred revenue of $84,500 on its farm income related to billings for future periods. As of August 31, 2014 the Company has accrued a receivable of $256,500 of farm income related to future billings.   The Company manages the farm lease business as a separate line of business from the wholesale water and wastewater business.

Royalty and Other Obligations

Revenues from the sale of Export Water are shown net of royalties payable to the Land Board. Revenues from the sale of water on the “Lowry Range” (described in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2014 Annual Report) are shown net of the royalties to the Land Board and the amounts retained by the District.

Oil and Gas Lease Payments

As further described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Part II, Item 8 of the 2014 Annual Report, on March 10, 2011, the Company entered into a Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease (the “O&G Lease”) and a Surface Use and Damage Agreement (the “Surface Use Agreement”) with Anadarko E&P Company, L.P. (“Anadarko”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum Company. In December of 2012 the O&G Lease was purchased by a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company. Pursuant to the O&G Lease, during the year ended August 31, 2011, the Company received a up-front payment of $1,243,400 for the purpose of exploring for, developing, producing and marketing oil and gas on approximately 634 acres of mineral estate owned by the Company at its “Sky Ranch” property (described in Note 4 – Water Assets to the 2014 Annual Report). The Company began recognizing the up-front payments as income on a straight-line basis over three years (the initial term of the O&G Lease) on March 10, 2011. The Company received an additional payment of $1,243,400 during February 2014 to extend the O&G Lease an additional two years through February 2016, which will be recognized as income on a straight-line basis over two years (the extension term of the O&G Lease). During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the Company received an up-front payment of $72,000 for the purpose of exploring for, developing, producing, and marketing oil and gas on 40 acres of mineral estate the Company owns adjacent to the Lowry Range (the “Rangeview Lease”). During the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $161,400 and $106,800, respectively, of income and royalty related to the up-front payments received pursuant to the O&G Lease and the Rangeview Lease.

 
6

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
As of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, the Company has deferred recognition of $864,100 and $1,025,500, respectively of income related to the O&G Lease and the Rangeview Lease, which will be recognized into income ratably through July 2017.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the eventual use of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Based on the Company’s procedures, the Company determined that land and water shares held for sale related to the Arkansas River Assets were impaired as of August 31, 2014. See further discussion in Note 3 below under “Land and Water Shares Held for Sale.”

Capitalized Costs of Water and Wastewater Systems and Depletion and Depreciation of Water Assets

Costs to construct water and wastewater systems that meet the Company’s capitalization criteria are capitalized as incurred, including interest, and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of up to thirty years. The Company capitalizes design and construction costs related to construction activities, and it capitalizes certain legal, engineering and permitting costs relating to the adjudication and improvement of its water assets. The Company depletes its groundwater assets that are being utilized on the basis of units produced (i.e. thousands of gallons sold) divided by the total volume of water adjudicated in the water decrees.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company maintains a stock option plan for the benefit of its employees and non-employee directors. The Company records share-based compensation costs as expense over the applicable vesting period of the stock award using the straight-line method. The compensation costs to be expensed are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. The Company has adopted the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation, which allows for a simplified method of calculating the tax effects of employee share-based compensation. Because the Company has a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets, the granting and exercise of stock options has no impact on the income tax provisions. The Company recognized $68,800 and $54,800 of share-based compensation expense during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company uses a "more-likely-than-not" threshold for the recognition and de-recognition of tax positions, including any potential interest and penalties relating to tax positions taken by the Company. The Company did not have any significant unrecognized tax benefits as of November 30, 2014.

The Company files income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Colorado. The tax years that remain subject to examination are fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2014. The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next twelve months.

The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. At November 30, 2014, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the three months ended November 30, 2014 or 2013.

 
7

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
Income (Loss) per Common Share

Income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Common stock options and warrants aggregating 315,100 and 347,600 common share equivalents were outstanding as of November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and have been included in the calculation of net income per common share but excluded from the calculation of loss per common share as their effect is anti-dilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
The Company continually assesses any new accounting pronouncements to determine their applicability. When it is determined that a new accounting pronouncement affects the Company’s financial reporting, the Company undertakes a study to determine the consequence of the change to its consolidated financial statements and assures that there are proper controls in place to ascertain that the Company’s consolidated financial statements properly reflect the change. During the current period, there were no new accounting pronouncements issued that will significantly impact the Company’s financial reporting.

NOTE 2 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable, with use of the lowest possible level of input to determine fair value.

Level 1 — Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. The Company had one of these instruments as of November 30, 2014 and none of these instruments as of August 31, 2014.
 
Level 2 — Valuations for assets and liabilities obtained from readily available pricing sources via independent providers for market transactions involving similar assets or liabilities. The Company had no Level 2 assets or liabilities as of November 30, 2014 or August 31, 2014.
 
Level 3 — Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities. The Company had one Level 3 liability as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, the TPF liability, which is described in greater detail in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease below.

The Company maintains policies and procedures to value instruments using the best and most relevant data available.

The Company’s non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis consist entirely of its investments in water and water systems and other long-lived assets. See Note 3 – Investment in Water, Water Systems, Land and Improvements below.

Level 3 Liability – Tap Participation Fee. The Company’s TPF liability is the Company’s only financial liability measured on a non-recurring basis. As further described in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease , the TPF liability is valued by projecting new home development in the Company’s targeted service area over an estimated development period.

The following table provides information on the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 30, 2014:
 
 
8

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
 
 
               
Fair Value Measurement Using:
       
         
Cost / Other
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   
Total
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
Value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
Gain
 
Tap Participation Fee liability
  $ 1,731,800     $ 1,731,800     $ -     $ -     $ 1,731,800     $ -  
 
Although not required, the Company deems the following table, which presents the changes in the TPF for the three months ended November 30, 2014, to be helpful to the users of its consolidated financial statements:
 
   
Fair Value Measurement using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
   
Gross Estimated
Tap Participation
Fee Liability
   
Tap
Participation
Fee Reported
Liability
   
Discount - to
be imputed as
interest
expense in
future periods
 
Balance at August 31, 2014
  $ 12,038,300     $ 7,935,300     $ 4,103,000  
Total gains and losses (realized and unrealized):
    -       -       -  
Imputed interest recorded as "Other Expense"
    -       23,800       (23,800 )
Purchases, sales, issuances, payments, and reductions resulting from foreclosures     (10,013,900 )     (6,227,300 )     (3,786,600 )
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    -       -       -  
Balance at November 30, 2014
  $ 2,024,400     $ 1,731,800     $ 292,600  
 
NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS IN WATER, WATER SYSTEMS, LAND AND IMPROVEMENTS

The Company’s water rights and current water and wastewater service agreements are more fully described in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2014 Annual Report. There have been no significant changes to the Company’s water rights or water and wastewater service agreements during the three months ended November 30, 2014.

The Company’s water, water systems, land and improvements consist of the following costs and accumulated depreciation and depletion at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014:

   
November 30, 2014
   
August 31, 2014
 
   
Costs
   
Accumulated
Depreciation
and Depletion
   
Costs
   
Accumulated
Depreciation
and Depletion
 
Arkansas River Valley assets
  $ 67,746,400     $ (1,488,600 )   $ 67,746,400     $ (1,488,600 )
Rangeview water supply
    14,444,600       (8,500 )     14,444,600       (8,400 )
Sky Ranch water rights and other costs
    6,548,000       (117,800 )     6,004,000       (93,000 )
Fairgrounds water and water system
    2,899,900       (732,700 )     2,899,900       (710,600 )
Rangeview water system
    1,148,200       (79,300 )     1,148,200       (77,900 )
Water supply – other
    1,657,600       (116,800 )     1,050,200       (90,900 )
Totals
    94,444,700       (2,543,700 )     93,293,300       (2,469,400 )
Net investments in water and water systems
  $ 91,901,000             $ 90,823,900          

Capitalized terms in this section not defined herein are defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets to the 2014 Annual Report.

 
9

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
Depletion and Depreciation. The Company recorded depletion charges of $2,500 and $100 during the three month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the three months ended November 30, 2014 this related to the Rangeview and Sky Ranch Water supplies (defined below) and during the three months ended November 30, 2013 this related entirely to the Rangeview Water Supply. No depletion is taken against the Arkansas River (defined below) because the water located at this location is not yet being utilized for municipal purpose as of November 30, 2014.

The Company recorded $76,400 and $48,400 of depreciation expense during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Land and Water Shares Held for Sale. During fiscal year end 2012, management decided to sell certain farms in order to have the cash flow sufficient to acquire the notes defaulted upon by HP A&M and to meet the future obligations on the promissory notes the Company intended to issue as consideration to purchase the notes owed by HP A&M. Management planned to sell approximately 1,603 acres of land along with 3,397 FLCC shares associated with this land.

Through August 31, 2014, the Company completed sales of approximately 1,886 acres of land and 2,982 FLCC shares associated with the land; and, in November 2014, completed sales of approximately 299 acres of land along with 239 FLCC shares associated with the land. Management believes that the November 2014 sale completed the sales cycle related to the land held for sale.

In addition, management identified an additional 640 acres of land and 512 FLCC shares associated with the land as held for sale in order to have sufficient cash available to continue to meet future obligations on the promissory notes the Company issued to purchase the defaulted notes owed by HP A&M and to continue to fund water system expansions. The net book value of the assets identified as held for sale was $1.9 million prior to designation as held for sale. The anticipated sales price for these assets is $1.5 million based on recent sales transactions, which required the Company to record an impairment of approximately $400,000 in fiscal 2014.

NOTE 4 – LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND OPERATING LEASE

The Participating Interests in Export Water Supply and the TPF payable to HP A&M are obligations of the Company that have no scheduled maturity dates. Therefore, these liabilities are not disclosed in tabular format, but they are described below.

Participating Interests in Export Water Supply

The Company acquired its Rangeview Water Supply through various amended agreements entered into in the early 1990’s. The acquisition was consummated with the signing of the CAA in 1996. Upon entering into the CAA, the Company recorded an initial liability of $11.1 million, which represented the cash the Company received from the participating interest holders that was used to purchase the Company’s Export Water (described in greater detail in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets to the 2014 Annual Report). The Company agreed to remit a total of $31.8 million of proceeds received from the sale of Export Water to the participating interest holders in return for their initial $11.1 million investments. The obligation for the $11.1 million was recorded as debt, and the remaining $20.7 million contingent liability was not reflected on the Company’s balance sheet because the obligation to pay this is contingent on the sale of Export Water, the amounts and timing of which are not reasonably determinable.

The CAA obligation is non-interest bearing, and if the Export Water is not sold, the parties to the CAA have no recourse against the Company. If the Company does not sell the Export Water, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are also not entitled to payment of any dividend and have no contractual recourse against the Company.

As the proceeds from the sale of Export Water are received and the amounts are remitted to the external CAA holders, the Company allocates a ratable percentage of this payment to the principal portion (the Participating Interests in Export Water Supply   liability account) with the balance of the payment being charged to the contingent obligation portion. Because the original recorded liability, which was $11.1 million, was 35% of the original total liability of $31.8 million, approximately 35% of each payment remitted to the CAA holders is allocated to the recorded liability account. The remaining portion of each payment, or approximately 65%, is allocated to the contingent obligation, which is recorded on a net revenue basis.

 
10

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
From time to time the Company repurchased various portions of the CAA obligations in priority. In July 2014, the Land Board relinquished its approximately $2.4 million of CAA interests to the Company as part of the settlement of the 2011 lawsuit filed by the Company and the District against the Land Board. As a result, during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, the Company recorded a gain on the extinguishment of participating interests of the CAA of approximately $832,100. The Company now has the right to retain an additional $2.4 million of the initial $31.8 million of proceeds from the sale of Export Water.  The Company did not make any CAA acquisitions during the three months ended November 30, 2014 or 2013.
 
 
As a result of the acquisitions, the relinquishment, and due to the sale of Export Water, as detailed in the table below, the remaining potential third party obligation at November 30, 2014, is approximately $1 million:

   
Export Water
Proceeds
Received
   
Initial Export
Water Proceeds
to Pure Cycle
   
Total Potential
Third Party
Obligation
   
Paticipating
Interests
Liability
   
Contingency
 
Original balances
  $     $ 218,500     $ 31,807,700     $ 11,090,600     $ 20,717,100  
Activity from inception until August 31, 2014:
                                 
  Acquisitions
          28,077,500       (28,077,500 )     (9,790,000 )     (18,287,500 )
  Relinquishment
            2,386,400       (2,386,400 )     (832,100 )     (1,554,300 )
  Option payments - Sky Ranch
                                       
      and The Hills at Sky Ranch
    110,400       (42,300 )     (68,100 )     (23,800 )     (44,300 )
  Arapahoe County tap fees *
    533,000       (373,100 )     (159,900 )     (55,800 )     (104,100 )
  Export Water sale payments
    360,900       (262,200 )     (98,700 )     (34,300 )     (64,400 )
Balance at August 31, 2014
    1,004,300       30,004,800       1,017,100       354,600       662,500  
Fiscal 2015 activity:
                                       
  Export Water sale payments
    154,500       (136,100 )     (18,400 )     (6,400 )     (12,000 )
Balance at November 30, 2014
  $ 1,158,800     $ 29,868,700     $ 998,700     $ 348,200     $ 650,500  
 * The Arapahoe County tap fees are less $34,522 in royalties paid to the Land Board.

The CAA includes contractually established priorities which call for payments to CAA holders in order of their priority. This means the first payees receive their full payment before the next priority level receives any payment and so on until full repayment. The Company will receive approximately $6 million of the first priority payout (the remaining entire first priority payout totals approximately $6.8 million as of November 30, 2014).

Arkansas River Agreement Obligations

The $1.7 million TPF liability at November 30, 2014, represents the estimated discounted fair value of the Company’s obligation to pay HP A&M 20% of the Company’s gross proceeds, or the equivalent thereof, from the sale of the next 383 water taps sold by the Company.

Initially the obligation was to pay 10% of the Company’s gross proceeds, or the equivalent thereof, from the sale of 40,000 water taps sold after the date of the Arkansas River Agreement. The 40,000 water taps were reduced to 383 water taps as a result of (i) sales of Arkansas River Valley land in 2006 and 2009, (ii) the sale of unutilized water rights owned by the Company in the Arkansas River Valley in 2007, (iii) the election made by HP A&M, effective September 1, 2011, pursuant to the Arkansas River Agreement, to increase the TPF percentage from 10% to 20%, and to take a corresponding 50% reduction in the number of taps subject to the TPF, (iv) the allocation of 26.9% of the Net Revenues (defined as all lease and related income received from the farms less employee expenses, direct expenses for managing the leases and a reasonable overhead allocation) received by HP A&M from management of the farm leasing operations from September 1, 2011 to August 3, 2012 prior to termination of the Property Management Agreement, and (v) the reduction of 19,044 taps as the result of foreclosures on certain farms pursuant to the remedies outlined in the Arkansas River Agreement (2,233 in fiscal 2013, 15,010 in fiscal 2014, and 1,801 to date in fiscal 2015).

 
11

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
 
The fair value of the TPF liability is an estimate prepared by management of the Company. The fair value of the liability is based on discounted estimated cash flows subject to the TPF calculated by projecting future annual water tap sales for the number of taps subject to the TPF at the date of valuation. Future cash flows from water tap sales are estimated by utilizing the following historical information, where available:

 
·
New homes constructed in the area known as the 11-county “Front Range” of Colorado from the 1980’s through the valuation date. The Company utilized data for this length of time to provide development information over many economic cycles because the Company anticipates development in its targeted service area to encompass many economic cycles over the development period.
 
 
·
New home construction patterns for large master planned housing developments along the Front Range. The Company utilized this information because these developments are deemed comparable to projects anticipated to be constructed in the Company’s targeted service area (i.e. these master planned communities were located in predominately undeveloped areas on the outskirts of the Front Range).
 
 
·
Population growth rates for Colorado and the Front Range. Population growth rates were utilized to predict anticipated growth along the Front Range, which was used to predict an estimated number of new homes necessary to house the increased population.
 
 
·
The Consumer Price Index since the 1980’s, which was utilized to project estimated future water tap fees.
 
Utilizing this historical information, the Company projected an estimated new home development pattern in its targeted service area sufficient to cover the sale of the water taps subject to the TPF at the date of the revaluation, November 30, 2014. The Company revalued the TPF payable as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014 due to the reduction of taps subject to the TPF as a result of the exercise of remedies under the Arkansas River Agreement. The estimated proceeds generated from the sale of those water taps resulted in estimated payments to HP A&M over the life of the projected development period of $2 million, which is a decrease of $100.7 million from the previous valuation completed at August 31, 2013 ($102.7 million). The estimated payments to HP A&M are then discounted to the current valuation date and the difference between the amount reflected on the Company’s balance sheet at the valuation date and the total estimated payments is imputed as interest expense over the estimated development time using the effective interest method. The implied interest rate for the most recent valuation was 3.4%.

Actual new home development in the Company’s service area and actual future tap fees inevitably will vary significantly from the Company’s estimates, which could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. An important component in the Company’s estimate of the value of the TPF, which is based on historical trends, is that the Company reasonably expects water tap fees to continue to increase in the coming years. Tap fees are market based and the continued increase in tap fees reflects, among other things, the increasing costs to acquire and develop new water supplies. Tap fees thus are partially indicative of the increasing value of the Company’s water assets. The Company continues to assess the value of the TPF liability and updates its valuation analysis whenever events or circumstances indicate the assumptions used to estimate the value of the liability have changed materially. The difference between the net present value and the estimated realizable value will be imputed as interest expense using the effective interest method over the estimated development period utilized in the valuation of the TPF. Through November 30, 2014, $27.5 million of interest has been imputed since the acquisition date, recorded using the effective interest method.

The Company’s agreement with HP A&M provides for a reduction of the number of water taps subject to the TPF payable to HP A&M in the event the farms or water rights are subject to foreclosure proceedings or other risks of loss. During fiscal year 2013, four of the farms and one FLLC certificate representing water rights only, collectively including 1,216 FLCC shares, were foreclosed resulting in a reduction of the number of taps subject to the TPF by 2,233 taps (approximately $11.7 million of TPF). During fiscal year 2014, an additional 31 farms and two FLCC certificate representing water rights only, collectively including 8,174 FLCC shares, were foreclosed resulting in a reduction of the number of taps subject to the TPF by an additional 15,010 taps (approximately $53.3 million of the TPF), leaving 2,184 taps (approximately $7.9 million of TPF), subject to the TPF. During the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2014, an additional two farms and 981 FLCC shares were foreclosed resulting in a reduction of the number of taps subject to the TPF by an additional 1,801 taps (approximately $6.2 million of the TPF), leaving 383 taps (approximately $1.7 million of TPF), subject to the TPF. The Company recorded the decreases in the TPF payable as an equity transaction due to the related party nature of the original transaction.

 
12

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
Promissory Notes Payable – Approximately 60 of the 80 properties the Company originally acquired from HP A&M were subject to outstanding promissory notes payable to third parties that were secured by deeds of trust on the Company’s properties and water rights, as well as mineral interests. HP A&M has now defaulted on all of the promissory notes and informed the Company that it does not intend to pay any of the amounts owed. HP A&M owed approximately $9.6 million of principal and accrued interest as of September 1, 2012. These promissory notes were secured by approximately 14,000 acres of land and 16,882 FLCC shares representing water rights owned by the Company.

On July 2, 2012, the Company formally notified HP A&M that its failure to pay the promissory notes constituted an Event of Default under the Seller Pledge Agreement (as defined below) and a default of a material covenant under the Arkansas River Agreement. The Company informed HP A&M that unless such defaults were cured within thirty days, the Property Management Agreement would be terminated and the Company would proceed to exercise certain rights and remedies under the Arkansas River Agreement, the Seller Pledge Agreement, and the Property Management Agreement to protect its assets. The Company’s remedies at law and under the Arkansas River Agreement and related agreements include, but are not limited to, the right to (i) foreclose on 1,500,000 shares of Pure Cycle common stock issued to HP A&M and the proceeds therefrom (the “Pledged Shares”) which were pledged by HP A&M pursuant to a pledge agreement (the “Seller Pledge Agreement”) to secure the payment and performance by HP A&M of the promissory notes described above; (ii) reduce the Tap Participation Fee; (iii) terminate the Property Management Agreement; and (iv) recover damages caused by the defaults, including certain costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees.

On August 3, 2012, the Company formally terminated the Property Management Agreement. On September 27, 2012, the Pledged Shares were sold at public auction in a foreclosure sale for $2.35 per share, yielding approximately $3.42 million of proceeds to the Company (net of fees of $110,000). Pursuant to the Arkansas River Agreement, the Company is reducing the Tap Participation Fee and is entitled to recover damages caused by the defaults, including certain costs and expenses, including attorney fees. The Company is currently pursuing its remedies and will continue to pursue such remedies over the next 12 months.

To protect its land and water interests, during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company purchased approximately $9.4 million of the $9.6 million notes payable by HP A&M. The remaining note was purchased by an entity controlled by the majority owner of HP A&M. HP A&M continues to be liable for making the required payments on the notes, and the Company is pursuing remedies to recover the costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by the Company in protecting the rights and title to the land and water rights securing the notes payable by HP A&M, including the costs incurred in purchasing the notes defaulted on by HP A&M.

During the three months ended November 30, 2014, the Company borrowed $4,450,000 from the First National Bank of Las Animas. Proceeds from the loan were used to consolidate mortgage debt and for working capital. The note has a 20-year term commencing October 27, 2014, requires semi-annual payments, and carries a 5.27% per annum rate for the first five years. The note is secured by a total of 3,596.8 acres, 3,282 FLCC shares, and an assignment of two HP A&M notes and deeds of trust with balances due of approximately $843,400, which are secured by 1,087.4 FLCC shares.   After the first five years the interest rate on the note is subject to change (no more often than annually) based on the changes in the First National Bank of Las Animas Ag/Real Estate Rate. The Company may pay the note in full at any time without penalty.
 
The amount owed on the outstanding notes was approximately $5.8 million, including accrued interest of $60,800 and approximately $5 million, including accrued interest of $80,800 at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively.
 

 

 
13

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 

Future Maturities
 
Mortgage notes payable, mainly bear interest at 5%, 5 year term; one note in amount of $4.45 million had 20 year term
    5,854,800  
Less: current portion
    (848,300 )
Total long-term mortgage payable
  $ 5,006,500  
         
Future Maturities
       
2016
    511,200  
2017
    624,500  
2018
    188,300  
2019
    157,100  
2020
    169,800  
Post 2020
    3,355,600  
Total
  $ 5,006,500  
 
Operating Lease

Effective January 2015, the Company entered into an operating lease for approximately 2,500 square feet of office space. The lease has a one-year term with payments of $3,000 per month.
 
NOTE 5 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
The Company maintains the 2014 Incentive Plan (the “2014 Incentive Plan”), which was approved by shareholders in January 2014 and became effective April 12, 2014. Executives, eligible employees, consultants and non-employee directors are eligible to receive options and stock grants pursuant to the 2014 Incentive Plan. Pursuant to the 2014 Incentive Plan, options to purchase shares of stock and restricted stock awards can be granted with exercise prices, vesting conditions and other performance criteria determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Company has reserved 1.6 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2014 Incentive Plan. No awards have been made under the 2014 Incentive Plan. Prior to the effective date of the 2014 Incentive Plan, the Company granted stock awards to eligible participants under its 2004 Incentive Plan (the “2004 Equity Plan”), which expired April 11, 2014. No additional awards may be granted pursuant to the 2004 Equity Plan; however, awards outstanding as of April 11, 2014, will continue to vest and expire and may be exercised in accordance with the terms of the 2004 Equity Plan.

The following table summarizes the stock option activity for the 2004 Equity Plan for the three months ended November 30, 2014:
 
   
Number of
Options
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
   
Approximate
Aggregate
Instrinsic
Value
 
Oustanding at beginning of period
    315,000     $ 5.76              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    -       -              
Forfeited or expired
    -       -              
Outstanding at November 30, 2014
    315,000     $ 5.14       6.49     $ 42,575  
                                 
Options exercisable at November 30, 2014
    215,833     $ 4.94       5.40     $ 74,315  
 
The following table summarizes the activity and value of non-vested options under the 2004 Equity Plan as of and for the three months ended November 30, 2014:
 
   
Number of
Options
   
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
Non-vested options oustanding at beginning of period
    99,167     $ 4.85  
Granted
    -       -  
Vested
    -       -  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Non-vested options outstanding at November 30, 2014
    99,167     $ 4.85  

All non-vested options are expected to vest. The total fair value of options vested was nil for each of the three months ended November 30, 2014 and November 30, 2013.

Stock-based compensation expense was $68,800 and $54,800 for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At November 30, 2014, the Company had unrecognized expenses relating to non-vested options that are expected to vest totaling $348,900 which have a weighted average life of less than three years. The Company has not recorded any excess tax benefits to additional paid-in capital.


 
14

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
NOTE 6 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
On December 16, 2009, the Company entered into a Participation Agreement with the District, whereby the Company agreed to provide funding to the District in connection with the District’s membership in the South Metro Water Supply Authority (“SMWSA”). The Company provided $600 and $55,000 of funding to the District pursuant to the Participation Agreement during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.   These amounts were expensed as general and administrative expenses at the time of funding.  On November 10, 2014, the Company entered into a WISE Financing Agreement with the District, whereby the Company agreed to fund the District’s cost of participating in a regional water supply project known as the WISE partnership (“WISE”).  Pursuant to the WISE Financing Agreement, the Company made payments of $535,200 during the three months ended November 30, 2014, to purchase certain rights to use existing water transmission and related infrastructure acquired by the WISE. The Company estimates that it will be required to invest approximately $1.2 million per year over the next five years for additional payments for the water transmission line and additional facilities, water and related assets for WISE.

In 1995, the Company extended a loan to the District, a related party. The loan provided for borrowings of up to $250,000, is unsecured, bears interest based on the prevailing prime rate plus 2% (5.25% at November 30, 2014) and matured on December 31, 2013. The Company extended the maturity date of the loan to December 31, 2015. The $596,000 balance of the note receivable at November 30, 2014, includes borrowings of $254,300 and accrued interest of $341,700. Beginning January 2014 the District and the Company entered into a funding agreement which allows the Company to continue to provide funding to the District for day-to-day operations and accrue the funding into a note which bears interest at a rate of 8% and shall remain in full force and effect for so long as the 2014 Amended and Restated Lease Agreement remains in effect.

NOTE 7 – SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

The Company sells wholesale water and wastewater services to the District pursuant to the Rangeview Water Agreements (defined in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets to the 2014 Annual Report). Sales to the District accounted for 9% and 11% of the Company’s total water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The District has one significant customer. Pursuant to the Rangeview Water Agreements the Company is providing water and wastewater services to this customer on behalf of the District. The District’s significant customer accounted for 7% and 9% of the Company’s total water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Revenues related to the provision of water for the oil and gas industry to one customer accounted for 88% and 87% of the Company’s water and wastewater revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company had accounts receivable from the District which accounted for 6% and 5% of the Company’s trade receivables balances at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively. Accounts receivable from the District’s largest customer accounted for 6% and 4% of the Company’s trade receivables as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively. Accounts receivable from industrial water sales accounted for 28% and 75% of the Company’s trade receivable balances at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014.

NOTE 8 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES

At November 30, 2014, the Company had accrued liabilities of $197,300, of which $139,800 was for estimated property taxes, $2,000 was for farm lease prepayments, and $55,500 related to operating payables.

At August 31, 2014, the Company had accrued liabilities of $257,900, of which $99,700 was for estimated property taxes, $59,500 was for professional fees, $22,400 was for farm lease prepayments, and the remaining $76,300 related to operating payables.

NOTE 9 – LITIGATION LOSS CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in various claims, litigation and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company records an accrual for a loss contingency when its occurrence is probable and damages can be reasonably estimated based on the anticipated most likely outcome or the minimum amount within a range of possible outcomes. The Company makes such estimates based on information known about the claims and experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar claims. Disclosures are also provided for reasonably possible losses that could have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 
15

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 
On September 29, 2014, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release with HP A&M (“Settlement Agreement”). The Settlement Agreement settles the lawsuit filed by HP A&M against the Company in the District Court, City and County of Denver, Colorado on February 27, 2012, alleging breaches of representations and warranties made in connection with the Arkansas River Agreement. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and a joint stipulated motion to dismiss filed with the court following execution of the Settlement Agreement, HP A&M released all claims asserted against the Company in its 2012 lawsuit, and the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.

The Company filed a lawsuit against HP A&M in the District Court, City and County of Denver, State of Colorado on April 4, 2014, alleging HP A&M breached the Arkansas River Agreement, Seller Pledge Agreement and Property Management Agreement, among other ways, by failing to (i) pay, perform and discharge its obligations when due or otherwise pursuant to the Excluded Indebtedness, (ii) cure defaults under the Notes and Deeds of Trust applicable to the Excluded Indebtedness, and (iii) use Net Revenue, pursuant to the Property Management Agreement, to pay Excluded Indebtedness. As a result of these breaches, the Company is claiming damages to be proven at trial, which are estimated as of the date of the lawsuit to be not less than $8 million. HP A&M filed its answer on May 30, 2014, asserting affirmative defenses and counterclaims, including, among others, breach of contract and breach of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and requesting damages in an amount to be proven at trial. This lawsuit involves complex legal issues and uncertainties, and the Company has not recorded accruals for losses related to the lawsuit because losses are not probable or reasonably estimable and reasonably possible losses could not be estimated as of November 30, 2014.

During the three months ended November 30, 2014 and the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, foreclosure proceedings were commenced against 40 of the properties acquired by the Company from HP A&M that are subject to promissory notes defaulted upon by HP A&M and secured by deeds of trust on the Company’s land and water rights. The proceedings were filed on various dates from January 9, 2013 through March 12, 2014, with the Public Trustees of Bent, Otero and Prowers Counties in Colorado and involve claims against HP A&M for its failure to pay the notes. In addition one proceeding was commenced in 2013 and a second proceeding was commenced on May 5, 2014, pursuant to the Colorado Uniform Commercial Code, in each case to foreclose on one FLCC certificate representing water rights only. As of the date of this filing, PCY Holdings, LLC (“PCY Holdings”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary has been the successful bidder in foreclosure sales of 38 of the properties and water rights acquired by the Company from HP A&M. The Company terminated one foreclosure proceeding by curing HP A&M’s default. One of the Company’s properties remains subject to foreclosure proceedings. This property represents less than 3% of the Company’s FLLC shares and approximately 2% of the Company’s Arkansas River land acquired from HP A&M.

Foreclosure sales that were conducted on three of the Company’s farm properties on August 28, 2013, and on a fourth property on September 4, 2013 are currently the subject of litigation. PCY Holdings, was the successful bidder in the foreclosure sales. On September 16, 2013, HP A&M filed a complaint against PCY Holdings and the Public Trustee for the County of Bent, Colorado, in the District Court, County of Bent, Colorado seeking (i) a declaratory judgment that it is entitled to redeem the four properties from the foreclosure sales by paying the amount of the outstanding debt, plus fees, which is the amount PCY Holdings bid in the sales, and (ii) preliminary and permanent injunctions against the Public Trustee preventing the Public Trustee from issuing confirmation deeds for the foreclosure sales to PCY Holdings or anyone other than HP A&M. On November 20, 2013 the complaint was dismissed with prejudice, and judgment was entered in favor of the Public Trustee and PCY Holdings. Responses to motions filed by both PCY Holdings and HP A&M regarding attorney’s fees awards have been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal discussed below.

On January 3, 2014 HP A&M filed a notice of appeal of the judgment with the Colorado Court of Appeals. If HP A&M wins on appeal, the Company could lose these four properties, subject to its remedies under the Arkansas River Agreement. The Company intends to vigorously defend any appeal of this ruling and to pursue the remedies against HP A&M for the defaults. The timing and outcome of the appeal is uncertain, and the Company has not recorded accruals for losses related to the appeal because losses are not probable or reasonably estimable and reasonably possible losses could not be estimated at this time.

NOTE 10 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates primarily in two lines of business: (i) the wholesale water and wastewater business; and (ii) the agricultural farming business. The Company provides wholesale water and wastewater services to customers using water rights owned by the Company and develops infrastructure to divert, treat and distribute that water and collect, treat and reuse wastewater. The Company’s agricultural business consists of the Company leasing its Arkansas River Valley land and water to area farmers under cash leases or in certain cases crop share leases. The following tables show information by operating segment for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:

 
16

 
PURE CYCLE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
 

Three Months Ended November 30, 2014
 
                         
   
Business segments
             
   
Wholesale
                   
   
water and
                   
   
wastewater
   
Agricultural
   
All Other
   
Total
 
                         
 Revenues
  $ 503,500     $ 263,800     $ 66,500     $ 833,800  
 Gross profit
    316,900       237,300       56,400       610,600  
 Depreciation
    78,900       -       -       78,900  
 Other significant noncash items:
                               
           Stock-based compensation
    -       -       68,800       68,800  
            TPF interest expense
    23,800       -       -       23,800  
 Segment assets
    98,358,500       7,561,200       2,152,300       108,072,000  
 Expenditures for segment assets
    1,151,400       2,900       -       1,154,300  
 
Three Months ended November 30, 2013
 
                         
   
Business segments
             
   
Wholesale
                   
   
water and
                   
   
wastewater
   
Agricultural
   
All Other
   
Total
 
                         
 Revenues
  $ 344,300     $ 220,300     $ 13,900     $ 578,500  
 Gross profit
    185,500       199,600       13,000       398,100  
 Depletion and depreciation
    48,500       -       -       48,500  
 Other significant noncash items:
                               
           Stock-based compensation
    -       -       54,800       54,800  
            TPF interest expense
    657,200       -       -       657,200  
 Segment assets
    94,272,800       6,670,600       7,345,500       108,288,900  
 Expenditures for segment assets
    397,300       -       -       397,300  
 
NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

Subsequent to the Company’s quarter year-end, the Company consented to the waiver of all contingencies set forth in the Amended and Restated WISE Partnership – Water Delivery Agreement, dated December 31, 2013 (the “WISE Partnership Agreement”), among the City and County of Denver acting through its Board of Water Commissioners (“Denver Water”), the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise (“Aurora Water”), and the South Metro WISE Authority (“SMWA”).  The SMWA was formed by the District and nine other governmental or quasi-governmental water providers pursuant to the South Metro WISE Authority Formation and Organizational Intergovernmental Agreement, dated December 31, 2013 (the “SM IGA”), to enable the members of SMWA to participate in the regional water supply project known as the WISE created by the WISE Partnership Agreement.  The SM IGA specifies each member’s pro rata share of WISE and the members’ rights and obligations with respect to WISE. The WISE Partnership Agreement provides for the purchase of certain infrastructure (pipelines, water storage facilities, water treatment facilities, and other appurtenant facilities) to deliver water to and among the ten members of the SMWA, Denver Water and Aurora Water. Certain infrastructure has been constructed and other infrastructure will be constructed over the next several years.
 
By consenting to the waiver of the contingencies set forth in the WISE Partnership Agreement, pursuant to the terms of the Rangeview/Pure Cycle WISE Project Financing Agreement (the “WISE Financing Agreement”) between the Company and the District, the Company has an agreement to fund the District’s participation in WISE effective as of December 22, 2014. The Company’s cost of funding the District’s purchase of its share of existing infrastructure and future infrastructure for WISE is projected to be approximately $7 million over the next 5 years, which includes funding of approximately $1.2 million annually over the next 5 years and funding of the District’s obligations to repay approximately $1.4 million borrowed by the District from certain SMWA members to finance the purchase of infrastructure for WISE pursuant to an agreement dated November 19, 2014 (the “Rangeview Funding Agreement”).
The $1.4 million is repayable in equal annual installments over the next three years and accrues interest at the rate of 3%.

See the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 30, 2014 for additional information.
 
*****
 
 
17

 
  Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
OVERVIEW
 
The discussion and analysis below includes certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, as described in “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, that could cause our actual growth, results of operations, performance, financial position and business prospects and opportunities for this fiscal year and periods that follow to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by those forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our disclosure under the heading “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand our results of operations and financial condition and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2014 Annual Report”).

The following section focuses on the key indicators reviewed by management in evaluating our financial condition and operating performance, including the following:
 
   Revenue generated from our water and wastewater services and farming operations;
   Expenses associated with developing our water and land assets; and
   Cash available to continue development of our water rights and service agreements.
 
Our MD&A section includes the following items:
 
Our Business  – a general description of our business, our services and our business strategy.

Results of Operations  – an analysis of our results of operations for the periods presented in our consolidated financial statements. 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position  – an analysis of our cash position and cash flows, as well as a discussion of our financing arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates  – a discussion of our critical accounting policies that require critical judgments, assumptions and estimates.

Forward Looking Statements – an identification of forward looking statements and a description of risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in forward looking statements.

Our Business

Pure Cycle Corporation (“we”, “us” or “our”) is an investor-owned Colorado corporation that (i) provides wholesale water and wastewater services to end-use customers of governmental entities and to commercial and industrial customers and (ii) manages land and water assets for farming.

Wholesale Water and Wastewater

These services include water production, storage, treatment, bulk transmission to retail distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment, irrigation water treatment and transmission, construction management, billing and collection and emergency response.

We are a vertically integrated wholesale water and wastewater provider, which means we own or control substantially all assets necessary to provide wholesale water and wastewater services to our customers. This includes owning (i) water rights which we use to provide domestic, irrigation, and industrial water to our wholesale customers (we own surface water, groundwater, reclaimed water rights and storage rights), (ii) infrastructure (such as wells, diversion structures, pipelines, reservoirs and treatment facilities) required to withdraw, treat, store and deliver water, (iii) infrastructure required to collect, treat, store and reuse wastewater, and (iv) infrastructure required to treat and deliver reclaimed water for irrigation use.

 
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We currently provide wholesale water and wastewater service predominately to two local governmental entity customers. Our largest wholesale domestic customer is the Rangeview Metropolitan District (the “District”). We provide service to the District and its end-use customers pursuant to the Rangeview Water Agreements between us and the District for the provision of wholesale water service to the District for use in the District’s service area. Through the District, we serve 258 Single Family Equivalent (“SFE”) (as defined below) water connections and 157 SFE wastewater connections located in southeastern metropolitan Denver.   One SFE is a customer – whether residential, commercial or industrial – that imparts a demand on our water or wastewater systems similar to the demand of a family of four persons living in a single family house on a standard sized lot. One SFE is assumed to have a water demand of approximately 0.4 acre feet per year and to contribute wastewater flows of approximately 300 gallons per day. In the past two years, we have been providing an increasing amount of water to industrial customers in our service area and adjacent to our service areas to the oil and gas industry for the purpose of hydraulic fracturing. Oil and gas operators have leased more than 135,000 acres within and adjacent to our service areas for the purpose of exploring oil and gas interests in the Niobrara and other formations and this activity has led to increased water demands.

We plan to utilize our significant water assets along with our adjudicated reservoir sites to provide wholesale water and wastewater services to local governmental entities which in turn will provide residential/commercial water and wastewater services to communities along the eastern slope of Colorado in the area generally referred to as the Front Range. Principally we target the I-70 corridor, which is located east of downtown Denver and south of the Denver International Airport. This area is predominately undeveloped and is expected to experience substantial growth over the next 30 years. We also   plan   to   continue   to   provide   water   service   to   commercial   and   industrial   customers.

Agricultural Operations and Leasing

Based on total acreage, approximately 85% of our farm operations are managed through cash lease arrangements with local area farmers whereby we charge a fixed fee to lease our land and the water for agricultural purposes to tenant farmers. Based on total acreage, approximately 15% of our farm operations are managed through crop share leases, pursuant to which we and the tenant farmer jointly share in the gross revenues generated from the crops grown under a 75% farmer, 25% landlord participation. The majority of crops grown on our farms are alfalfa, with a number of acres also planted in corn, sorghum, and wheat. We will continue to review and evaluate ways to enhance the performance of our approximately 14,600 acres of farm land through relationships with area farmers.

We also own 931 acres of land along the I-70 corridor east of Denver, Colorado. We are currently leasing this land to an area farmer until such time as the property can be developed.

These land interests are described in the Arkansas River Water and Land and Sky Ranch sections of Note 4 - Water and Land Assets in Part II, Item 8 of the 2014 Annual Report.

Results of Operations

Executive Summary

The results of our operations for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
 
 
19

 
   
November 30, 2014
   
November 30, 2013
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Millions of gallons of water delivered
    46.5       34.6       11.9       34 %
Metered water usage revenues
  $ 491,800     $ 321,600     $ 170,200       53 %
Operating costs to deliver water
  $ 136,800     $ 102,500     $ 34,300       33 %
  (excluding depreciation and depletion)
                               
   Water delivery gross margin %
    72 %     68 %                
                                 
Wastewater treatment revenues
  $ 11,700     $ 9,800     $ 1,900       19 %
Operating costs to treat wastewater
  $ 6,400     $ 10,450     $ (4,050 )     -39 %
    Wastewater treatment gross margin %
    45 %     -7 %                
                                 
Tap and specialty facility revenues
  $ 14,000     $ 14,000     $ -       0 %
                                 
Farm operations revenues
  $ 263,800     $ 220,300     $ 43,500       20 %
Farm operating costs
  $ 26,500     $ 20,700     $ 5,800       28 %
    Farm operations gross margin %
    90 %     91 %                
General and administrative expenses
  $ 647,500     $ 619,900     $ 27,600       4 %
Net income (loss)
  $ 10,300     $ (846,500 )   $ 856,800       101 %
 
Changes in Revenues

Metered   Water Usage Revenues – Our water service charges include a fixed monthly fee and a fee based on actual amounts of water used, which is based on a tiered pricing structure that provides for higher prices as customers use greater amounts of water. Our rates and charges are established based on the average rates and charges of three surrounding water providers.

Water deliveries increased 34% and water revenues increased 53% during the three months ended November 30, 2014, compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013. Both deliveries and sales increased primarily as a result of the addition of water sales to the oil and gas industry, which was used primarily to frack wells drilled in the Niobrara formation. Our revenue increased by a greater margin then our deliveries due to meter rates for fracking water compared to rates received from customers that have acquired taps. The following table details the sources of our sales, the number of kgal (1,000 gallons) sold, and the average price per kgal for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and November 30, 2013.

Table 2 - Water Revenue Summary
 
   
Three months ending November 30,
 
   
2014
 
2013
Customer Type
 
Sales
   
kgal
   
Average per kgal
 
Sales
   
kgal
   
Average per kgal
 
On Site - Commercial
  $ 31,600       3,620.6     $ 8.73     $ 26,900       4,977.4     $ 5.40  
Export-Commercial
    8,600       574.1       14.98       4,400       401.8       10.95  
Fracking
    451,600       42,286.5       10.68       290,300       29,218.6       9.94  
    $ 491,800       46,481.2     $ 10.58     $ 321,600       34,597.8     $ 9.30  

The gross margins on delivering water increased to 72% during the three months ended November 30, 2014 from 68% during the three months ended November 30, 2013. The increases were primarily due to the increased volume of water sold and selling water at higher tiered rates.

Wastewater Treatment Revenues – Our wastewater customer is charged based on the amount of wastewater treated.

Wastewater fees increased 19% during the three months ended November 30, 2014, compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013. This increase was primarily the result of increased demand from our only wastewater customer. Our operating costs decreased due to the reclassification of expenses related to the District during 2014, which we had historically recorded under general and administrative expenses. Beginning in 2014 we have a new funding agreement with the District, under which we accrue all funding provided to the District into a note.

 
20

 
Tap and Special Facility Revenues – In August 2005, we entered into the Water Service Agreement (the “County Agreement”) with Arapahoe County (the “County”). In fiscal 2006, we began recognizing water tap fees as revenue ratably over the estimated service period upon completion of the “Wholesale Facilities” (defined in the 2014 Annual Report) constructed to provide service to the County. We recognized $3,600 of water tap fee revenues during each of the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The water tap fees to be recognized over this period are net of the royalty payments to the State of Colorado Board of Land Commissioners (the “Land Board”) and amounts paid to third parties pursuant to the “CAA” which is described in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

We recognized $10,400 of “Special Facilities” (defined in the 2014 Annual Report) funding as revenue during each of the three months ended November 30, 2014 and November 30, 2013, respectively. This is the ratable portion of the Special Facilities funding proceeds received from the County pursuant to the County Agreement as more fully described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to Part II, Item 8 of the 2014 Annual Report.

At November 30, 2014, we have deferred recognition of $1.2 million of water tap and construction fee revenue from the County, which will be recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated useful accounting life of the assets constructed with the construction proceeds as described above.

On December 31, 2013, the District increased its water tap fees from $22,500 per SFE to $24,620 per SFE. Wastewater tap fees increased from $4,883 per SFE to $4,988 per SFE. We did not sell any water or wastewater taps during the  three months ended November 30, 2014 or 2013.

Farm Operations Revenues – Our farming operations include revenues from leases on the farms we own in the Arkansas River Valley.

Lease income from our farming operations increased by 20% during the three months ended November 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013, respectively. The increase in lease income during the three months ended November 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013 resulted from a discount provided under the leases for three months ended November 30, 2013, due to a drought, which we did not have to provide during the three months ended November 30, 2014.

The following chart details our farm revenue by lease type, acres, and the average revenue per acre for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013.
 
Table 3 - Farm Summary
 
   
Three Months Ended November 30, 2014
   
Three Months Ended November 30, 2013
 
Lease Type
 
Sales
   
Acres
   
Average per
Acre
   
Sales
   
Acres
   
Average per
Acre
 
Arkansas Cash
  $ 231,500       9,589     $ 24.14     $ 193,200       10,637     $ 18.16  
Arkansas Pasture
    2,500       1,131       2.21       3,400       1,320       2.58  
Arkansas Water shares
    19,400       N/A       N/A       24,500       N/A       N/A  
Arkansas Crop Share
    10,400       1,896       5.49       (800 )     1,370       (0.58 )
Arkansas Held for Sale
    N/A       *       N/A       -       1,331       -  
Arkansas Not Farmed
    -       1,988       -       -       2,095       -  
Sky Ranch
    -       931       -       -       931       -  
    $ 263,800       15,535     $ 16.98     $ 220,300       17,684     $ 12.46  
      (*) We anticipate selling approximately 640 acres.                                          

 
General and Administrative Expenses

Significant balances classified as general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively were:

 
21

 
Table 4 - Signficant Balances in G&A
 
   
Three months ended:
             
   
11/30/2014
   
11/30/2013
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Salary and salary related expenses:
                       
   Including share-based compensation
  $ 201,600     $ 175,900     $ 25,700       15 %
   Excluding share-based compensation
  $ 132,800     $ 121,100     $ 11,700       10 %
FLCC water assessment fees
  $ 74,600     $ 72,500     $ 2,100       3 %
Professional fees
  $ 224,300     $ 205,100     $ 19,200       9 %
Fees paid to directors (including insurance)
  $ 16,200     $ 16,300     $ (100 )     -1 %
Public entity related expenses
  $ 23,300     $ 16,800     $ 6,500       39 %
Property taxes
  $ 40,200     $ 35,000     $ 5,200       15 %

Salary and salary related expenses – Salary and salary related expenses including share-based compensation increased 15% for the three months ended November 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013. The increase was mostly the result of compensation paid to two additional employees during the three months ended November 30, 2014. The increase was also due to the recognition of option expense on the grant of stock options to our non-employee directors, which was higher in 2014 due to the increase in stock price on the date of the option grants compared to 2013. The salary and salary related expenses noted above include $68,800 and $54,800 of share-based compensation expenses during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

FLCC water assessment fees Water assessment fees, which are mainly paid to the Fort Lyon Canal Company (“FLCC”), are the fees we pay for our share of the maintenance of the Fort Lyon Canal. The fees are approved by the shareholders of the FLCC. As of November 30, 2014, we hold approximately 18,418 (20%) of the voting shares of the FLCC. Assessments per share from the FLCC were $15, and $16 for the calendar years 2013 and 2014, respectively. Fees increased 3% during the three months ended November 30, 2014, as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013, due to the increased assessment rate charged by the FLCC. This increase was offset by the fact that we owned less FLCC shares in 2014.

Professional fees (mainly accounting and legal) – Legal and accounting fees increased 9% during the three months ended November 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013. The increase was due to increased legal fees related to litigation of approximately $15,000 for the three months ended November 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013.

Fees paid to directors (including insurance) Director’s fees, including D&O insurance, decreased 1% for the three months ended November 30, 2014, as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013. These fees vary due to timing of expenditures, but generally are expected to remain consistent year over year. Effective January 2014, the Company began expensing director’s fees on a monthly basis rather than in an annual lump sum as had been done in the past, which should reduce quarter to quarter variations.

Public entity expenses Costs associated with corporate governance and costs associated with being a publicly traded entity increased 39% for the three months ended November 30, 2014 as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013. The fluctuations are due to the timing of filings, billings for services, and the changes in filing fees and compliance costs for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Property taxes – We accrue property taxes associated with our farm land and our Sky Ranch property. The expected annual property taxes for calendar year 2014 (payable in 2015) are approximately $153,700. As a result of higher assessment valuations and increased tax rates on our farm properties, property tax expense increased 15% during the three months ended November 30, 2014, as compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013.
 
 
22

 
Other Income and Expense Items

Table 5 - Other Items
 
      Three Months Ended:            
   
30-Nov-14
   
30-Nov-13
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Other income items:
                       
  Oil and gas lease income
  $ 161,400     $ 106,800     $ 54,600       51 %
  Interest income
  $ 3,200     $ 3,000     $ 200       7 %
                                 
Other expense items:
                               
  Imputed interest
  $ 23,800     $ 657,200     $ (633,400 )     -96 %
  Interest expense
  $ 64,500     $ 64,100     $ 400       1 %

The oil and gas lease income amounts represent a portion of the up-front payments we received on March 10, 2011, upon the signing of the Paid-Up Oil and Gas Lease (the “O&G Lease”) and Surface Use and Damage Agreement (the “Surface Use Agreement”). During fiscal 2011, we received payments of $1,243,400 for the purpose of exploring for, developing, producing and marketing oil and gas on 634 acres of mineral estate we own at our Sky Ranch property. The income received was recognized in income ratably over the initial three year term of the O&G Lease, which began on March 10, 2011. During February 2014 we received an additional payment of $1,243,400 to extend the initial term of the O&G Lease by an additional two years through February 2016. The income received for the extension is being recognized in income over the two year extension term of the O&G Lease.

Interest income represents interest earned on the temporary investment of capital in available-for-sale securities, finance charges, and interest accrued on the note receivable from the District. The increase was primarily related to the receipt of interest on a certificate of deposit account that was opened during the three months ended August 31, 2014.

Imputed interest expense is related to the Tap Participation Fee (“TPF”) payable to HP A&M. This represents the expensed portion of the difference between the estimated fair value of the payments to be made to HP A&M and the discounted present value of those payments imputed using the effective interest method. The decrease in the imputed interest expense is a result of the reduction in the TPF as a result of us exercising our remedies under the Arkansas River Agreement during fiscal 2014, which is explained in greater detail in Note 4 – Long-Term Obligations and Operating Lease to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Interest expense is related to the interest accrued on the $5.9 million in promissory notes issued and outstanding to acquire the HP A&M debt. We began acquiring these notes during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and continued acquiring promissory notes through May 2014.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position

At November 30, 2014, our working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, was $932,100, which included $1.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. As of the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have an effective shelf registration statement pursuant to which we may elect to sell up to another $15 million of stock at any time and from time to time. We believe that as of the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and as of November 30, 2014, we have sufficient working capital to fund our operations for the next fiscal year.

Promissory Note Payable – During the three months ended November 30, 2014, we borrowed $4,450,000 from First National Bank of Las Animas. Proceeds from the loan were used to consolidate a number of the notes we had issued to purchase the defaulted notes payable by High Plains A&M and for working capital. The note has a 20-year term commencing October 27, 2014, requires semi-annual payments, and carries a 5.27% per annum rate for the first five years. The note is secured by a total of 3,596.8 acres, 3,282 FLCC shares, and an assignment of two HP A&M notes and deeds of trust with balances due of approximately $843,400, which are secured by 1,087.4 FLCC shares. After the first five years the interest rate is subject to change (no more than annually) based on the changes in the First National Bank of Las Ani mas Ag/Real Estate Rate.  We may pay the note in full at any time without penalty.

System Expansion – During the three months ended November 30, 2014, we spent approximately $540,000 to install pumping equipment, piping, and other infrastructure at our Sky Ranch water system. Additionally we invested approximately $535,000 in the Water Infrastructure Supply Efficiency partnership (“WISE”), as further discussed below, for the acquisition of an existing pipeline.
 
 
23

 
Arkansas River Valley Water Assets – The FLCC water assessments are the charges assessed to the FLCC shareholders for the upkeep and maintenance of the Fort Lyon Canal. The water assessment payments are payable to the FLCC each calendar year. For the calendar year 2014, FLCC water assessments increased from $15 to $16 per share, which will increase our expenses by approximately $22,900 to $312,900, which will be expensed ratably during calendar 2014. Our calendar year 2013 property taxes were approximately $150,500. Based on these taxes we are accruing monthly property taxes of approximately $11,700 for calendar year 2014.  Our calendar year assessments for 2013 were approximately $290,000 and were expensed ratably during the year. Our calendar year 2012 property taxes (paid in April 2013) for our Arkansas River farm properties were approximately $142,000.

ECCV Capacity Operating System – Pursuant to a 1982 contractual right, the District may purchase water produced from East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District’s (“ECCV”) Land Board system. ECCV’s Land Board system is comprised of eight wells and more than ten miles of buried water pipeline located on the Lowry Range. In May 2012, in order to increase the delivery capacity and reliability of these wells, in our capacity as the District’s service provider and the Export Water Contractor (as defined in the 2014 Amended and Restated Lease Agreement among us, the District and the Land Board), we entered into an agreement to operate and maintain the ECCV facilities allowing us to utilize the system to provide water to commercial and industrial customers, including customers providing water for drilling and hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells. Our costs associated with the use of the ECCV system are a flat monthly fee of $8,000 per month from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2020, and will decrease to $3,000 per month from January 1, 2021 through April 2032. Additionally, we pay a fee per 1,000 gallons of water produced from ECCV’s system, which is included in the water usage fees charged to customers.

The Tap Participation Fee -   The $1.7 million TPF liability at November 30, 2014, represents the estimated fair value of our obligation to pay HP A&M 20% of our gross proceeds, or the equivalent thereof, from the sale of the next 383 water taps we sell. To date we have imputed $27.5 million of interest since 2006 when we acquired our farm assets, recorded using the effective interest method. We did not sell any taps during the three months ended November 30, 2014 or 2013.

Payment of the TPF may be accelerated in the event of a merger, reorganization, sale of substantially all assets, or similar transactions and in the event of bankruptcy and insolvency events. Through November 2014 foreclosure sales were completed on 37 of our farms and three FLCC certificates representing water rights only, and we withdrew one farm from foreclosure. Our agreement with HP A&M allows us to reduce the TPF in the event any of our farms or water rights are foreclosed upon. Foreclosures as of November 30, 2014 have resulted in a reduction of 19,044 taps. As of November 30, 2014, there were 383 taps remaining subject to the TPF. As a result of the foreclosures and the reduction in taps remaining subject to the TPF, the TPF was revalued as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014.

South Metropolitan Water Supply Authority / WISE – The South Metropolitan Water Supply Authority (“SMWSA”) is a municipal water authority in the State of Colorado organized to pursue the acquisition and development of new water supplies on behalf of its members. SMWSA members include 14 Denver area water providers in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. The District became a member of SMWSA in 2009 in an effort to participate with other area water providers in developing regional water supplies along the Front Range. We entered into a Participation Agreement with the District on December 16, 2009, whereby we agreed to provide funding to the District in connection with its membership in the SMWSA.  During the three months ended November 30, 2014, and 2013, we provided $600 and $55,000, respectively, of funding to the District pursuant to this Participation Agreement. For over three years, the SMWSA members have been working with Denver Water and Aurora Water on a cooperative water project known as the WISE, which seeks to develop regional infrastructure which would interconnect members’ water transmission systems to be able to develop additional water supplies from the South Platte River in conjunction with Denver Water and Aurora Water. In July of 2013, the District together with nine other SMWSA members formed the South Metro WISE Authority (“SMWA”) pursuant to the South Metro WISE Authority Formation and Organizational Intergovernmental Agreement (the “SM IGA”) to enable its members to participle in WISE.  The SM IGA specifies each member’s pro rata share of WISE and the members’ rights and obligations with respect to WISE. On December 31, 2013, SMWA, Denver Water and the Aurora Water entered into the Amended and Restated WISE Partnership – Water Delivery Agreement (the “WISE Partnership Agreement”), which provides for the purchase of certain infrastructure (pipelines, water storage facilities, water treatment facilities, and other appurtenant facilities to deliver water to and among the ten members of the SMWA, Denver Water and Aurora. We have entered into the Rangeview/Cycle WISE Project Financing Agreement with the District (the “WISE Financing Agreement”) which obligates us to fund the District’s cost of participating in WISE.   During the three months ended November 30, 2014, we made payments of $535,200 to purchase certain rights to use existing water transmission and related infrastructure acquired by WISE. We anticipate we will be investing approximately $1.2 million per year for the next five years to fund the District’s purchase of its share of the water transmission line and additional facilities, water and related assets for WISE. In exchange for funding the District’s obligations in WISE, we will have the sole right to use and reuse the District’s 7% share of the WISE water and infrastructure to provide water service to the District’s customers and to receive the revenue from such service.  Upon completion in 2021, we expect to be entitled to approximately 3 million gallons per day of transmission pipeline capacity and 500 acre feet per year of water.

 
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Summary Cash Flows Table

Table 4 - Summary Cash Flows Table
 
   
Three Months Ended
             
   
November 30, 2014
   
November 30, 2013
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Cash (used) provided by:
                       
  Operating acitivites
  $ (277,800 )   $ (120,900 )   $ (156,900 )     130 %
   Investing activities
  $ (454,400 )   $ (399,600 )   $ (54,800 )     14 %
   Financing activities
  $ 910,200     $ (447,000 )   $ 1,357,200       304 %
 
Changes in Operating Activities – Operating activities include revenues we receive from the sale of wholesale water and wastewater services and leases on our farms, costs incurred in the delivery of those services, G&A expenses, and depletion/depreciation expenses.

Cash used in operations in the three months ended November 30, 2014, increased by $156,900 compared to the three months ended November 30, 2013, which was due mainly to the payment of accounts payable, which was partially offset by receipts from accounts receivable and decreases in operating losses.

We will continue to provide wholesale domestic and industrial water and wastewater services to customers in our service area and leasing our farms to local area farmers.

Changes in Investing Activities Investing activities in the three months ended November 30, 2014, consisted of the investment in our water system of $1,154,200 and the receipt of $699,800 from the sale of 299 acres of land along with 239 FLCC shares. Investing activities in the three months ended November 30, 2013 consisted primarily of the investment in our water system and purchase of assets of $399,600.

Changes in Financing Activities Financing activities in the three months ended November 30, 2014 consisted of the receipt of borrowings on promissory notes of $2,311,600, payments on the promissory notes of $1,395,000 and payments to contingent liability holders of $6,400. Financing activities in the three months ended November 30, 2013 consisted of payments on the promissory notes of $445,300 and payments to contingent liability holders of $1,700.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include estimates associated with the timing of revenue recognition, the impairment of water assets and other long-lived assets, valuation of the TPF, fair value estimates and share-based compensation. Below is a summary of these critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues consist mainly of monthly service fees, tap fees, construction fees, and beginning in fiscal 2013, farm operations. Additionally, we receive other income from oil and gas leases on our properties.
 
Monthly metered water usage fees and monthly wastewater treatment fees are recognized in income each month as earned.

 
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As further described in Note 1 – Presentation of Interim Information to the accompanying financial statements, proceeds from tap sales and construction fees are deferred upon receipt and recognized in income based on whether we own or do not own the facilities constructed with the proceeds. We recognize tap fees derived from agreements for which we construct infrastructure owned by others as revenue, along with the associated costs of construction, pursuant to the percentage-of-completion method. The percentage-of-completion method requires management to estimate the percent of work that is completed on a particular project, which could change materially throughout the duration of the construction period and result in significant fluctuations in revenue recognized during the reporting periods throughout the construction process. We did not recognize any revenues pursuant to the percentage-of-completion method during the three months ended November 30, 2014 or 2013.

Tap and construction fees derived from agreements for which we own the infrastructure are recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated service life of the assets constructed with said fees. Although the cash will be received up-front and most construction will be completed within one year of receipt of the proceeds, revenue recognition may occur over 30 years or more. Management is required to estimate the service life, and currently the service life is based on the estimated useful accounting life of the assets constructed with the tap fees. The useful accounting life of the asset is based on management’s estimation of an accounting based useful life and may not have any correlation to the actual life of the asset or the actual service life of the tap. This is deemed a reasonable recognition life of the revenues because the depreciation of the assets constructed generating those revenues will therefore be matched with the revenues.

Pursuant to the O&G Lease, during each of the years ended August 31, 2011 and 2014, we received up-front payments of $1,243,400 from for the purpose of exploring for, developing, producing and marketing oil and gas on approximately 634 acres of mineral estate we own at our Sky Ranch property. We are recognizing the up-front payments from the O&G Lease as income on a straight-line basis over three years (the initial term of the O&G Lease) and over two years (the extended term of the O&G Lease). During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, we received an up-front payment of $72,000 for the purpose of exploring for, developing, producing and marketing oil and gas on 40 acres of mineral estate we own adjacent to the Lowry Range (the “Rangeview Lease”). We recognized $161,400 and $106,800 during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of lease income related to the up-front payments related to the O&G Lease and the Rangeview Lease.

Currently we lease our farms to local area farmers on both cash and crop share lease basis. Our cash lease farmers are charged a fixed fee, which is billed semi-annually in March and November. During the November billing cycle our cash lease billings include either a discount or a premium adjustment based on actual water deliveries by the FLCC. Our crop share lease fees are based on actual crop yields and are received upon the sale of the crops. All fees are estimated and recognized ratably on a monthly basis.

Impairment of Water Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever management believes events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows we expect to be generated by the eventual use of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired and therefore the costs of the assets deemed to be unrecoverable, the impairment to be recognized would be the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.

Our water assets will be utilized in the provision of water services which inevitably will encompass many housing and economic cycles. Our service capacities are quantitatively estimated based on an average single family home utilizing .2 acre feet of water per year. Average water deliveries are approximately .4 acre feet; however, approximately 50% or .2 acre feet are returned and available for reuse. Our water supplies are legally decreed to us through the water court. The water court decree allocates a specific amount of water (subject to continued beneficial use) which historically has not changed. Thus, individual housing and economic cycles typically do not have an impact on the number of connections we can serve with our supplies or the amount of water legally decreed to us relating to these supplies.
 
 
We report assets to be disposed of at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. See further discussion regarding our land and water rights assets held for sale in Note 4 – Water and Land Assets to Part II, Item 8 of our 2014 Annual Report.

 
26

 
Our Front Range and Arkansas River Water Rights –   We determine the undiscounted cash flows for our Denver based assets and the Arkansas River assets by estimating tap sales to potential new developments in our service area and along the Front Range, using estimated future tap fees less estimated costs to provide water services, over an estimated development period. Actual new home development in our service area and the Front Range, actual future tap fees, and actual future operating costs, inevitably will vary significantly from our estimates, which could have a material impact on our financial statements as well as our results of operations. We performed an impairment analysis as of August 31, 2014, and determined there were no material changes and that our Denver based assets and our Arkansas River assets are not impaired and their costs are deemed recoverable. Our impairment analysis is based on development occurring within areas in which we have service agreements (e.g. Sky Ranch and the Lowry Range) as well as in surrounding areas, including the Front Range and the I-70 corridor. Our combined Rangeview Water Supply, Sky Ranch water and Arkansas River water assets which have a carrying value of $91.9 million as of August 31, 2014. Based on the carrying value of our water rights, the long term and uncertain nature of any development plans, current tap fees of $24,620 and estimated gross margins, we estimate that we would need to add 7,600 new water connections (requiring 5.7% of our portfolio) to generate net revenues sufficient to recover the costs of our Rangeview Water Supply and Arkansas River water assets. If tap fees increase 5%, we would need to add 7,200 new water taps (requiring 5.4% of our portfolio) to recover the costs of our Rangeview Water Supply and Arkansas River water assets. If tap fees decrease 5%, we would need to add 8,000 new water taps (requiring 5.9% of our portfolio) to recover the costs of our Rangeview Water Supply and Arkansas River water assets.

Although changes in the housing market throughout the Front Range have delayed our estimated tap sale projections, these changes do not alter our water ownership, nor our service obligations to existing properties or the number of SFE’s we can service.

Management has identified approximately 640 acres of land and 572 FLCC shares associated with the land as held for sale.  We have impaired these assets and recorded them as land and water held for sale.

Tap Participation Fee

We own approximately 14,600 acres of irrigated land together with approximately 50,500 acre-feet of Arkansas River water rights from HP A&M. In addition to common stock issued to HP A&M to purchase these assets, we agreed to pay HP A&M a defined percentage of a defined number of water taps we sell from and after the date of the agreement with HP A&M. The TPF is payable when we sell water taps and receive funds from such water tap sales or other dispositions of property purchased in the HP A&M acquisition. The TPF liability is valued by estimating new home development in our service area over an estimated development period. This was done by utilizing third party historical and projected housing and population growth data for the Denver metropolitan area applied to an estimated development pattern supported by historical development patterns of certain master planned communities in the Denver metropolitan area. This development pattern was then applied to projected future water tap fees determined by using historical water tap fee trends. Actual new home development in our service area and actual future tap fees inevitably will vary significantly from our estimates which could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as well as our results of operations. An important component in our estimate of the value of the TPF, which is based on historical trends, is that we reasonably expect water tap fees to continue to increase in the coming years. Tap fees are market based and the continued increase in tap fees reflects, among other things, the increasing costs to acquire and develop new water supplies. Tap fees are thus partially indicative of the increasing value of our water assets. We continue to assess the value of the TPF liability and update its valuation analysis whenever events or circumstances indicate the assumptions used to estimate the value of the liability have changed materially. The difference between the net present value and the estimated realizable value will be imputed as interest expense using the effective interest method over the estimated development period utilized in the valuation of the TPF.

During the three months ended November 30, 2014, an additional two farms and 981 FLCC shares were foreclosed resulting in a reduction in the number of taps subject to the TPF by an additional 1801 taps, leaving 383 taps subject to the TPF. As a result, we updated the estimated discounted cash flow analysis as of November 30, 2014. The $1.7 million TPF liability at November 30, 2014, represents the estimated discounted fair value of our obligation to pay HP A&M 20% of our gross proceeds, or the equivalent thereof, from the sale of the next 383 water taps sold by us, which is a reduction of the estimated discounted fair value of the TPF liability by approximately $6.2 million compared to August 31, 2014.

Share-Based Compensation

We estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards made to key employees and directors on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We then expense the fair value over the vesting period of the grant using a straight-line expense model. The fair value of share-based payments requires management to estimate/calculate various inputs such as the volatility of the underlying stock, the expected dividend rate, the estimated forfeiture rate and an estimated life of each option. We do not expect any forfeiture of option grants; therefore the compensation expense has not been reduced for estimated forfeitures. These assumptions are based on historical trends and estimated future actions of option holders and may not be indicative of actual events which may have a material impact on our financial statements. For further details on share based compensation expense, see Note 5 – Shareholders’ Equity to the accompanying financial statements.

 
27

 
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 – Presentation of Interim Information to the accompanying financial statements for recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements that are not historical facts contained or incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from projected results. The words “anticipate,” “goal,” “seek,” “project,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend” and similar expressions and references to future periods, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations will be realized.  Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding:

 
·
material changes to unrecognized tax positions;
 
·
impact of new accounting pronouncements;
 
·
receipt of the first priority payout under the CAA;
 
·
plans to sell land and water rights;
 
·
the timing and impact on our financial statements of new home construction and other development in the areas where we may sell our water, which in turn may be impacted by credit availability;
 
·
expected increase in water tap fees;
 
·
utilization of our water assets;
 
·
growth in our targeted service area;
 
·
plans to continue to provide water and wastewater services to commercial and industrial customers, including oil and gas exploration and production companies;
 
·
plans to lease our farms;
 
·
sufficiency of our working capital to fund our operations for the next fiscal year;
 
·
expected property taxes for 2014;
 
·
consistency of director compensation;
 
·
pursuit of remedies against HP A&M;
 
·
plans to review and evaluate ways to enhance the performance of our approximately 14,600 acres of farm land through relationships with area farmers;
 
·
deferred recognition of $1.2 million of water tap and construction fee revenue from the County;
 
·
impact of the increase in FLCC water assessments on our expenses and the timing of the recognition of such expenses;
 
·
anticipated sales price of assets held for sale;
 
·
costs associated with the use of the ECCV system;
 
·
investments over the next five years for the WISE project;
 
·
estimates associated with revenue recognition, asset impairments, and cash flows from our water assets;
 
·
completion of construction following receipt of construction fees;
 
·
variance in our estimates of future tap fees and future operating costs;
 
·
number of new water connections necessary to recover costs;
 
·
our entitlement to reduce the TPF due to the defaults by HP A&M;
 
·
expected forfeitures of stock options;
 
·
objectives of our investment activities;
 
·
lack of fluctuation in interest rates on investments; and
 
·
timing of the recognition of income related to the O&G Lease .

 
28

 
Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

 
·
the timing of new home construction and other development in the areas where we may sell our water, which in turn may be impacted by credit availability;
 
·
population growth;
 
·
employment rates;
 
·
timing of oil and natural gas development in the areas where we sell our water;
 
·
general economic conditions;
 
·
the market price of water;
 
·
the market price of oil and natural gas;
 
·
the market price of alfalfa and other crops grown on our farms subject to crop share leases;
 
·
changes in customer consumption patterns;
 
·
changes in applicable statutory and regulatory requirements;
 
·
changes in governmental policies and procedures;
 
·
uncertainties in the estimation of water available under decrees;
 
·
uncertainties in the estimation of costs of delivery of water and treatment of wastewater;
 
·
uncertainties in the estimation of the service life of our systems;
 
·
uncertainties in the estimation of costs of construction projects;
 
·
the strength and financial resources of our competitors;
 
·
our ability to find and retain skilled personnel;
 
·
climatic and weather conditions, including floods, droughts and freezing conditions;
 
·
labor relations;
 
·
turnover of elected and appointed officials and delays caused by political concerns and government procedures;
 
·
availability and cost of labor, material and equipment;
 
·
delays in anticipated permit and construction dates;
 
·
engineering and geological problems;
 
·
environmental risks and regulations;
 
·
our ability to raise capital;
 
·
our ability to negotiate contracts with new customers;
 
·
outcome of litigation and arbitration proceedings;
 
·
uncertainties in water court rulings;
 
·
our ability to collect on any judgments; and
 
·
the factors described under “Risk Factors” in our 2014 Annual Report.
 
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
 
 
29

 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
General

We have limited exposure to market risks from instruments that may impact the Consolidated Balance Sheets , Consolidated Statements of Operations , and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Such exposure is due primarily to changing interest rates.

Interest Rates

The primary objective for our investment activities is to preserve principal while maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. This is accomplished by investing in diversified short-term interest bearing investments. As of November 30, 2014, we own one certificate of deposit with a stated maturity date and locked interest rate. Therefore, we are not subject to interest rate fluctuations. We have no investments denominated in foreign country currencies and, therefore, our investments are not subject to foreign currency exchange risk.


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission’s rules and forms, and that information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and financial officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The President and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of November 30, 2014, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. A system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

No changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
 
30

 
Part II
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
As previously reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 30, 2014, we entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release with HP A&M, dated September 29, 2014 (“Settlement Agreement”). The Settlement Agreement settles the lawsuit filed by HP A&M against us in the District Court, City and County of Denver, Colorado on February 27, 2012, alleging breaches of representations and warranties made in connection with the Arkansas River Agreement. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and a joint stipulated motion to dismiss filed with the court following execution of the Settlement Agreement, HP A&M released all claims asserted against us in its 2012 lawsuit, and the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.


Item 6.
  Exhibits  
 

Exhibits
 
10.1
Rangeview/​Pure Cycle WISE Project Financing Agreement, effective as of December 22, 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Cu rrent Report on Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2014.
   
10.2
South Metro WISE Authority Formation and Organizational Intergovernmental Agreement, dated December 31, 2013.*
   
10.3
Amended and Restated WISE Partnership – Water Delivery Agreement, dated December 31, 2013, among the City and County of Denver acting through its Board of Water Commissioners, the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise, and South Metro WISE Authority.*
   
Rangeview Funding Agreement, dated November 19, 2014, among the Rangeview Metropolitan District and certain members of the South Metro WISE Authority.*
   
31.1
Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
32.1
Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
101
The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending November 30, 2014, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) the consolidated balance sheets as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, (ii) the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, (iii) the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, and (iv) the notes to the consolidated financial statements, tagged in accordance with Rule 406T.*+
   
*
Filed herewith.
   
+
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, information in Exhibit 101 is “furnished” and not “filed.”
 


 
 
31

 
SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

PURE CYCLE CORPORATION



/s/ Mark W. Harding                                             
Mark W. Harding
President and Chief Financial Officer

January 9, 2015
 
 
 
32
 


 


Exhibit 10.2

 

SOUTH METRO WISE AUTHORITY
FORMATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
 
     THE SOUTH METRO WISE AUTHORITY FORMATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made, entered into and effective on the day set forth in Section 20 of this Agreement by and between the political subdivisions listed on Exhibit A , which is attached hereto and incorporated herein ("Members") to form the "South Metro WISE Authority."
 
RECITALS
 
     WHEREAS,   the Members, individually and collectively, hereby find and declare:
 
 
          (a)      Water is essential to the economy of the State of Colorado,  Douglas County, Arapahoe County, and the Members; and 
 
          (b)        The naturally-occurring water in the Denver Basin aquifers is a limited resource; and
 
          (c)          Concerns about the continued availability of water have severe and adverse impacts on the economy of the south Denver metropolitan community, region, and state; and
 
     WHEREAS,   Denver Water and Aurora Water (both defined below) have been negotiating with the Members for  the delivery of water pursuant to the WISE Delivery Agreement (defined below); and
 
     WHEREAS,   the Members, Denver Water, and Aurora Water have reached an agreement that would provide 7,225 acre-feet per year, on average, to the Members; and
 
     WHEREAS,   the WISE Project (defined below) is a regional project with broad support from elected officials, water providers, and the general public; and
 
     WHEREAS,   the WISE Project allows for regional cooperation to help maximize the use of the water resources available to the Members; and
 
     WHEREAS,   the Members executed that certain "South Metro Water Supply Authority ­ WISE Negotiations and Cost Sharing Participation Agreement" dated effective January 1, 2012, as amended ("Cost Sharing PA"); and
 
     WHEREAS,   the Members desire to form the Authority (defined below) as a necessary step to implementation of the WISE Project; and
 
     WHEREAS,   the Members shall have rights in and obligations to the South Metro WISE Authority and the WISE Project as set forth herein; and
 
 
 
 

 

    WHEREAS , the First Amended and Restated South Metro Water Supply Authority Intergovernmental Agreement ("SMW IGA") dated effective January 1, 2006, is the governing intergovernmental agreement of the South Metro Water Supply Authority; and
 
    WHEREAS , Section 110 of the SMW IGA anticipates the creation of Participation Agreements used to pursue specific projects and that such Participation Agreements may create separate legal entities; and
 
    WHEREAS , the Members desire that Douglas County and/or other eligible entities have the opportunity to join the South Metro WISE Authority and to be eligible to receive water from the WISE Project, when, inter   alia,   water in excess of the Delivery Obligation is available or a portion of the Delivery Obligation becomes available pursuant to this Agreement; and
 
    WHEREAS , the Members intend that the benefits  and obligations set forth in this Agreement shall be perpetual, shall not be subject to annual appropriation, shall not be a "multiple-fiscal year direct or indirect ... debt or other financial obligation" subject to TABOR, and shall not be "general obligation" debt subject to Section 6 of Article XII of the Colorado Constitution. The Members further intend that they shall each be bound by and subject to the provisions of this Agreement without the need for further or subsequent approval; and
 
    WHEREAS, the Members enter into this Agreement on the belief that it is in the best interests of their respective customers and constituents.
 
    NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Members agree as follows:
 
SECTION 1. CREATION OF AUTHORITY
 

 
A.
There is hereby created the South Metro WISE Authority for the purpose of implementing the WISE Project. The Authority shall be a body corporate and politic and a political subdivision of the state, separate from the Members. The Authority is a water  authority as defined in section 29-1-204.2, C.R.S. The Authority shall be an enterprise as defined in sections 24-77-102(3) and 37-45.1- 101 et seq., C.R.S. and the Executive Board shall take such actions as may be required to prevent disqualification as an enterprise.
 
 
B.
The Authority has all of the powers authorized in Section 29-1-204.2, C.R.S. (specifically including subsections (5) and (7) thereof) and granted to such authorities by Colorado law. A copy of Section 29-1-204.2, C.R.S. as it exists on the effective date of this Agreement is attached as Exhibit B hereto. Amendments to such section adopted after the effective date of this Agreement shall apply to the Authority only if the governing bodies of the Members approve an amendment to this Agreement allowing such application or if required by state law.
 
 
 

 
 
 
C.
Except as specifically provided herein, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude any Member from undertaking any other water project.
 
 
D.
With full execution of this Agreement by the Members, the Executive Board is authorized and empowered to execute the WISE Delivery Agreement on behalf of the Authority and to take any necessary action on behalf of the Authority to remain in good standing under the WISE Delivery Agreement. This authorization shall not be impaired by any other provision, term or condition of this Agreement.
 
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
 
 
A.
Aurora   Water shall mean the City of Aurora, Colorado, acting by and through its Utility Enterprise.
 
 
B.
Authority shall mean the South Metro WISE Authority formed pursuant to this Agreement.
 
 
C.
Binney   Plant   Connection shall mean the connection between the Binney Plant and the Westem Line, as described in the WISE Delivery Agreement.
 
 
D.
Capacity shall mean a Member's right, pursuant to this Agreement, to receive a certain portion of pipeline capacity through the WISE Project, measured in million gallons per day (MGD).
 
 
E.
Colorado   River   Cooperative Agreement shall mean the agreement dated May 15, 2012 between Denver Water and various governmental and non-governmental entities located west of the Continental Divide, including, but not limited to, Board of County Commissioners for the Counties of Eagle, Grand and Summit, the Colorado River Water Conservation District, and the Cities of Glenwood Springs and Rifle.
 
 
F.
Delivery   Volume shall mean a specific volume of water measured in terms of acre-feet or million gallons delivered over a specified time period such as a day, a month or a year.
 
 
G.
Denver   Water shall mean the City and County of Denver, Colorado, acting by and through its Board of Water Commissioners.
 
 
H.
Executive   Board shall mean the Executive Board of the Authority as determined pursuant to this Agreement.
 
  I. Executive Director shall mean the Executive Director of the Authority.
 
 
J.
Infrastructure shall be divided into two separate terms:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
1.
Core     WISE     Project     Infrastructure   shall  mean  infrastructure  that   is necessary for the functioning of the WISE Project and is defined as such by the Members. For example, Core WISE Project Infrastructure  shall include the Temporary Interconnect, the Binney Plant Connection, and the Western Line. Core WISE Project Infrastructure shall be  constructed or purchased pursuant to this Agreement, the Western Pipeline Agreement or other agreement.
 
 
2.
Local Infrastructure shall mean infrastructure, not defined as Core WISE Project Infrastructure, that is necessary for one or more Members to receive water from the WISE Project. For example, the Chambers Pipeline is Local Infrastructure, as are connections by Members to the Core WISE Project Infrastructure. Local Infrastructure may be constructed in coordination with Core WISE Project Infrastructure or may be constructed or purchased pursuant to agreement between the Members interested in such infrastructure.
 
  K.
Member's Pro Rata Share shall be the fraction (displayed as a percentage) shown in Exhibit C , the numerator of which is the Member's annual Subscription Amount and the denominator of which is the total of all annual Subscription Amounts (i.e., 7,225 acre-feet/year). By way of example, if a Member has a 1,445 acre-foot annual Subscription Amount, then any Member's Pro Rata Share would be 20%. The Member's Pro Rata Share shall be recalculated when there is a change in the Member's annual Subscription Amount or the addition of new Members. While a Member's Pro Rata Share may change as described herein, a Member's Subscription Amount and Delivery Volume shall not be changed without such Member's consent unless such Member is in breach of this Agreement. Additionally, a Member's Pro Rata Share shall be adjusted based upon changes in the denominator (i.e., the total of all annual Subscriptions Amounts).
 
  L.
Minimum Payment shall mean the required payments by the Authority pursuant to Paragraph 3.5.3 of the WISE Delivery Agreement. Each Member is obligated to pay its Pro Rata Share of the Minimum Payment.
 
  M.
Minimum Payment Commitment shall mean the annual commitment by a Member to pay for a certain percentage of the Minimum Payment due pursuant to the WISE Delivery Agreement. The Minimum Payment commitment is equal to each Member's Pro Rata Share times the WISE raw water rate, as defined in the WISE Delivery Agreement.
O&M shall mean operations and maintenance.
 
  N.
MGD shall mean millions of gallons of water per day and is a measure of flow rate.
 
  O. O&M shall mean operations and maintenance.
 
 
 

 
 
P.
Offered   Delivery   Amount shall mean the volume and flow rate of water offered by Denver Water and Aurora to the Authority at the Delivery Location(s) subject to the delivery volume and flow rate parameters set forth in  WISE Delivery Agreement.
 
 
Q.
Operational   Costs shall mean the actual operational costs associated with the operation of the Core WISE Project Infrastructure, including, but not limited to, electricity, periodic maintenance, personnel, chemicals, etc. as determined by the Executive Board.
 
 
R.
Overhead   Costs shall mean the actual overhead costs associated with the WISE Project incurred by the Authority that include, but are not limited to, the costs of insurance, accounting, legal and administration, as determined by the Executive Board. The Authority shall provide or cause any or all of said services to be provided by employees or independent contractor(s).
 
 
S.
South   Metro   Water   Supply   Authority shall mean the authority formed pursuant the First Amended and Restated South Metro Water Supply Authority Intergovernmental Agreement dated January 1, 2006.
 
 
T.
Subscription   Amounts means the amount of water that a Member has subscribed to pursuant to this Agreement and for which the Member is obligated to pay its Pro Rata Share of the Minimum Payments pursuant to this  Agreement. Subscription Amounts are shown in Exhibit   C .
 
 
U.
TABOR shall mean the Taxpayer Bill of Rights as set forth in Section 20, Article X of the Colorado Constitution.
 
 
V.
Temporary   Interconnect shall mean the initial connection to the Aurora Water treated water system as described in Section 3.2.2 of the WISE Delivery Agreement.
 
 
W.
Western   Pipeline shall mean a pipeline from the Temporary Interconnect (and ultimately the Binney Plant Connection) southerly and then westerly through Douglas County that is anticipated to be either the ECCV Western Pipeline or an alternate western pipeline.
 
 
X.
WISE   Delivery   Agreement shall mean the "WISE Partnership - Water Delivery Agreement between Denver Water, the City of Aurora, acting by and through its Utility Enterprise, and the South Metro WISE  Authority"  dated contemporaneously herewith, a copy of which is attached hereto as  Exhibit   D   and incorporated herein.
 
 
Y.
WISE   Pro ject shall mean the project described in the WISE Delivery Agreement and the Core WISE Project Infrastructure.
 
 
 

 
 
     Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning and definition as set forth in the WISE Delivery Agreement.
 
SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP - INCLUSION
 

 
A.
The  initial  Members  of  the  Authority  shall  be  those  parties  executing  this Agreement.
 
 
B.
Additional  Members  may  be  included  into  the  Authority  upon  satisfying  the following requirements and procedures:
 
 
1.
To be considered for membership, a prospective member must be (i) a municipal or quasi-municipal water provider or political subdivision of the state of Colorado; and (ii) an enterprise as defined in TABOR.
 
 
2.
To be considered for membership, a political subdivision must file a written request, approved by the governing body of the political subdivision, with the authority to be included as a Member of the Authority.
 
 
3.
The Members of the Authority shall hold a hearing on the request at a publicly noticed meeting of the Members.
 
 
4.
The Members of the Authority may approve, modify, or deny the request and may impose such terms and conditions as the Members deem appropriate to further the Authority=s purposes. The Members shall determine what, if any, contribution will be  required  to  equitably reimburse the Authority for prior costs. Material modifications to the request made by the Members shall be subject to the approval of the requesting political subdivision.
 
 
5.
To approve the request as filed or as modified, the Members must find that there exists or will exist in   the foreseeable future an interrelationship between the Authority and the political  subdivision  requesting membership, that the inclusion of the political subdivision requesting membership will contribute to the fulfillment of the Authority's purposes and such other findings as the Members deem appropriate.
 
 
6.
Decisions by the Members in this Section 3.B. shall be by weighted majority of Member present at an annual or special meeting of the Members. Each Member shall have one (1) vote for each 100 acre-feet of Subscription Amount (rounded to the nearest whole number).
 
 
C.
If   a Member is dissolved or otherwise ceases to exist, then either (i) the plan for dissolution  shall contain adequate provisions  acceptable to the Authority for the
performance of all of such Member=s obligations to the Authority, or (ii) all such obligations shall be fully paid prior to the effective date of dissolution.
 
 
 
 

 

SECTION 4. MANAGEMENT /   VOTING  / DE CISION MAKING
 

 
A.
Meetings   of   the   Members   of   the   A uthority .  At  least  annually, but  as often  as necessary to address items required  under this Agreement  or as desired by  the Members, there shall be a meeting of all Members. At meetings of the Members, each Member shall have one (1) vote. The annual meeting shall be  called by the Executive Director. Special meetings of the  Members  may  be  called by  the Executive  Director  of the Authority,  the President  of the  Executive Board, or three Members and shall be held following no less than   72 hour written notice to all Members. Two-thirds of the Members shall be a quorum for the Members to conduct business. Members shall appoint an  individual and alternate to act as a representative of the Member at such meetings. Representatives of Members shall not  be  required  to be  employees  of  a Member. In   the event that there is any question about who is an authorized  representative or alternate of a Member; the Executive Director may require such designation to be in writing.
 

 
B.
Executive   B oard . There shall be created an Executive Board for the Authority. The Executive Board shall be made up of five (5) Executive Board Members who each serve two-year terms, except as noted below for initial terms of one-year for two of the Executive Board Members. Terms shall run from annual meeting date to annual meeting date. There shall be no limit on the number of terms that may be served. Candidates for the Executive Board shall be representatives of the Members. No Member shall have more than one Executive Board Member on the Executive Board. Three (3) members of the Executive Board ("Large Executive Board Members") shall be elected from representatives of the three (3) largest Members plus ties ("Large Members"), measured by Subscription Amount.   Two 2) members of the Executive Board ("Small Executive Board Members") shall be elected from representatives of the remaining Members of the Authority who are not Large Members plus ties ("Small Members"). Large Executive Board Members shall be elected at-large by weighted vote of the Large Members present at the annual meeting of the Members. Small Executive Board Members shall be elected at-large by a weighted vote of the Small Members present at the annual meeting of the Members. Each Member shall have one vote for each 100 acre­ feet of Subscription Amount (rounded to the nearest whole number). Each Member shall have its respective weighted vote for each Executive Board position on which they are authorized to vote.
 
At the first meeting of the Authority immediately following the execution of this Agreement, members of the Executive Board shall be elected as follows:
 
Position 1 - Large Member Representative (Two-Year Term)
Position 2 -Large Member Representative (Two-Year Term)
Position 3 -Large Member Representative (One-Year Term)
Position 4 - Small Member Representative {Two-Year Term)
Position 5 - Small Member Representative (One-Year Term)
 
 
Following the end of the first one-year terms, such positions shall thereafter be elected to two-year terms so that in odd numbered years, three positions shall be subject to regular election and in even numbered years, two positions shall be subject to regular election.
 
 
Members of the Executive Board shall receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary actual expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the Executive Board.
 
 
 

 
 
C.
O fficers . The Executive Board shall elect a President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer who shall have the duties set forth in the Bylaws, if any have been adopted.
 
 
D.
Administration .
 
 
1
Meetings . Meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the Executive Director, any officer or any two members of the Executive Board
 
 
2
Quorum . A majority of the Executive Board shall be a quorum and will allow the Executive Board to take action or make decisions.
 
 
3
Subcommittees . The Executive Board may appoint subcommittees made up of Members as appropriate for carrying out WISE Project objectives.
 
 
4
Financial Records . The financial records of the Authority shall be kept by the Executive Director.
 
 
5
Distribution of Information . Information sent or provided to one Member shall be provided to all Members.
 
     
 
E.
Approval of Each Member Required . The following actions shall require the approval of each Member:
 
 
1
Incurrence of any financial obligation for which a Member will be directly responsible, except for the costs, fees, payments, and obligations set forth in Section 6;
 
 
2
Sale or lease of Core WISE Project Infrastructure; and
 
 
3
Approval of the Western Line Agreement; and
 
     
     
 
4
Approval of the permit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) allowing water delivered under the WISE Delivery Agreement to be stored in Rueter-Hess Reservoir; and
 
 
5
Amendments to the WISE Delivery Agreement; and
 
 
6
Amendments to this Agreement.
 
 
F.
Majority Approval Required . The following actions shall require majority approval of all Members present at a meeting of the Members:
 
 
1
Assignments of a Member's Pro Rata Share not expressly permitted by Section 14; and
 
 
2
Admission of new Members (pursuant to weighted voting as described in Section 3.B.).
 
 
G.
Executive Board Approval . Except for those actions set forth in Sections 4.E., 4.F. and 5.D, all other actions or decisions shall be made by majority approval of a quorum of the Executive Board.
 
 
H.
Meeting Attendance . Members of the Authority and of the Executive Board may attend and participate in meetings in person, electronically, by videoconference, telephonically and in any other manner permitted by Colorado law and authorized by the Executive Board.
 
SECTION 5. POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY
     
 
A.
In addition to the general and broad powers specifically granted to the Executive Board in this Agreement, including all of the powers set forth in Section 29-1- 204.2, C.R.S. and Colorado law, the South Metro WISE Authority, acting by and though its Executive Board, shall have the following authority, powers, and duties:
 
 
1
To borrow money and contract to borrow money for the purpose of issuing revenue Bonds, notes, Bond anticipation notes, or other obligations for any of the Authority's corporate purposes and to fund or refund such obligations as provided by statute;
 
 
2
To enter into contracts and agreements affecting the affairs of the Authority including, but not limited to, contracts with the United States and the state of Colorado and any of their agencies or instrumentalities, political subdivisions of the state of Colorado, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited partnerships, associations, organizations, or other legal entities and individuals;
 
 
3
To open and utilize banking and checking accounts;
     
 
 
 

 
 
4.
To provide for utilities and related services for the Authority, including but not limited to potable water, and non-potable water;
 
 
5.
To make and pass resolutions and rules and regulations which are necessary for the governance and management of the affairs of the Authority, for the execution of the powers vested in the Authority, and for carrying out the provisions of this Agreement;
 
 
6.
To prescribe a system of business administration, to create any and all necessary offices, to establish the powers, duties, and compensation of all employees, and to require and set the amount of all official bonds, if necessary, for the protection of the funds and property of the Authority and to pay for such bonds;
 
 
7.
The Authority may appoint and retain employees, agents, engineers, accountants, attorneys and consultants  to make recommendations, coordinate Authority activities, conduct business of the Authority, and act on behalf of the Authority under such conditions and restrictions as shall be fixed by the Executive Board;
 
 
8.
To adopt, implement and manage plans for the development of projects necessary to implement the WISE Project;
 
 
9.
To cooperate with and exchange services, personnel, and information with any federal, state, or local governmental agency;
 
 
10.
To procure insurance against any loss in connection with its property and other assets including loans and loan notes in such amounts and from such insurers as it may determine;
 
 
11.
To procure insurance or guarantees from any public or private entity, including any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, for payment of any Bonds issued by the Authority, including the power to pay premiums on any such insurance;
 
 
12.
To receive and accept from any source gifts or contributions of money, property, labor, or other things of value to be held, used, and applied to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, including but not limited to gifts or grants from any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States for any purpose consistent with the provisions of this Agreement;
 
 
13.
To operate its water systems, utilities, and other services related to the purposes of the Authority as are necessary to serve customers of the Authority and promote water conservation, reuse, and development. By execution of this Agreement, the Members consent to the Authority's operation of a wholesale water system within their respective service area. Notwithstanding  the foregoing, the Authority shall not operate a retail water delivery system within the service area of any Member without the prior consent of such Member;
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
14.
To adopt and revise bylaws relating to the operation and business of the Authority;
 
 
15.
To develop funding mechanisms that provide for meeting the costs of constructing projects and other financial obligations related to the WISE Project and allow for incl!vidual Members to determine how they meet their portion of those obligations, including participation in common funding. Any funding mechanism that obligates the Authority shall be approved by unanimous consent of the Executive Board;
 
 
16.
To prepare an annual budget substantially in the form required by the Local Government Budget Law of Colorado;
 
 
17.
To make surveys and conduct investigations to determine the best manner of utilizing water within and without the Authority and to determine the amount of such water supply, and to locate ditches, works, and reservoirs to store or utilize water for municipal, domestic, irrigation, manufacturing, and all other lawful purposes, and to make filings upon water and initiate appropriations for the use and benefit of the Authority, and to perform all acts and things necessary or advisable to adjudicate water rights or to secure an adequate supply of water, present and future, for municipal, domestic, irrigation, manufacturing, and other lawful purposes;
 
 
18.
Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, the Authority shall not impose a tap fee or service charge on a retail customer without the consent of the Member, if any, in which the retail customer is located;
 
 
19.
To generate and dispose of electric energy for water works purposes or any other purpose of the Authority, and to lease water facilities or the flow of water for generation of electric energy and may sell surplus energy, provided that nothing herein shall be construed as permitting the Authority to distribute electric energy to the general public;
 
 
20.
To establish and disband, from time to time, standing committees and ad hoc committees as the Executive Board deems appropriate;

 
21.
To take positions on and advocate regarding the activities of other governmental agencies and private entities  as such activities may be related to the purposes of the Authority;
 
 
22.
To plan, organize, coordinate, and hold public meetings, forums, surveys, and conferences for the purpose of education, providing information, and gathering data and input as such may be related to the purposes of the Authority;
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
23.
To have and exercise all rights and powers necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement, including any rights and powers incidental to or implied from the specific powers granted to the Authority by this Agreement and state law.
 
 
D.
Issuance of bonds or other debt by the Authority shall require unanimous approval of all five (5)   members of the Executive Board.
 
 
E.
The   Authority   has   no   power   to   levy   a   general ad   valorem   tax.
 
 
F.
The Executive Board shall comply with the provisions of Parts (1),   (5),   and (6)   of Section 29-1-204.2, C.R.S.
 
 
G.
The Members acknowledge that each Member enjoys the protections offered by the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. The Members understand and agree that each is relying on and does not waive or intend to waive by this Agreement or any provision hereof, the monetary limitations or any other rights, immunities, and protections provided by the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, C.R.S. Section 24-10-101, et seq., as from time to time amended, or otherwise available to the Members.
 
SECTION 6. COSTS.
 
 
A.
Minimum Payment Obligations .
 
 
1.
Each   Member   shall   be   obligated   to   pay   for   the   greater   of: (i)   all   water   that   it   receives   from   the   WISE   Delivery   Agreement   pursuant   to   the   terms   of   this   Agreement;   or   (ii)   its   Pro   Rata   Share   of   the   Minimum   Payment   set   forth in   Exhibit   C .
 
 
2.
Each Member shall deposit thirty-five percent (35%) of the Member's annual Pro Rata Share of the Minimum Payment on 7,225 acre-feet with the Authority to be an operational reserve ("Operational Reserve") as follows: each Member shall deposit five percent (5%) of its Pro Rata Share of the Minimum Payment on  7,225 acre-feet  twenty-four (24) months following effective date of this Agreement and (ii) each Member shall also make three (3) additional  installments equal to ten percent (10%) of its Pro Rata Share of the Minimum Payment on 7,225 acre-feet beginning thirty-six months following the effective date of this Agreement and annually thereafter until fully paid.
 
 
3.
The Operational Reserve shall be the  collective deposits of all other Members and accounted for in such a way as to track amount deposited by the individual Members.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
4.
The amount of the Operational Reserve may be increased or decreased at the discretion of the Executive Board and it shall be utilized in the discretion of the Executive Board.
 
 
5.
In the event that the Authority draws upon the Operational Reserve due to a Member's failure to make timely payments due for water deliveries or its Pro Rata Share of the Minimum Payment, the Member for which the withdrawal was made shall be obligated to replenish the amount of the Operational Reserve used for such purpose within thirty   (30) days following notice of such withdrawal. Withdrawals from the Operational Reserve shall be first from the amounts deposited by the defaulting Member and then from the remaining Operational Reserve funded by each Member's contribution on a pro-rata basis. Reimbursements to the Operational Reserve shall be to each non-defaulting Member's contribution on a pro-rata basis and then to the defaulting Member's contribution.
 
   B. DIA Connection F ees . Each Member shall pay its Pro-Rata Share of the DIA Connection Fee to the Authority upon invoice by the Authority.
     
   C. Interconnect P ayment . Each Member shall pay its Pro-Rata Share of the costs of the Temporary Interconnect, as provided in Section 3.2.2 of the WDA, upon invoice by the Authority.
     
   D. Western P ipeline . The Members acknowledge that additional infrastructure will include the Western Pipeline. Pursuant to Paragraph 3.2.1 of the WISE Delivery Agreement, Denver Water and the Authority shall cooperate and coordinate the planning, design, cost-sharing, construction and operation of the Western Pipeline under the terms of a separate agreement ("Western Pipeline Agreement").
     
   E. Binney Plant C onnection . The costs of the Binney Plant Connection, as described in the WISE Delivery Agreement, shall be allocated by separate agreement among those Members using the line generally in proportion to each Member's Pro-Rata Share.
     
   F. Future Treatment C osts . The costs of additional treatment, reverse-osmosis or otherwise, as described in the WISE Delivery Agreement, shall be allocated by separate agreement among those Members using such additional treatment generally in proportion to each Member's Pro-Rata Share.
     
   G. Non-reusable Water Costs and A llocation. In the event that non-reusable water is delivered under the WISE Delivery Agreement, such non-reusable water shall be allocated among the Members based upon each Member's Pro-Rata Share.
     
   H. Engineering and Construction C osts .
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
1.
Contemporaneously with the approval of a contract to provide the engineering for the construction of any Core WISE Project Infrastructure, each Member shall deposit its share of the engineering costs in an account established for that purpose.
 
 
2.
Contemporaneously with the approval of a contract to construct any Core WISE Project Infrastructure, each Member shall deposit its share of the construction costs in an account established for that purpose.
 
 
3.
Upon approval by the Executive Board, Members may substitute other forms of security (e.g., performance bond or Letter of Credit) in place of the deposit of the Member's share.
 
 
4.
Engineering and Construction costs for Local Infrastructure may be addressed along with Core WISE Project Infrastructure or may be addressed in a separate agreement(s) between those Members using or having an ownership interest in such infrastructure.
 
 
I.
Operational Costs - Fixed. For fixed Operational Costs (e.g., personnel costs and periodic maintenance), as determined by the Executive Board, not included in the rate charged under the WISE Delivery Agreement, the Members having the right to use the infrastructure shall be billed based upon the Member's proportional right to use the infrastructure. For example, if a Member has the right to convey 1 MGD of water through a pipeline and all Members have the right to convey 20 MGD of water through the pipeline, the Member is obligated to pay 5% of the fixed Operational Costs associated with the pipeline.
 
 
J.
Operational   Costs   -   V ariable. For variable Operational  Costs (e.g.,  electricity, chemicals, etc.), as determined by the Executive Board, not included  in the rate charged under  the  WISE  Delivery  Agreement,  the  Members   using the infrastructure shall be billed based upon the Member's proportional  use of the infrastructure. For example, if a Member conveys 30 ac-ft of water  through a pipeline in one month and a total of 300 ac-ft of water is conveyed  through that pipeline in the same month, the Member is obligated to pay 10% of the Variable Operational Costs.
 
 
K.
O verhead. The Overhead Costs shall be paid by the Members as set forth herein.
 
   1.  The Overhead Costs for the each succeeding fiscal year shall be estimated by the Executive Board annually as part of its budgeting process.
     
   2. As a part of the annual budgeting process, the Executive Board shall submit to each Member a statement of the Member's Pro Rata Share of the Overhead Costs as determined by the Executive Board for the next fiscal year. Member's Pro Rata Share of the Overhead Costs payment shall be due and payable in four (4) equal installments on the first day of each calendar quarter (January 1, April I, July 1, October 1).
 
 
 

 
 
 
3.
 By May 31st of each year the Executive Board shall give each Member a statement showing the total Overhead Costs actually incurred by the Authority for the prior year and each Member's Pro Rata Share thereof. In the event the total payments which Member made for the prior year are less than Member's Pro Rata Share of that fiscal year's Overhead Costs, then Member shall pay the difference to the Authority in  a lump sum within sixty (60) days after receipt of such statement from the Executive Board. If the total of such quarterly payments is in excess of Member's Pro Rata Share of such Overhead Costs, any such overpayment shall be credited to the next quarterly payment(s) of Member's Pro Rata Share of the Overhead Costs.
 
 
L.
Replacement   R eserves. The Executive Board may establish replacement reserves and require Members to contribute thereto in accordance with a Member's Pro­ Rata Share or other equitable pro ration.
 
 
M.
  Miscellaneous   C osts. Costs not otherwise covered in the foregoing and generally applicable to the activities  of the Authority in furthering the WISE Project, as reasonably determined by the Executive Board, shall be shared based upon each Members Pro Rata Share.
 
SECTION 7. EXCESS AND ADDITIONAL DELIVERIES
 
 
A  
In the event that  additional  Offered  Delivery  Amounts  are available  from  the WISE Project in excess of those set forth in 3.4.3a of the WISE Delivery Agreement ("Excess Deliveries"), current Members shall have a right but not the obligation to take their Pro-Rata Share of Excess Deliveries.
 
 
B.
If   not all Members desire to take their full Pro-Rata Share of the Excess Deliveries, the rights of those Members' desiring to take Excess Deliveries shall be adjusted based on the ratio of their Pro-Rata Shares to  one another. Additionally, a Member may take less than its Pro Rata Share, and in such event, the lower percentage such Member desires to take shall be considered its Pro Rata Share for purposes of determining the rights of the Members to the Excess Deliveries. For example, if three Members desire to take Excess Deliveries and Member 1 has a 10% Pro Rata Share, Member 2 has a 20% Pro Rata Share, and Member 3 has a 10% Pro Rata Share but only desires to use half of its Pro Rata Share, their Pro Rata Shares for purposes of obtaining Excess Deliveries shall be adjusted so that Member 1 has a 10/35 1 h share (28.57%), Member 2 has a 20/35th share (57.14%), and Member 3 has a 5;35th (14.29%) share. For purposes of this paragraph, no Member may allocate any portion of its Pro Rata Share to another Member.
 
 
C.
In the event that additional water is made available on a continuing basis under the WISE Delivery Agreement thereby increasing the amount of water for which Denver Water and Aurora Water commit to deliver to the Authority during each Ten-Year  Block  ("Additional  Water"),  such  Additional  Water  will  be  made available to the Members in a manner substantially similar to Excess Deliveries as described above.
 
 
 
 
 

 
SECTION 8. BILLING
 
     The Authority will invoice the Members for amounts due under this Agreement. Members shall pay the Authority the amounts due within thirty   (30)  days of the  date of the invoice from the Authority. Member's Pro Rata Share of the Overhead Costs will be billed annually and due quarterly pursuant to Section 6.K., above. Failure of a Member to pay the amounts due under this Agreement shall be a breach of this Agreement.
 
SECTION 9. DEFAULT I   REMEDIES
 

 
A.
In the event the Authority or any Party alleges that  either the Authority or any Party is in breach or default of this Agreement, the non-defaulting party shall first notify such defaulting party, the Authority, and other Members in writing of such default and specify the exact nature of the default in such notice ("Default Notice"). Following a Default Notice, the following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement:
 
 
1.
In the case of non-payment of any amounts due under this Agreement, the failure of the defaulting party to pay all amounts due as specified in the Default Notice within five (5) calendar days from receipt of the Default Notice; and
 
 
2.
Except in the case of non-payment of amounts due under this Agreement, the failure of the defaulting party to cure any non-monetary default described in the Default Notice within thirty (30) calendar days  from receipt of the  Default Notice. Provided, however, (i) if such default is capable of being cured, (ii) the defaulting party commences such cure within said thirty (30) calendar day period,  and (iii) the defaulting party diligently prosecutes such cure to completion, then the defaulting party shall have an additional period of time as is reasonably necessary to cure such non-monetary default; however, in no event shall the period to cure exceed ninety (90) calendar days from the defaulting party's receipt of the Default Notice, unless approved by the Executive Board.
 
 
B.
Without the need for a Default Notice, the following shall also be deemed an immediate Event of Default: the Member (i) becomes insolvent; (ii) files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy; (iii) is adjudicated bankrupt pursuant to an involuntary petition in bankruptcy; or (iv) has a receiver appointed for it.
 
 
C.
If an Event of Default occurs under this Agreement, the defaulting party shall be subject to the following:
 
 
1.
In the event of the failure of a Member to pay amounts due hereunder and for which a deposit is held (e.g., Minimum Payments), the Authority may use the funds held in deposit by the Member to pay the amounts due by that Member. Such payment from deposits by the Authority shall not constitute a cure by the defaulting party;
 
 

 
 

 
 
2.
The Executive Board may, in its discretion, interrupt  the Defaulting Party's deliveries from or use of the WISE Project; provided such use shall be reinstated upon a complete cure of the Event of Default if the Defaulting Party retains its rights to its Pro-Rata Share at the time of such cure;
 
 
3.
A one time late fee of 5% (the "Late Fee") of the amount due shall be imposed upon each monetary Event of Default;
 
 
4.
Upon a monetary Event of Default, in addition to the Late Fee, all amounts due but unpaid shall be subject to interest at 1.5% per month which amount shall accrue from the date that the payment was originally due;
 
 
5.
All late fees, additional costs, and other fees imposed on the Members or Authority pursuant to the WISE Delivery Agreement, as the result of a Member's breach of this Agreement, shall be paid by the defaulting Member. The Executive Board may develop and adopt terms for imposing additional fees for breach of this Agreement in the Bylaws.
 
 
6.
Each Member agrees that the amounts due, but unpaid, under this Agreement shall be deemed a  consensual lien upon each respective Member's rights in the WISE Project and rights under this Agreement. I f a Member fails to cure amounts due under this Agreement within 180 days from the date at which the amounts were due, then the Authority may (i) foreclose on the Member's rights under this Agreement in the same manner as the foreclosure of a mechanic's lien; (ii) foreclose on the Member's rights under this Agreement pursuant to judicial foreclosure; or (iii) file for declaratory judgment in District Court seeking an assignment and transfer of all rights and interests of the Member under this Agreement to the Authority and/or the other Members and such other relief as may be appropriate.
 
 
7.
If   the amounts due to the Authority are not paid within sixty (60) days of the date of the Default Notice, the Member in default agrees to impose a fee upon all of its customers sufficient to pay the amounts due pursuant to this Agreement. In   the event that said Member refuses to impose such fee, the Authority may initiate a District Court action for declaratory judgment and injunction or specific performance imposing such fee upon said Member's customers. The Members agree to cooperate with the Authority in the use of this remedy.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
8.
The Authority may file suit in the Douglas or Arapahoe County District Court to recover amounts due and seek damages for breach of this Agreement by any Member. By execution of this Agreement, upon service of process of a suit to recover amounts due and seek damages for a breach of this Agreement, each Member shall be deemed to have confessed judgment   in favor of the Authority for all amounts due pursuant to the Minimum Payment Obligations provisions in Section 6.A.1. of the Agreement. Such confession of judgment shall include  reasonable attorney's fees and costs seeking entry of this judgment and pre- and post­ judgment  interest on the amounts due at the rates set forth herein.
 
 
9.
In the event of a breach of any provision of this Agreement, in addition to all contractual remedies, any non-defaulting Party to this Agreement may seek, from the Douglas or Arapahoe County District Court, temporary and/or permanent restraining orders, orders of  specific performance, or other equitable relief to compel the defaulting Party to perform in accordance with the terms and obligations set forth under this Agreement.
 
 
10.
Any defaulting Member shall remain obligated to pay its Pro Rata Share of the Minimum Payment despite any temporary reduction in the Minimum Payment under  the  WISE  Delivery  Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive Board may, but is not obligated to, agree to an equitable adjustment of amounts due pursuant to the defaulting Member's Pro Rata Share of the Minimum Payment.
 
 
11.
All remedies set forth in this Agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive.
 
 
D.
The pursuit or non-pursuit of the various remedies provided herein  shall  not relieve any Member from making payments required in  this  Agreement, including, but not limited to, the Subscription Fee, Take-or-Pay Payments, Core WISE Infrastructure costs, etc.
 
 
E.
In the event that a defaulting Member does not or can not be required to cure its default under this Agreement and the defaulting Member is relieved of any or all of its obligations hereunder by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the defaulting Member shall forfeit to the Authority all of its rights, title, interest, and capacity as a Member in the WISE Project under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
 
     Without relieving Members of the obligation to pay amounts billed as part of ongoing operations hereunder and without limiting the Executive Board's and/or the Authority's right to pursue remedies under Section 9, in the event of a dispute about the amounts due or over any provisions of this Agreement, any Member or the Authority may file a written appeal concerning such dispute to the Executive Board. Within thirty (30) calendar days following the receipt of a written appeal and after written notice to the parties in dispute, the Executive Board shall hold a hearing and provide the parties in dispute with an opportunity to be heard. The Executive Board member(s) representing any party in dispute shall not participate. The Executive Board, by majority vote of all eligible members, shall provide a written decision within 15 days following the hearing. I f , after the decision by the Executive Board, the dispute is not resolved, the decision may be appealed to a neutral mediator (e.g., AAA, JAG, or other entity providing non-judicial resolution) in non-binding mediation. Non-binding mediation shall take place within forty-five (45) calendar days following the decision of the Executive Board. I f ,   after a decision by the neutral mediator or expiration of the forty-five (45) calendar days, the dispute is not resolved, any of the parties may seek judicial resolution by filing an action in the Douglas or Arapahoe County District Court.
 
 
 

 
SECTION 11. OWNERSHIP OF EASEMENTS, PIPELINE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
 
     Core WISE Project Infrastructure and Local Infrastructure and associated real property interests may be held in the name of the Authority or in one or more Members. The Executive Board shall determine ownership with respect to Core WISE Project Infrastructure and the participating Members shall determine ownership with respect to Local Infrastructure pursuant to separate agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section does not address right of use or ownership of capacity in Core WISE Project Infrastructure and Local Infrastructure each of which shall be addressed in one or more separate agreements.
 
SECTION 12. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
 
 
A.
The Executive Board shall operate and maintain the WISE Project in the manner that it decides is in the best interests of the Members and in coordination with Aurora and Denver Water pursuant to the WISE Delivery Agreement.
 
 
B.
The Executive Board shall maintain the WISE Project in a manner that will protect the investment of the Members and in accordance with the generally accepted practices within the industry.
 
 
C.
The Members acknowledge that the water delivered through the WISE Project is currently chloraminated. Each Member shall be obligated to take such action as it deems necessary, at each Member's own cost, to take deliveries of chloraminated water.
 
 
D.
Nothing herein shall prevent or restrict any Member from providing wholesale or retail water service consistent with the terms hereof and Colorado law.

SECTION 13. WISE DELIVERY AGREEMENT AND CRCA PROVISIONS
 
     Pursuant to the WISE Delivery Agreement, the Members acknowledge: (i) that they can not rely upon the WISE Deliveries as their sole source of water; (ii) that the water being made available under the WISE Delivery Agreement is permanent, variable, and interruptible pursuant to the terms of the WISE Delivery Agreement; and (iii) the need to maintain existing water supplies, develop new water supplies, or have adequate storage available to meet their demands when WISE deliveries are interrupted under the terms of the WISE Delivery Agreement. The Members further acknowledge and agree to abide by the following provisions of the CRCA.
 
 
 

 

 
A.
West   Slope   C harge . Pursuant to the WISE Delivery Agreement, the Authority and the Members are obligated to pay amounts set forth in the West Slope Charge Agreement. The West Slope Charge is included in the rates described in and set pursuant to the WISE Delivery Agreement.
 
 
B.
All Members also agree to:
 
 
1.
Abstain permanently from pursuing or participating in any project that would result in any new depletion from the Colorado River and its tributaries above  the confluence with the Gunnison River, including without limitation the Eagle River (with the exception of the Eagle River MOU for Aurora and the Upper Colorado Cooperative Project). Pursuing or participating in a project means seeking formal approval of any aspect of a project in a regulatory or judicial forum, but does not include conducting various planning activities such as feasibility studies.
 
 
2.
Abstain from pursuing or participating in any project that would result in diversions from the Colorado River Basin within Water Divisions Nos. 4 and 6, or downstream from the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers in Water Division No. 5 for a period of 25 years. Pursuing or participating in a project means seeking formal approval of any aspect of a project in a regulatory or judicial forum, but does not include conducting various planning activities such as feasibility studies. This abstention period would be reduced to 15 years if, within the first 10 years following execution of this agreement, the NEPA permitting process for the Upper Colorado Cooperative Project has not been initiated. If   construction of a cooperative project commences within  20 years from the date of this agreement, then the abstention period under this paragraph would be extended for an additional IO years (a total of 35 years).
 
 
3.
No later than June 1, 2016, Members agree to adopt and implement a conservation plan that would achieve results similar or proportionately the same as Denver Water's.
 
     It   is also acknowledged that upon withdrawal  of a Member,  as set forth herein, the provisions of the CRCA shall no longer apply to such Member.
 
SECTION 14. ASSIGNMENT AND SALE OF RIGHTS
 
 
 
A.
 A Member's rights under this Agreement may be assigned and/or sold, but only according the provisions of this Section.
 
 
B.
In no event shall a Member sell, assign, or convey its rights in the WISE Project to an entity that is not (i) a municipal  or quasi-municipal water provider  or political subdivision of the state of Colorado; and (ii) an enterprise as defmed in TABOR. Notwithstanding the following, a Member may assign its right in the WISE Project and rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to one or more Members without restriction.
 
 
 

 
 
C.
If   at any time during the term of this Agreement, any Member ("Selling Member") desires to assign or sell its Pro-Rata Share under this Agreement to a non-Member, or any portion thereof, ("Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share") and receives a bona fide offer therefor acceptable to the Selling Member ("Offer"), the other Members, and the Authority itself shall be given written notice of such offer and the terms thereof, together with a copy of the Offer ("Offer Notice"). The other Members, or Authority may each have an opportunity to purchase the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share, to the extent rights remain available, in the order and on the terms set forth herein.
 
 
1.
M embers : Upon receipt of the Offer Notice, each Member shall have the right to purchase some or all of the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share described in the Offer Notice upon terms and conditions that are the same as described in the Offer Notice ("Member's Right of First Refusal"). The Members desiring to purchase the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share shall provide written notice of such desire to the Selling Member, other Members, and the Authority within thirty   (30) days receipt of the Offer Notice.
 
If more than one Member desires to purchase some or all the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share, the amount of Pro-Rata Share to be purchased by each Member shall be divided between them in any way they mutually agree. If the Members desiring to purchase the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share cannot mutually agree on the rights to be purchased by each Member within fifteen (15) days following the expiration of the thirty (30) days following the Offer Notice, each Member shall be entitled to purchase that proportion of the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share which that Member's Pro-Rata Share bears to the total of Pro-Rata Share then owned by the other Members desiring to purchase the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share.
 
 
2.
The   A uthority : I f the other Members elect to purchase either none or less than all of the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share described in the Offer Notice, then the Authority shall have the right to purchase some or all of the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share not to be purchased by the Other Members upon terms and conditions which are the same as described in the Offer Notice (the "Authority Right of First Refusal"). Within thirty (30) days following the expiration of Other Members Right of First Refusal, the Authority shall give notice to the Selling Member, Members, and Other Members indicating the amount of Pro-Rata Share that the Authority desires to purchase.
 
 
 

 
 
3.
N on-Member : If the other Members elect to purchase either none or less than   all of the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share described in the Offer Notice; and (ii) the Authority elects to purchase either none or less than all of the remaining Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share described in the Offer Notice, the Selling Member giving the Offer Notice may consummate a third-party transaction for the transfer of the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share not to be purchased by the entities with Rights of First Refusal, as described above, within one hundred twenty (120) days after expiration of the Authority's Right of First Refusal at a price and on terms and conditions not more favorable than set forth in the Offer Notice. Any proposed transfer of any of the Selling Member Pro-Rata Share which is to close after one (1) calendar year from the expiration of the Other Members Right of First Refusal, shall again be subject to the Right of First Refusal of all of the entities described in   this Section and shall require compliance by the Selling Member with the procedures described in this Section.
 
 
D.
The exercise or non-exercise of the other Members or Authority of their respective Rights of First Refusal pursuant to this Section  shall not  adversely affect any Right of First Refusal with respect to subsequent sales of any Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share.
 
 
E.
Any party purchasing the Selling Member's Pro-Rata Share shall become a Member, if they are not already a Member, and shall execute this Agreement and be bound by its terms.
 
 
F.
In the event that a Member merges into or consolidates with another Member or non-Member, the Pro-Rata Share owned by the Member shall remain with the Member and then be owned by the merged or consolidated entity, who shall be bound by the terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, non­ Members shall have no vote in the affairs of the Authority.
 
 
G.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, all Members shall have the absolute right to assign their respective Pro-Rata Share and rights under this Agreement to a financing entity at any time after this Agreement is in effect. After such assignment the assignor may continue to discharge any financial obligations under this Agreement on behalf of their respective financing entity. Except for the limited right to obtain a direct assignment of the assignor's interest and the other provisions of this paragraph, the financing entities shall be subject to all rights and obligations of the respective Member under this Agreement. In no event shall the assignment to the financing entity trigger application of the provisions  of the Right of First Refusal set forth in this Section. No financing entity shall have Right of First Refusal, as described in this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, financing entities shall have no vote in the affairs of the Authority.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
SECTION 15. SUPERCESSION
 
     Upon execution, this Agreement shall supersede and replace the Cost Sharing PA and the Cost Sharing PA shall have no further force or effect.
 
SECTION 16. WITHDRAWALff ERMINATION BY A MEMBER
 
     Any Member shall be deemed to have withdrawn from this Agreement and to have terminated its obligations hereunder only   upon sale or assignment of all of its Pro-Rata Share and rights under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 17. DEADLOCK
 
 
A.
Except as applied to any Member(s) in breach of this  Agreement, it is the intention of the Members and the Authority that the provisions of this Agreement shall not be interpreted in such a way to limit or interrupt the use of the WISE Project for its intended purposes.
 
 
B.
A "deadlock" of the Members, for purposes of this Section, is hereby defined as being a situation in which the Members are so divided respecting decision making under and the management of the WISE Project that the votes required for action by the Members cannot be obtained for a continuous period equal to or exceeding ninety (90) days ("Deadlock Period"). A Deadlock shall be deemed a breach of this Agreement.
 
 
C.
Upon a Deadlock of the Members, as defmed in this Section 17, each Member shall have the right to file an action with the Douglas or Arapahoe County District Court to (i) ensure that the WISE Project can be used for its intended purposes; (ii) to resolve the issue(s) that have caused the deadlock; and (iii) to seek such other relief as is deemed appropriate by the Court, which may include the appointment of a receiver.
 
SECTION 18. WISE DELIVERY AGREEMENT
 
     The Members agree that they shall not take any action or fail to take any action that would be a violation of the terms of the WISE Delivery Agreement or cause the Authority to be in breach of the terms of the WISE Delivery Agreement. Use of all water received by Members (or their assignees or Lessees) shall conform with the limitations and obligations set forth in the WISE Delivery Agreement.
 
SECTION 19. MISCELLANEOUS
 
A.             T erm : The term of this Agreement shall be perpetual.
 
 
B.
Enterprise . By executing this Agreement, each Member represents and warrants that it is acting as an enterprise, as defmed in TABOR. Each Member further affirms and agrees to maintain its enterprise status for the term of this Agreement.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
C.
I nterpretation . To the greatest extent possible, the terms of this Agreement shall be interpreted so that they do not conflict with the provisions -of the WISE Delivery Agreement.
 
 
D.
Prevailing   P arty : In the event of any Gudicial or non-judicial) action or proceeding between Members and/or the Authority to enforce any provision of this Agreement, the losing party, shall pay to the prevailing party all costs and expenses, including without limitations, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, incurred in such action or proceeding and in any appeal in connection by such prevailing party. The "prevailing party" shall mean the party who substantially obtains or defeats the relief sought, as the case may be, whether by compromise, settlement or judgment. This Section is intended to be severable from the other provisions of this Agreement, and the prevailing party's rights under this Section shall not merge into any judgment and any judgment shall survive until all such fees and costs have been paid.
 
 
E.
Notices:   All notices, correspondence and other communications required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and may be delivered by one of the following means:
 
 
1.
In person (by hand delivery or professional messenger service).
 
 
2.
By first class mail. Any such notice sent by mail shall be deemed to have been duly given and received five (5) business days after the same is mailed within the continental United States.
 
 
3.
By Express Mail of the U.S. Postal Service or Federal Express or any other courier service guaranteeing overnight delivery. Notices delivered by overnight service shall be deemed to have been given one (1) business day after delivery of the same to the U.S. Postal Service or private courier.
 
 
4.
By facsimile transmission. If   any notice is transmitted by facsimile transmission or similar means, the same shall be deemed given upon confirmation of transmission thereof.
 
 
5.
By e-mail. If any notice is transmitted by e-mail, the same shall be deemed given upon confirmation of receipt thereof.

All notices shall be addressed as set forth in Exhibit   A or at other such addresses as the Members/Authority may hereafter or from time to time designate by written notice to the other Members/Authority.
 
 
F.
Not   Subject   to   Annual   A ppropriation :  This Agreement shall not be subject  to annual appropriation.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
G.
Relationship   of   M embers. This Agreement does not and shall not be construed as creating a relationship of joint venturers, agency, partners, or employer-employee between the Members.
 
 
H.
Liability of Members . No provision, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement, nor any obligations herein imposed upon each Member nor the breach thereof, nor the issuance and sale of any bonds by a Member, shall constitute or create an indebtedness of the other Members within the meaning of any Colorado constitutional or statutory provision. Unless otherwise agreed in writing between any of the Members, no Member shall have any obligation whatsoever to repay any debt or liability of the other Member.
 
 
I.
A ssignment . Except as provided in Sections 14, neither this Agreement, nor any of a Member's rights, obligations, duties or authority hereunder may be assigned in whole or in part by such Member without the prior written consent of a majority of all Members. Any such attempt of assignment shall be deemed void and of no force and effect. Consent to one assignment shall not be deemed to be consent to any subsequent assignment, nor the waiver of any right to consent to such subsequent assignment.
 
 
J.
New   Entity   A ssignment . Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, in the  event that all of the Members believe that it is in the best interests of the Members and the Authority to terminate this Agreement and form a new Title 29 or Title 32 governmental entity and for the new governmental entity to enter into the WISE Delivery   Agreement,   the  Authority   agrees  to  fully   cooperate  with  such termination and assignment.
 
 
K.
M odificatio n. This Agreement may be modified, amended, changed or terminated, in whole or in part, only by an agreement in writing duly authorized by the Authority and all of the Members. No consent of any third party shall be required for the negotiation and execution of any such agreement.
 
 
L.
W aiver . The waiver of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement by a Member or the Authority shall not constitute a continuing waiver or a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or another provision of this Agreement.
 
 
M.
I ntegration . This Agreement contains the entire agreement between and among the Members and the Authority and no statement, promise or inducement made by a Member, the Authority or their employees or agents that are not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding.
 
 
N.
S everability . Invalidation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or of any paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word herein, or the application thereof in any given circumstance, shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
O.
Headings     for     Convenience     O nly.  The  headings,   captions  and  titles  contained herein are intended for convenience and reference only and are not  intended to define, limit or  describe  the  scope  or  intent  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this Agreement.
 
 
P.
No   Third   Party   B eneficiaries .  There  are  no  express  or  implied  third  party beneficiaries  of this Agreement. No third party has any right to  enforce this Agreement.
 
 
Q.
Amounts     Remain   D ue .   In   the  event  that  this  Agreement  is terminated  for  any reason, all amounts due by Members pursuant to this Agreement shall remain due and payable and shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 
 
R.
C ounterparts . This Agreement  may be executed in counterparts,  each of which, when combined, shall be deemed to be an original. Facsimile or scanned signatures shall be an acceptable form of execution of this Agreement.
 
 
S.
Expansions     of     the     WISE     Pro j ect .  No  Member  shall  have  any  obligation  to participate  in  expansions  of  the  WISE  Project  beyond  the  amount  of  water committed to under this Agreement.
 
SECTION 20. CONTINGENCIES
 
 
A.
Pending satisfactiOn of the conditions outlined in Section 20.B., the Authority, Members and Executive Board shall not exercise any of the powers granted under Sections 5 and 6, other than the following expenses incurred by the Authority and approved by the Executive Board shall be assessed to the Members based on each Member's Pro Rata Share:
 
 
1.
administrative and overhead expenses of  the Authority as described in Section 6.K.; and
 
 
2.
expenses incurred in the ongoing due diligence on the WISE Project, including the satisfaction of the conditions under the WISE Delivery Agreement and this Agreement such as the Western Pipeline Agreement and Condition 52.
 
 
B.
Except as set forth in Section 20.A., Sections 5 and 6 of this Agreement shall not effective until the following conditions have been met:
 
 
1.
Westem   P ipeline . The execution of the Western Pipeline agreement which shall include provisions ensuring the financing thereof, referenced in Section 6.D. of this Agreement;
 
 
2.
Condition   5 2 . The issuance of a permit satisfactory to all Members by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) allowing water delivered under the WISE Delivery Agreement to be stored in Rueter-Hess Reservoir; and
 
 
3.
C RCA . The complete execution (not contingent upon the approval of any additional parties) of the CRCA.
 
 
 

 
     Sections 5 and 6 shall be effective and fully enforceable on the date when last of the foregoing contingencies has been met. If the foregoing contingencies have not been satisfied as of December 31, 2013, this Agreement shall terminate unless the dates set forth in the Agreement are extended by the Members. Any extension shall be an amendment to this Agreement and approved as required herein.
 
EXHIBITS
 
A -Name, address, and contact information for each Member
B - Section 29-1-204.2, C.R.S.
C - Members' Pro Rata Share and Subscription Amount
D -WISE Delivery Agreement

 
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EXHIBIT A
LIST OF MEMBERS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
 
C entennial Water & Sanitation District
62 West Plaza Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126-2304
Attn: John Hendrick
Facsimile: 303-791-0437
E-mail: jhendrick@highlandsranch.org
Town of Castle Rock
175 Kellogg Court
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Attn: Heather Beasley
Facsimile: 303-688-0437
E-mail: hbeasely@crgov.com
   
Denver Southeast Suburban Water & Sanitation District
( dba Pinery Water and Wastewater District)
PO Box 1660
P arker, CO 80134
Attn: Charlie Krogh
Facsimile: 303-841-2123
E-mail: ckrogh@pinerywater.com
Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District
c/o Mulhern MRE, Inc.
Inverness Drive East, Suite 200
Inglewood, CO 80112
Attn :   Patrick F. Mulhern
Facsimile: 303-414-0671
E-mail: pat@mulhernmre.com
   
Inverness Water & Sanitation District
c/o   Mulhern MRE, Inc.
2 Inverness Drive East, Suite 200
Inglewood, CO 80112
Attn: Patrick F. Mulhern
Facsimile: 303-414-0671
E-mail:  pat@mulhernmre.com
Dominion Water & Sanitation District
1805 Shea Center Drive, Suite 210
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Attn: Harold Smethills
Facsimile: 303-232-9088
E-mail:   harolds@sterlingranchcolorado.com
   
Parker Water and Sanitation District
19801 East Mainstreet
Parker, CO 80138
Attn: Ron Redd
Facsimile: (303) 901-0175
E-mail: rredd@pwsd.org
Meridian Metropolitan District
5750 DTC Parkway, Suite 200
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Attn: Doug Scott
Facsimile: 303-740-6954
E-mail:  doug.scott@sheaproperties.com
   
Stonegate Village Metropolitan District
c/o   Mulhern MRE, Inc.
Inverness Drive East, Suite 200
Inglewood, CO 80112
Attn: Mitch Chambers
Facsimile: 303-414-0671
E-mail:  mitch@mulhernmre.com
Rangeview Metropolitan District
1490 Lafayette Street, Ste 203
Denver, CO 80218
Attn: Mark Harding
Facsimile: (303) 292-3475
E-mail:  mharding@purecyclewater.com
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
West's Colorado Revised Statutes Annotated Title 29.   Government--Local
General Provisions
Article 1 .   Budget and Services
Part 2.   Intergovernmental Relationships (Refs & Annos)
 
C.R.SA.   §   29-1-204.2
 
§ 29-1-204.2. Establishment of separate governmental entity to develop water resources, systems, facilities, and drainage facilities

(1)            Any combination of municipalities, special districts, or other political subdivisions of this state that are authorized to own and operate water systems or facilities or drainage facilities may establish, by contract with each other, a separate governmental entity, to be known as a water or drainage authority, to be used by such contracting parties to effect the development of water resources, systems, or facilities or of drainage facilities in whole or in part for the benefit of the inhabitants of such contracting parties or others at the discretion of the board of directors of the water or drainage authority.
 
(2)
Any contract establishing such separate governmental entity shall specify:
 
(a)
The name and purpose of such entity and the functions or services to be provided by such entity;
 
(b)
The establishment and organization of a governing body of the entity, which shall be a board of directors in which all legislative power of the entity is vested, including:
 
{I) The number  of directors, their manner of appointment, their terms of office, their compensation, if any, and the procedure for filling vacancies on the board;
 
{II) The officers of the entity, the manner of their selection, and their duties;
 
{III) The voting requirements for action by the board; except that, unless specifically provided otherwise, a majority of directors shall constitute a quorum, and a majority of the quorum shall be necessary for any action taken by the board;
 
{IV) The duties .of the board, which shall include the obligation to comply with the provisions of parts 1, 5, and 6 of this article;
 
(c)
 
Provisions for the disposition, division, or distribution of any property or assets of the entity;
 
(d)            The term of the contract, which may be continued for a definite term or until rescinded or terminated, and the method, if any, by which it may be rescinded or terminated; except that such contract may not be rescinded or terminated so long as the entity has bonds, notes, or other obligations outstanding, unless provision for full payment of such obligations, by escrow or otherwise, has been made pursuant to the terms of such obligations;
 
(e)            The conditions or requirements to be fulfilled for adding or deleting parties to the contract in the future or for providing water services and drainage facilities to others outside the boundaries of the contracting parties.
 
(3)
The general powers of such entity shall include the following powers:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

EXHIBIT B
Section 29-1-204.2, C.R.S
As it exists on the effective date of this Agreement
 
(a)  To develop water resources, systems, or facilities or drainage facilities in whole or in part for the benefit of the inhabitants of the contracting parties or others, at the discretion of the board ofdirectors, subject to fulfilling any conditions or requirements set forth in the contract establishing the entity;
 
(b)   To make and enter into contracts;
 
(c)            To employ agents and employees;
 
(d)      To acquire, construct, manage, maintain, or operate water systems, facilities, works, or improvements, or drainage facilities, or any interest therein;
 
(e)            To acquire, hold, lease (as lessor or lessee), sell, or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property utilized only for the purposes of water treatment, distribution, and wastewater disposal, or of drainage;
 
(f)            To condemn property for use as rights-of-way only if such property is not owned by any public utility and devoted to such public use pursuant to state authority;
 
(g)
To incur debts, liabilities, or obligations;
 
(h)
To sue and be sued in its own name;
 
(i)
To have and use a corporate seal;
 
G)              To fix, maintain, and revise fees, rates, and charges for functions, services, or facilities provided by the entity;
 
(k)
To adopt, by resolution, regulations respecting the exercise of its powers and the carrying out of its purpose;
 
(1)            To exercise any other powers which are essential to the provision of functions, services, or facilities by the entity and which are specified in the contract;
 
(m)            To do and perform any acts and things authorized by this section under, through, or by means of an agent or by contracts with any person, firm, or corporation;
 
(n)            To permit other municipalities, special districts, or political subdivisions of this state that are authorized to supply water or to provide drainage facilities to enter the contract at the discretion of the board of directors, subject to fulfilling any and all conditions or requirements of the contract establishing the entity; except that rates need not be uniform between the authority and the contracting parties;
 
(o)
To provide for the rehabilitation  of any surfaces adversely affected by the construction of water pipelines, facilities, or systems or of drainage facilities through the rehabilitation of plant cover, soil stability, and other measures appropriate to the subsequent beneficial use of such lands;
 
(p)            To justly indemnify property owners or others affected for any losses or damages incurred, including reasonable attorney fees, or that may subsequently be caused by or which result from actions of such corporations.
 
(4)            The separate governmental entity established by such contracting parties shall be a political subdivision and a public corporation of the state, separate from the parties to the contract. It   shall have the duties, privileges, immunities, rights, liabilities, and disabilities of a public body politic and corporate. The provisions of articles 10.5 and 47 of title 11, C.R.S., shall apply to moneys of the entity.
 
(5)
The bonds, notes, and other obligations of a water or drainage authority formed under the proVIs1ons of this section shall not be the debts, liabilities, or obligations of the original contracting parties or parties that may enter the establishing contract in the future.
 
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT B
Section 29-1-204.2, C.R.S
As it exists on the effective date of this Agreement
 
 
 
(6) The contracting parties may provide in the contract for payment to the separate governmental entity of funds from proprietary revenues for services rendered by the entity, from proprietary revenues or other public funds as contributions to defray the cost of any purpose set forth in the contract, and from proprietary revenues or other public funds as advances for any purpose subject to repayment by the entity.
 
 
(7)(a) To carry out the purposes for which the separate governmental entity was established, the entity is authorized to issue bonds, notes, or other obligations payable solely from the revenues derived from the function, service, system, or facility or the combined functions, services, systems, or facilities of the entity or from any other available funds of the entity. The terms, conditions, and details of said bonds, notes, and other obligations, the procedures related thereto, and the refunding thereof shall be set forth in the resolution authorizing said bonds, notes, or other obligations and, as nearly as may be practicable, shall be substantially the same as those provided in part 4 of article 35 of title 31, C.R.S., relating to water and sewer revenue bonds; except that the purposes for which the same may be issued shall not be so limited and except that said bonds, notes, and other obligations may be sold at public or private sale.  Bonds, notes, or other obligations issued under this subsection (7) shall not constitute an indebtedness of the entity or the cooperating or contracting parties within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitations or other provision. Each bond, note, or other obligation issued under this subsection (7) shall recite in substance that said bond, note, or other obligation, including the interest thereon, is payable solely from the revenues and other available funds of the entity pledged for the payment thereof and that said bond, note, or other obligation does not constitute a debt  of the entity or the cooperating or contracting parties within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation or provision. Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, such bonds, notes, and other obligations may be issued to mature at such times not beyond forty years from their respective issue dates, shall bear interest at such rates, and shall be sold at, above, or below the principal amount thereof, all as shall be determined by the board of directors of the entity.
 
(b) The resolution, trust indenture, or other security agreement under which any bonds, notes, or other obligations are issued shall constitute a contract with the holders thereof, and it may contain such provisions as shall be determined by the board of directors of the entity to be appropriate and necessary in connection with the issuance thereof and to provide security for the payment thereof, including, without limitation, any mortgage or other security interest in any revenues, funds, rights, or properties of the entity. The bonds, notes, and other obligations of the entity and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by this state, except inheritance, estate, and transfer taxes.
 
(8)            A separate governmental entity established by contract, if the contract so provides, shall be the successor to any nonprofit corporation, agency, or other entity theretofore organized by the contracting parties to provide the same function, service, system, or facility, and such separate governmental entity shall be entitled to all rights and privileges and shall assume all obligations and liabilities of such other entity under existing contracts to which such other entity is a party.
 
(9)      The authority granted pursuant to this section shall in no manner limit the powers of governments to enter into intergovernmental cooperation or contracts or to establish separate legal entities pursuant to the provisions of section 29-1-203 or any other applicable law or otherwise to carry out their powers under applicable statutory or charter provisions, nor shall such authority limit the powers reserved to cities and towns by section 2 of article XI of the state constitution. Nothing in this part 2 constitutes a legislative declaration of preference for water systems or facilities or for drainage facilities owned by separate governmental entities over water systems or facilities or over drainage facilities owned by other or different entities.
 
 

 
 

 
EXHIBIT B
Section 29-1-204.2, C.R.S
As it exists on the effective date of this Agreement


 
Credits
Formerly § 29-1-203.2. Added by Laws 1977, H.B.1211, § 1, eff. June 21, 1977. Renumbered §
29-1-204.2. Amended by Laws 1982, H.B.1148, § 2, eff. March 17, 1982; Laws 2001, Ch. 30, § 1,
eff. Aug. 8, 2001.
 
       C .   R.   S.   A.   §   29-1-204.2,   CO   ST   §   29-1-204.2
 
 
Current through the Second Regular Session and
First Extraordinary Session of the 68th General
Assembly (2012)
 (C) 2013 Thomson Reuters. No claim to   original U.S. Government Works.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT C
MEMBERS' SUBSCRIPTION AMOUNTS
AND PRO RATA SHARE
[Revised*]
 

Member
Subscription Amount
 
Pro-Ra ta   Share
 
Town of Castle Rock
1,000 ac-ft
    13.84 %
Centennial Water &   Sanitation District
1,000 ac-ft
    13.84 %
Cottonwood Water &   Sanitation District
400 ac-ft
    5.54 %
Denver Southeast Suburban Water and Sanitation District d/b/a Pinery Water and Wastewater District
500 ac-ft
    6.92 %
Dominion Water &   Sanitation District
1,325 ac-ft
    18.34 %
Inverness Water &   Sanitation District
500 ac-ft
    6.92 %
Meridian Metropolitan District
300 ac-ft
    4.15 %
Parker Water &   Sanitation District
1,200 ac-ft
    16.61 %
Rangeview Metropolitan District
500 ac-ft
    6.92 %
Stonegate Village Metropolitan District
500 ac-ft
    6.92 %
TOTAL
7,225 ac-ft
    100 %
 
 
*   Amended 6/25/13 to reflect the withdrawal of Castle Pines North Metropolitan District and determination of final subscription amounts by Dominion Water &   Sanitation District and Parker Water &   Sanitation District.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT D
WISE Delivery Agreement

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
WISE Partnership - Water Delivery Agreement between
Denver Water, the City of Aurora, acting by and through its Utility Enterprise, and the
South Metro WISE Authority
 
This Water Delivery Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by the City and County of Denver, acting by and through its Board of Water Commissioners ("Denver Water"), the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise ("Aurora"), and the South Metro WISE Authority ("Authority'') (individually, a "Party" and collectively, the "Parties").
 
Recitals
 
A.           Denver Water owns and operates a municipal water supply system that provides water to the inhabitants of the City and County of Denver and by contract to certain areas outside the boundaries of the City and County of Denver.
 
B.            Aurora owns and operates a municipal water supply system that provides water for inhabitants of the City of Aurora and by contract to certain areas outside the City of Aurora.
 
C.           The Authority is comprise of ten (10) governmental or quasi-governmental water providers seeking to develop through cooperation between its Members new surface water supplies that will decrease reliance on nontributary groundwater supplies. The Authority Members are also members of the South Metro Water Supply Authority ("SMWSA").
 
D.           Denver Water and SMWSA entered into an agreement in 1999 to investigate the feasibility of potential future cooperative water operations between the Board and the SMWSA.
 
E.           Denver Water and Aurora entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement dated April 12, 2006, committing to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial arrangements that could include shared use of water resources and water facilities.

F.           Denver Water and SMWSA entered into the Pilot Project Agreement dated February 14, 2007, committing to investigate the feasibility of potential future cooperative water operations, water efficiency, and delivery of water to SMWSA.
 
G.           Denver Water, Aurora, and SMWSA previously executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated November 20, 2008, as amended by that certain amendment dated July of 2009, to implement a cooperative study to identify water resources, including infrastructure, that might be available for a joint water supply project to facilitate efficient and cost-effective delivery of water.
 
H.           These combined investigations have shown the potential for regional water resource operations that may significantly benefit all members of the Partnership.
 
I.           These combined investigations have identified both periodic available capacity in Aurora's existing Prairie Waters Project (PWP) and periodic available water supplies that can be utilized by the Authority and Denver Water.
 
 
 

 
J.           Denver Water and Aurora entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement dated August 16, 2012 that governs their operations under the WISE Project.
 
K.           Denver Water's participation in this Agreement includes providing water from reusable return flows, which originate on the West Slope. To resolve longstanding disputes with the West Slope, Denver Water has entered into the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement (CRCA), which authorizes use of Denver Water's reusable return flows in the WISE Partnership under certain terms and conditions.
 
L.            The Authority and its Members have entered into the SM WISE IGA defining the Members' participation in the WISE Project.
 
M.           Colorado law, C.R.S. § 29-1-201 et seq., authorizes and encourages local governments to contract with one another to provide any function, service, or facility, including the sharing of costs. Governments are specifically authorized by C.R.S. § 31-35-402(1)(h) to enter into agreements for planning, construction and operation of water facilities. All the Parties to this Agreement are political subdivisions of the State of Colorado, and each is authorized to acquire infrastructure and to operate water facilities.
 
N.           The Parties now wish to enter into this Agreement for water deliveries pursuant to the WISE Partnership.  The Parties' intend that this Agreement result in a permanent supply of water to the Authority, subject to this Agreement's terms and conditions. This Agreement
should be construed in such a manner as to further the Parties' intent.

O.           Engineering studies based on historic hydrology have suggested that in the future additional water may be available under the WISE Partnership, assuming significant new infrastructure, and significant additional unused return flows resulting from growth in Denver Water's and Aurora's customer base.  While changes in future hydrology, demands, or water administration will affect the volume of potential future deliveries, the Parties intend to cooperate with each other to determine if increased WISE deliveries would be feasible.    If the Parties decide that increased WISE Deliveries are in their collective interests, that additional water would be subject to a separate agreement.

P.           The Parties are currently negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with Douglas County, Colorado that would create an option for the County to acquire additional deliveries of water under the WISE Project in an amount up to 27,750 AF over a Ten-Year Block, as defined below. Such deliveries would be provided under terms substantially similar to the terms of this Agreement, and for the purpose of reducing reliance on nonrenewable groundwater by current and future customers within existing service areas in Douglas County.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, Denver Water, Aurora, and the Authority agree as follows:
 
Article   1
Intent of the WISE Partnership
 
1.1           The Parties have been engaged in the development of a regional water supply project, now known as the WISE Partnership (WISE). A fundamental concept of WISE is to reduce the reliance of Authority Members on nonrenewable groundwater and to create a dependable, albeit interruptible, surface water supply for Authority Members. WISE would accomplish these goals by utilizing the periodic unused or underused capacity in Aurora's PWP, and the construction or acquisition of additional infrastructure, combined with the beneficial use by the Authority of water supplies to be made available by Aurora and Denver Water. Engineering studies conducted by the Parties have demonstrated a potential for a dependable supply of water for the Authority utilizing such periodic unused capacity and available water supplies.
 
 
 

 
1.2           The Parties have determined that the joint use of infrastructure, the delivery of water, and the financial arrangements in this Agreement will benefit the health, safety and welfare of their respective citizens and customers, enhancing water supplies while minimizing costs.
 
1.3           Denver Water and Aurora acknowledge that the Members of the Authority will depend upon the water deliveries provided under this Agreement to partially meet their future long-term water demands. The Members of the Authority acknowledge that they cannot rely upon WISE deliveries as their sole source of water supply. The water supply being made available to the Authority by Aurora and Denver Water is permanent, variable, and interruptible under the conditions described in this Agreement. The Authority agrees to require the Members to acknowledge in the SM Wise IGA the need to maintain existing water supplies, develop new water supplies, or have adequate storage available to meet their demands when WISE deliveries are interrupted under the terms of this Agreement.
 
Article   2
Definitions
 
" Abstention   P rovisions " shall mean those restrictions on the acquisition of new supplies of water from the Colorado River Basin by the Authority and the Members as set forth in the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement, effective as of the date of this Agreement.
 
" AF " means acre-feet.
 
" Authority   Service   A rea" means the aggregate water delivery service area within Douglas County and Arapahoe County to which the Members are authorized to provide water service.  The Authority Service Area within Douglas County and Arapahoe County may be modified through inclusion, annexation, or contract in the future. Any expansion of the Authority Service Area beyond Douglas County and/or Arapahoe County is subject to the prior written approval of the Parties.
 
" Binney   P lant" shall mean the Binney Water Purification Facility located north of the Aurora Reservoir.
 
" Binney   Plant   C onnection" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3.3.4.
 
" Colorado River   Cooperative   A greement" or " C RCA" shall have the meaning set forth in Recital K of this Agreement.
 
" C orps" shall mean the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

 
 

 
" Delivery   L ocation " shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 4.1.1.
 
" Delivery   O bligation " shall mean a minimum delivery of 72,250 AF of water over each Ten­ Year Block.
 
" Delivery Year " means each 12-month period beginning June 1 and ending the following May 31.
 
" DIA   C onnection " means that interconnection between Denver Water's treated distribution system near the Denver International Airport and Aurora's PWP as described in Attachment B.
 
" DIA   Connection F ee" means the payment made by the Authority to Denver Water pursuant to Paragraph 3.3.1.
 
" Dominion   A greement " means that certain Intergovernmental  Agreement for Temporary Lease of Water between Aurora and Dominion Water &   Sanitation District dated July 30, 2012 or any subsequent agreement(s) for delivery to Dominion at an alternative point of delivery.
 
" E CCV " means the East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District.
 
" ECCV Western   L ine " means the 48"-54" pipeline owned by ECCV that runs from the vicinity of E-470 and Smoky Hill Road south and west along E-470/C-470 to the vicinity of E-470 and University  Boulevard.
 
" Effective   D ate " shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 5.30.
 
" Joint   Advisory   C ommittee " shall mean that certain advisory committee formed by the Parties pursuant to Paragraph 5   .1.
 
" M ember " means a member of the Authority.  At the time of execution of this Agreement, the Members are as follows:
     Town of Castle Rock
     Dominion Water &   Sanitation District
     Stonegate Village Metropolitan District
     Cottonwood Water &   Sanitation District
     Denver Southeast Suburban Water & Sanitation District (a/k/a Pinery Water and Wastewater District)
     Centennial Water & Sanitation District Rangeview Metropolitan District
     Parker Water &   Sanitation District
     Meridian Metropolitan District
     Inverness Water &   Sanitation District

" MGD " means million gallons per day.
 
" Master M eter " shall refer to the primary meter through which deliveries are made to the Authority; during the Phase In Period, through the Temporary Interconnect and thereafter through the Binney Plant Connection.

 
 

 

 
" Minimum   Payment" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3.5.3.
 
"Offered Delivery Amount" means the volume and flow rate of water offered by Denver Water and Aurora to the Authority at the Delivery Location(s) subject to the delivery volume and flow rate parameters set forth in Paragraph 3.4.
 
" Phase   In   P eriod " means the period between the completion of the Temporary Interconnect and May 31, 2020.
 
" Prairie   Waters   Project" or " P WP" means the water collection, conveyance, storage and treatment system owned and operated by Aurora that delivers water from the South Platte River north of Denver to and including the Binney Plant.
 
" SM   WISE   I GA"   means the "South Metro WISE Authority Formation and Organizational Intergovernmental Agreement" executed by the Members.
 
    " Temporary   Interconnect" shall mean the connection between the Aurora treated distribution system and the Western Pipeline as described in Paragraph 3.2.2.
 
"TDS" means ''Total Dissolved Solids" as set forth in Paragraph 3.6.2. "
 
TDS   Commitment" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3.6.2.
 
"Ten-Year Block" means successive ten-year periods, starting with the ten-year period of June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2030, and continuing for subsequent consecutive ten-year periods.
 
 
" Total   Actual   Cost" means the total cost of the land acquisition, design, permitting, construction, and related expenses of the DIA Connection.
 
" Water   Infrastructure   and   Supply   Efficiency   Partnership" or " WISE   P artnership" or "WISE Project" or "WISE", as identified under Article 1, refers to the cooperative water supply effort by Aurora, Denver Water, and the Authority to develop efficient and cost effective water pursuant
to this Agreement.

" Western   Pipeline" means a pipeline capable of delivering water from the Master Meter to the Authority.
 
" West   Slope   Charge   Agreement" shall mean an agreement between the Authority and the Colorado River Water Conservation District in substantially the form of Attachment D, the purpose of which is set forth in Paragraph 4.4.1.
 
Article 3
Water Supply
 
 
 

 
 
 
3.1   Volume   of   Water.   Aurora and Denver Water agree to make available for delivery to the Authority a minimum amount of 72,250 acre-feet (AF) of water over each Ten-Year Block, an average of 7,225 AF per year ("Delivery Obligation"). Delivery of the full 7,225 AF on an annual average will be phased in over the Phase In Period, as described in Paragraph 3.4. Water deliveries in a particular Delivery Year will be governed by the parameters in Paragraph 3.4.
 
3.2   Infrastructure   Necessary to   Commence   Deliveries. In order for any water to be delivered from the PWP to the Authority additional infrastructure must be constructed or acquired by the Parties.
 
3.2.1   Western   Pipeline . Additional infrastructure will include either the ECCV Western Pipeline or an alternate Western Pipeline. Denver Water and the Authority shall cooperate and coordinate the planning, design, cost-sharing, construction and operation of the Western Pipeline under the terms of a separate agreement.
 
3.2.2   Construction of   the   Temporary   I nterconnect.   The Authority is responsible, at its own cost and expense, for the design and construction of the Temporary Interconnect including acquiring all necessary permits and third party approvals. The Authority's design and construction of the Temporary Interconnect and the location of the same shall be subject to the specifications, approval and acceptance of Aurora. Upon completion and Aurora's acceptance of the Temporary Interconnect, the Authority shall convey to Aurora those portions of the Temporary Interconnect (and easements as necessary) upstream of the isolation valve (downstream of the meter vault) free of all liens and encumbrances that impair the maintenance, operation or control of the Temporary Interconnect and with a one year warranty. Aurora will thereafter own, maintain, operate and control those portions of the Temporary Interconnect conveyed by the Authority with associated maintenance or replacement costs to be borne by Aurora.
 
3.2.3   Authority   Infrastructure. Any additional infrastructure necessary for Authority Members to take delivery of water from the Western Pipeline is the responsibility of the Authority and shall not be included as WISE Facilities described in Attachment C.

3.3   DIA   C onnection . In order for Denver Water and Aurora to begin delivery of the full annual average of 7,225 AF, the DIA Connection will be required. Denver Water agrees to complete construction of the DIA Connection on or before May 31, 2020, unless the Parties mutually agree to a different date. Denver Water shall provide to the Authority updates on construction progress on an annual basis. Denver Water will own and operate the DIA Connection.
 
 
 
 

 

 
3.3.1   Payment   of   DIA   Connection   F ee. The Authority will pay to Denver Water the fee described below for the construction of the DIA Connection. The first payment of $352,821 will be due sixty days after the Effective Date of this Agreement, as defined in Paragraph 5.30.
 
    Date Due           Payment Due
   
see above
$               352,821
1/15/2014
$               529,231
1/15/2015
$               705,642
1/15/2016
$               882,052
1/15/2017
$            1,146,668
1/15/2018
$            1,146,668
1/15/2019
$            1,146,668
1/15/2020
$          .   1,146,668
 
 
The DIA Connection Fee payments are based on the current estimated cost of constructing the DIA Connection. The infrastructure costs include all design, engineering, permitting, land acquisition, and related expenses. In the event of termination of this Agreement due to a default by the Authority, there shall be no return of any DIA Connection Fee payments made prior to such default.

3.3.2   Reconciliation   of   the   DIA   Connection   Fee   Payments. The DIA Connection Fee payments identified in Paragraph 3.3.1 represent the Authority's share of the estimated cost of the DIA Connection. Should the Total Actual Cost of construction of the DIA connection by Denver Water be greater than the DIA Connection Fee, the Authority shall pay the remainder due on or before July 1, 2020, as provided for under Attachment B. Should the Total Actual Cost of the DIA Connection be less than the DIA Connection Fee, the Authority shall be
 
refunded the overpayment by Denver on or before July 1, 2020.  In any event, the Authority shall be provided copies of all invoices associated with the DIA Connection construction and any calculations performed by Denver Water in   determining the respective balances or credits due.
 
3.3.3   Permits.   Easements   and   Approvals. The Parties agree to cooperate to obtain such easements, approvals and permits as are necessary for: (i) the construction of the DIA
 
Connection and the Temporary Interconnect; (ii) any other infrastructure reasonably necessary to fulfill the terms of this Agreement, and (iii) the storage of WISE water in Rueter-Hess Reservoir.
 
3.3.4   Future   Connection   to   the   Binney   Plant. The Authority is responsible for the construction by May 31, 2020, of any infrastructure necessary to convey and use water delivered from the Binney Plant to the Western Pipeline ("Binney Plant Connection"). Use of this Binney Plant Connection for water deliveries to the Authority is governed by this Agreement. The Authority's design and construction of the Binney Plant Connection will be subject to the same terms and conditions controlling its design and construction of the Temporary Interconnect except that the portion of the Binney Plan Connection that will be conveyed to Aurora shall consist of all components upstream of the Master Meter. When water deliveries are interrupted due to Denver Water's need to make use of its supplies, Denver Water will need to use the Binney Plant Connection.  On such occasions, and subject to all delivery terms in this
 
 
 
 

 

 
Agreement, Denver Water will have the first use of the Binney Plant Connection, and will compensate the Authority for its costs, including O&M and a capital recovery charge, based upon AWWA utility rate setting and cost-of-service principles.

 
3.4  
Water   Deliveries.
 
3.4.1   Delivery   Phase-in. During the Phase In Period, Aurora and Denver Water will make available 5,000 AF annually as a guaranteed minimum delivery. Deliveries in excess of the 5,000 AF will be offered on an as-available basis. The Authority, subject to the Minimum Payment obligations under Paragraph 3.5.3, will determine, at its sole discretion, whether to take such deliveries.

3.4.2  
Post   May   31,   2020   Deliveries. Beginning June 1, 2020, Aurora and Denver
 
Water will offer for delivery to the Authority a minimum of 72,250 AF of water over a Ten-Year Block. The Offered Delivery Amount will be calculated retrospectively on the basis of the daily offered flow rate and will be credited towards the Delivery Obligation.
 
3.4.3   Maximum   and   Minimum Offered   Delivery   Amount. I n any particular year, the Offered Delivery Amount will depend on hydrology and infrastructure constraints. However, the Offered Delivery Amount volume shall not be required to be more than in Paragraph 3.4.3(a) nor less than the minimums in Paragraph 3.4.3(b).

 
(a)   Maximum Offered   Delivery   Amount. Beginning June 1, 2020, the maximum Offered Delivery Amount shall be as follows:
 

•  
no more than 18,063 AF of water in any single Delivery Year,
 
•  
no more than 32,513 AF of water in any two Delivery Year period,
 
•  
no more than 43,350 AF in any three Delivery Year period,
 
•  
no more than 54,188 AF in any four Delivery Year period, and
 
•  
no more than 65,025 AF in any five Delivery Year period.

(b)   Minimum   Offered   Delivery   Amount. Beginning June 1, 2020, the minimum Offered Delivery Amount will be as follows, without regard to Ten-Year Blocks (i.e., within or between Ten-Year Blocks):
 

•  
no minimum delivery for any single year,
 
•  
no more than 24 consecutive months with no deliveries,
 
•  
no less than 1,806 AF in any consecutive 36 month period,
 
•  
no less than 3,613 AF in any consecutive 48 month period,
 
•  
no less than 7,225 AF in any consecutive 60 month period,
 
•  
no less than 21,675 AF in any consecutive 120 month period.

 
3.4.4   Available   Delivery   Flow   Rate. Aurora will determine the available delivery flow rate in coordination with Denver Water and the Authority. Absent agreement by the Authority, the maximum available delivery rate during the Phase In Period will be 15 MGD. Thereafter the maximum available delivery rate will be 22 MGD. Absent agreement by the Authority, Aurora may change the available delivery rate by no more than 7 MGD (5 MGD during the Phase In Period) and no more often than once per 24 hour period. Aurora shall provide 24 hour notice to the Authority for any delivery rate change, unless the change is caused by a power outage or other unforeseen operational upset, i n which case Aurora will notify the Authority as soon as possible.

 
 

 
 
3.4.5   Excess   Deliveries. Water in   excess of the Maximum Offered Delivery Amount in   Paragraph 3.4.3a or in excess of 22 MGD will be offered for delivery on an as available basis. The Authority will determine, at its sole discretion, whether to take such excess deliveries. Any such excess deliveries shall not be credited towards the Delivery Obligation or the Offered Delivery Amounts set forth in Paragraph 3.4.3.
 
3.4.6   Modifications   of   Offered   Delivery   Amounts. The above minimum and maximum Offered Delivery Amounts from Denver Water and Aurora may be modified upon agreement, in writing, of all the Parties based upon future hydrologic determinations, infrastructure decisions, or other pertinent factors, without the need to modify the remainder of this Agreement or execute a new agreement.
 
3.4.7             Distribution   of   the   Offered   Delivery   Amount   Over   the   Delivery   Year. Aurora will determine the monthly timing, volume, and flow rate of deliveries in coordination with Denver Water and the Authority. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Aurora shall maintain the Offered Delivery Amount in any given year within the parameters of the table below, with the actual Offered Delivery Amount based on water availability, subject to the minimum deliveries in Paragraph 3.4.3(b). While deliveries are being made, Aurora shall provide the following to the Authority on a daily basis (or other interval agreed to by the Parties' operating representatives):
 
  (i) Notice of changes to the Offered Delivery Amount, if any;
     
  (ii) The amount of the Offered Delivery Amount taken;
     
  (iii) The amount of excess deliveries to the Authority pursuant to Paragraph 3.4.5, if any.
     
     
 
The above information shall be provided to the Authority via e-mail or other mutually acceptable means of communication.
 
(a)   Phase-In   Distribution. During the Phase In Period the distribution of the Offered Delivery Amount over any Delivery Year will be made within the following parameters (unless otherwise agreed to by all Parties):
 
 
 
Jun-Sep
Oct-Jan
Feb-May
Maximum
50.0%
65.0%
65.0%
Minimum
10.0%
25.0%
25.0%

 
 
 

 
(b)   Distribution Above 7,225 AF. Commencing on June 1,   2020, in years where the Offered Delivery Amount over any Delivery Year is at or above 7,225 AF, the distribution of the Offered Delivery Amount over any Delivery Year will be made within the following parameters (unless otherwise agreed to by all Parties):
 

   
Jun-Sep
Oct-Jan
Feb-May
 
Maximum
75.0%
60.0%
50.0%
Minimum
10.0%
10.0%
5.0%
 
(c)   Distribution Below 7.225 AF. Commencing on June 1,   2020, in years where the Offered Delivery Amount over any Delivery Year is less than 7,225 AF, the maximum amount of the Offered Delivery Amount in any seasonal period is as follows (unless agreed to by all Parties):
 

 
Jun-Sep
Oct-Jan
Feb-May
Maximum
    5,419 AF
4,335 AF
3 ,613 AF                   
 

 
3.4.8            Good   Faith. Though the bullets in Paragraph 3.4.3 and the charts in Paragraph
 
3.4.7   represent the minimum and maximum allowable distribution of the Offered Delivery Amount, the Parties acknowledge that hydrologic conditions and infrastructure capacity will dictate the amount of water actually made available within the identified range of possible annual deliveries, subject to the minimums in Paragraph 3.4.3(b). Denver Water and Aurora agree to act in good faith to make water available to the Authority on a schedule which accommodates the Authority's needs subject to such constraints.  The Parties further acknowledge that storage developed by the Authority, either surface or sub-surface, can be utilized to manage seasonal distributions in a more beneficial manner.
 

3.5  
Charges   for   Water.
 

3.5.1   Basis   for   Charges.   Pricing for water provided under this Agreement shall be based upon Attachment C and this Paragraph.  The pricing methodology in Attachment C takes into account the cost of water and infrastructure contributed by each Party and the actual cost of system operation to a specified delivery location.  The rate for water delivered under this Agreement shall be calculated for delivery at the Binney Plant (the "Delivery Rate").  The Delivery Rate for 2013 is $5.50 per thousand gallons of water and shall apply to all water regardless of the Delivery Location.  In addition to the Delivery Rate, Aurora will charge and the Authority shall pay a conveyance fee for water provided under this Agreement delivered to the Temporary Interconnect.   (the "Conveyance Fee").  The Conveyance Fee is the sum of the incremental energy costs incurred by Aurora associated with the conveyance of water delivered under this Agreement between the Binney Plant and the Temporary Interconnect.  The Conveyance Fee shall be payable on the same terms and conditions as the Delivery Rate charge.
 

3.5.2   Modification   of   Charges. Charges may be increased based on the WISE Raw Water Rate and/or on an update to the cost of service model, incorporating capital and operational costs following the utility basis for ratemaking prescribed in Attachment C. Aurora shall provide notice to the Authority of any proposed rate adjustment prior to October 1, and the Authority shall have the opportunity to comment on the proposal prior to the effective date of the rate on January 1 of the following year.
 

 
 

 
 
3.5.3   Minimum   Payment. In recognition that Aurora and Denver Water will reserve for the Authority the volumes of water described in this Article 3, the Authority agrees to make minimum payments (each a "Minimum Payment") as described in this Paragraph 3.5.3. Aurora shall bill the Authority for the Minimum Payment at the end of each applicable Delivery Year, and the Authority shall pay such invoices in the manner described in Paragraph 4.7.

(a)           Phase In   Period Deliveries.   Beginning with the 2016-2017 Delivery Year, regardless of whether the Phase In Period has commenced, if the Authority takes delivery of less than the amount of water listed in the following table, the Authority shall pay a Minimum Payment equivalent to the then-current rate established under Paragraph 3.5.1 times the difference between the amount listed in the table and the amount delivered to the Authority during the Delivery Year.
 
6/11/2016-5/31/2017
 
 
   Minimum Payment
  Delivery Year  Amount (AF/yr)
 6/11/2016-5/31/2017  1,500
 6/11/2017-5/31/2018  2,500
 6/11/2018-5/31/2019  3,500
 6/1/2019-5/31/2020  5,000
   
 
(b)   Full Deliveries.  Beginning with full deliveries after June 1, 2020, as described in Paragraph 3.4.2, the Minimum Payment will be calculated based on 7,225 AF of water, or the Offered Delivery Amount in the applicable Delivery Year, whichever is less. The Authority shall pay a Minimum Payment equivalent to the then-current rate established under Paragraph 3.5.1 times the difference between the amount of water delivered to the Authority during the Delivery Year and: (1) 7,225 AF; or (2) the Offered Delivery Amount, whichever is less. Once the Authority has paid for 72,250 AF during any Ten-Year Block, no further Minimum Payment will be required for that Ten-Year Block.
 
(c)   Exceptions to Minimum Payment. The Minimum Payment shall not apply to: (i) any amount of the Offered Delivery Amount not delivered due to an outage of infrastructure necessary to deliver water to one or more Members, if such outage is caused by a factor outside the reasonable control of the Authority or Members; (ii) any water made available for delivery at a flow rate in excess of maximum delivery rates defined in Paragraph 3.4.4 that is declined by the Authority; and (iii) prior to June 1, 2030, any water containing TDS levels higher than 500 mg/I that is declined by the Authority under Paragraph 3.6.2
 
3.6  
Water   Quality.
 
3.6.1   Compliance   with   Drinking   Water   Standards . Aurora will supply to the Authority at the Master Meter water that meets all state and federal safe drinking water regulatory requirements as such may exist now or in the future, subject to the qualification on TDS provided in Paragraph 3.6.2. The Authority is solely responsible for maintaining compliance with drinking water standards beyond the Master Meter and requiring the Members to ensure that water delivered under this Agreement is compatible with the other water supplied by the Members.

 
 
 

 
 
3.6.2   Total   Dissolved Solids.   Primary drinking water standards have not been established for TDS; the current secondary standard is 500 mg/I.  Unless the Authority agrees otherwise, for the period through May 31, 2030, Aurora will provide to the Authority water at the Master Meter that has a TDS level no greater than that provided to Aurora's own customers from the Binney Plant (the "TDS Commitment").    If the TDS level at the Master Meter exceeds the secondary standard of 500 mg/I, Aurora will notify the Authority and the Authority may decline deliveries.  Until May 31, 2030, any declined water above 500 mg/I TDS will not count toward the Delivery Obligation described in Paragraph 3.1. There is no guarantee of a maximum TDS concentration beyond May 31, 2030, regardless of whether a primary TDS drinking water standard has been established, and accordingly, the TDS Commitment expires on May 31, 2030.

3.6.3   Disinfection.   Currently, the water to be supplied to the Authority at the Master Meter is disinfected with Chloramines. Aurora agrees to consult with the other Parties prior to a change in the disinfection method. The Authority is solely responsible for making this water compatible with the other water supplies of its Members.
 
3.6.4   Master   Meter   Deliveries. The water quality standards and the TDS Commitment set forth in this Agreement apply only to water delivered at the Master Meter and shall not apply to water delivered at any Delivery Location that is not a Master Meter.
 
3.6.5   Future   TDS   Management. The Parties acknowledge that at some point in the future, currently estimated to be 2030, Denver Water and Aurora's own demands for more capacity and more blend water will result in an inability to offer deliveries at the TDS concentrations in Paragraph 3.6.2, once the TDS Commitment has expired. The resolution to this TDS issue could involve: (a) reverse osmosis (RO) or other equivalent treatment technologies; (b) the development of additional blending water supplies; or (c) acceptance of
deliveries of unblended, higher TDS water. In an attempt to maintain TDS levels at the limits set in Paragraph 3.6.2, and to increase deliveries in future phases, the Parties agree to evaluate the resolution of this TDS issue at the bi-annual delivery meetings established in Paragraph 4.1.5, beginning in 2022. Unless the Authority chooses to receive unblended water once the aforementioned capacities are reached and the TDS Commitment has expired, the Authority shall develop and implement a schedule for the timely construction of any facilities and/or acquisition of any blend water supplies determined to be necessary in order to maintain the TDS levels in Paragraph 3.6.2, for the Delivery Obligation or for any expanded deliveries beyond that amount that may be available.
 
3.6.6   Implementation   of   TDS   Management   Solution. The details governing the implementation of the agreed upon TDS management solution will be the subject of a separate supplemental agreement. Absent the execution of such a supplemental agreement, the provisions of Paragraph 3.6.2 and 3.5.3(c)(iii) will no longer be effective and unblended water will be provided under Article 3.
 

 
 

 
 
Article 4
Operations
 

 
4.1   Deliveries   to   the   Authority.
 

4.1.1   Delivery Location.  The "Delivery Location" shall mean, collectively, the Master Meter and any other points of delivery of water to the Authority under this Agreement as provided for under this Paragraph.  The initial primary point of delivery to the Authority for purposes of delivery under Paragraph 3.4.1 will be through a Master Meter to be installed at the Temporary Interconnect.   Commencing June 1,   2020, the point of delivery to the Authority will be through a Master Meter at the Binney Plant Connection.  Alternative points of delivery may be used with the mutual consent of the Parties.

(a)   The Parties acknowledge that, due to geographic considerations, Member Rangeview Metropolitan District ("Rangeview") may receive water deliveries at an alternate location at or near the Binney Plant and on terms mutually acceptable to Rangeview, Aurora and Denver Water.

(b)   The Parties further acknowledge that due to geographic considerations and the timing of infrastructure construction, Member Dominion Water and Sanitation District ("Dominion") may receive water deliveries at an alternate location pursuant to the terms of the Dominion Agreement.  Water delivered under the Dominion Agreement shall not be assignable to any other Member.

4.1.2   Use   of   Third   Party   Infrastructure.   Water supplies owned by Denver Water and Aurora will not be delivered to the Authority through any third party infrastructure located upstream of the Master Meter absent mutual agreement by the Parties.
 
4.1.3   Other   Water   Owned   by   the   Authority .  Upon written request, Aurora may, at its sole discretion, agree to collect, transport, and treat other water owned by the Authority or its Members, based on the terms of a separate agreement.
 
4.1.4   Reusable   Supplies.   Denver Water and Aurora intend to provide potable water from reusable supplies.  In the event that Denver Water or Aurora provides any single-use water due to an adverse judicial or administrative determination, the Parties agree to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution to the Authority's use of non-reusable supplies.

4.1.5   Delivery   Year   Schedule.   The Parties will meet no later than May 1 of each year to discuss the tentative volumes and anticipated delivery amounts and flow rates that may be available in the upcoming Delivery Year, and to schedule estimated deliveries for June through August, and meet in August to discuss the tentative schedule for September through May estimated deliveries, with additional meetings on an as needed basis.  The Authority may provide a desired delivery schedule in advance of any such meetings for consideration and discussion.

4.2   Deliveries   to   Authority   Members.   The Authority is responsible for deliveries to individual Members beyond the Master Meter, including the construction of any additional infrastructure, as necessary.   Members are responsible to develop whatever individual. infrastructure and connections are necessary to take delivery from the Authority's infrastructure and any other Delivery Locations, and are responsible for maintenance of such individual infrastructure.   It   will be the sole obligation of the Authority to identify and respond to the individual water demands of the Members. The Authority will determine in its sole discretion the allocation of water delivered by Denver Water and Aurora through the Master Meter. The Authority will provide annual accounting to Aurora and Denver Water of water deliveries to the Members.
 

 
 

 
4.3   Use   and   Reuse   of   Water. The Authority and the Members shall be entitled to use and reuse to extinction the return flows from reusable supplies; provided, however, that should the Authority or the Members be unable to reuse such supplies or voluntarily choose not to do so, the Authority or the Members may contract for other Members to do so. Nothing herein shall preclude the ability of Denver Water or Aurora to lawfully recapture and reuse water not reused and recaptured by the Authority or the Members. The Authority will make best efforts to notify Denver Water and Aurora in a timely manner when unused return flows from WISE deliveries
are available.
 
4.4   As a condition of using Denver Water's reusable water, the Authority and the Members receiving water must comply with the following provisions in the CRCA. These provisions of the CRCA apply only to Members of the Authority.
 
4.4.1   West   Slope   Charge . The Authority, on behalf of the Members, shall enter into a West Slope Charge Agreement containing the provisions described in Attachment D. The WISE Raw Water Rate, as defined in Attachment C, includes a charge sufficient to satisfy the Authority's obligation under the West Slope Charge Agreement.
 
(a)   Denver will transmit West Slope Charge payments to the Colorado River Water Conservation District on behalf of the Authority in accordance with the West Slope Charge Agreement, and will provide regular statements of such payments to the Authority.

(b)   Aurora shall be entitled to retain the entirety of the WISE Raw Water Rate attributable to water delivered by Aurora under this Agreement, notwithstanding that such water is not subject to the West Slope Charge Agreement.
 
4.4.2   Restriction   on   Seeking   New   Supplies   from   the   Colorado   River   Basin. Members must comply with the following Abstention Provisions, which are defined in Article VIII of the CRCA. The Abstention Provisions, by their terms, do not apply to any potential project whose diversions would occur only outside the State of Colorado.
 
(a)   Abstain permanently from pursuing or participating in any project that would result in any new depletion from the Colorado River and its tributaries above the confluence with the Gunnison River, including without limitation the Eagle River (with the exception of the
Eagle River MOU for Aurora and the Upper Colorado Cooperative Project). Pursuing or participating in a project means seeking formal approval of any aspect of a project in a regulatory or judicial forum, but does not include conducting various planning activities such as feasibility studies.

 
 
 

 
(b)   Abstain from pursuing or participating in any project that would result in diversions from the Colorado River Basin within Water Divisions Nos. 4 and 6, or downstream from the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers in Water Division No. 5 for a period of 25 years. Pursuing or participating in a project means seeking formal approval of any aspect of a project in a regulatory or judicial forum, but does not include conducting various planning activities such as feasibility studies. This abstention period would be reduced to 15 years if, within the first ten (10) years following execution of this Agreement, the NEPA permitting process for the Upper Colorado Cooperative Project has not been initiated. If construction of a cooperative project commences within 20 years from the date of this Agreement, then the
 
abstention period under this Paragraph would be extended for an additional ten (10) years (a total of 35 years).
 
4.4.3   Conservation   and   Reuse.   The Authority and Members must comply with the following provisions of the CRCA, Articles l.B.4(c) and l.B.4(d), respectively.
 
(a)   Reuse   of   Water. The Members receiving WISE water must maximize, using best efforts, the reuse or successive use of the reusable water provided to them.
 
(b)   Conservation   Plan . The Members receiving WISE water must adopt and implement a conservation plan that would achieve results similar or proportionately the same as Denver Water's.

4.4.4   Expectations .  As contemplated by Paragraphs 4.1.4 and 4.4, the Parties expect that reusable water will be delivered under this Agreement and that the water will be used and reused to extinction using best economically feasible efforts.  The Parties believe that Members who are implementing a State-approved conservation plan will satisfy the conservation plan requirement.
 
4.5   Use   of   Water.   Water delivered to the Authority under this Agreement shall be decreed for municipal use.  The Authority agrees to use the water delivered in a manner consistent with Denver Water's and Aurora's water right decrees.  Denver and Aurora represent that they have no knowledge of any restrictions on any of their water rights decrees that would prohibit or limit the use of the water delivered for municipal uses within the Authority Service Area.  Deliveries from Denver Water and Aurora may not be used for agricultural uses.
 
4.6   Location o f   Use.   Use of water provided to the Authority pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited to the Authority Service Area. Use of the water supplied under this Agreement  outside of the Authority Service Area is prohibited.
 

4.7  
Billing   and   Payment.
 
4.7.1   Aurora shall bill the Authority each month for any water delivered under this Agreement during the preceding month. Each monthly invoice shall establish the actual amount of water delivered during such period and the Offered Delivery Amount for the same period.

4.7.2   Aurora shall bill the Authority at the end of each Delivery Year for the applicable Minimum Payment, if any, owing with respect to such Delivery Year.
 

 
 
 

 

 
4.7.3   The Authority shall pay all such invoices within forty-five (45) days of receipt. All late payments shall be subject to a late fee of 5% of the amount due per month, up to a maximum of 25%.
 
 
4.8
Operating   Representatives.
For purposes of this Agreement the Parties' representatives shall be:
 

 
   For Denver Water:  Director of Planning
     Denver Water Department
     1600 W. 12th Avenue
     Denver, CO 80204-3412
     
   For Aurora:  Deputy Director, Water Resources
     Aurora Water
     15151 E. Alameda Parkway, #3600
     Aurora, CO 80012
     
   For the Authority:  Executive Director
     South Metro WISE Authority
     8400 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 1500
     Greenwood Village, CO 80111
 
 
Article 5
General   Provisions
 
5.1   Joint   Advisory   Committee. Each Party shall appoint one or two members to a Joint Advisory Committee, which shall meet as often as determined necessary, but no less than two times a year, in order to discuss any issues or concerns arising in the implementation of this Agreement.
 
5.2   Assignment. Following prior written notice to and approval by Denver Water and Aurora, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or denied, the Authority may assign this Agreement to another newly created Title 29 or Tile 32 governmental entity that is made up of all or substantially all of the Members.  With the exception of the foregoing, no right hereunder shall be assigned by any of the Parties, without prior written consent from all Parties.
 
5.3   No   Operating   Obligation.   Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed as creating any obligation on Aurora or Denver Water to operate its facilities in any particular manner, so long as Aurora and Denver Water comply with the express terms of this Agreement.

5.4   Indemnity. To the extent it lawfully may, the Authority shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, Aurora and Denver Water, their officers, agents, and employees against any liability, loss, damage, demand, action, or cause of action by a third party which may occur as a result of the physical delivery of water, commencing at the Delivery Location, by Aurora and Denver Water under this Agreement, except as to any portion of negligence judicially determined to be caused by Aurora or Denver Water. This includes but is not limited to, any damages, including any special, indirect, consequential and punitive damages which may result from the transportation of water under this Agreement by means of any water carriage facilities after the Delivery Location. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver or release of the immunities, limitations, or defenses afforded to the Authority, Aurora or Denver Water under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.
 
 
 
 

 
 
5.5   Amendments.    Amendments to this Agreement shall only be effective if entered into with the same formality as this Agreement and approved by all Parties.
 
5.6   Denver   Charter . This Agreement is made under and conforms to the provisions of Article X of the Charter of the City and County of Denver, which controls the operation of the Denver Municipal Water System. This Agreement involves the use of water outside the territorial limits of the City and County of Denver. The Denver Charter provides that "the Board shall have power to lease water and water rights for use outside the territorial limits of the City and County of Denver, but such leases shall provide for limitation of delivery of water to whatever extent may be necessary to enable the Board to provide an adequate supply of water to the people of Denver..." The extent to which limitation of water delivery outside Denver may be necessary to enable the Board to provide an adequate supply of water to the people of Denver is a fact to be determined by the Denver Water Board in the exercise of its reasonable discretion.   The Board has determined that the interruptible nature of the water deliveries under this Agreement and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement is sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water inside Denver. This Agreement shall not be construed or implemented in such a way as to impair Denver Water's obligations to provide water within its Combined Service Area.

5.7   Sole   Obligation   of   Aurora   Utility   Enterprise.   This Agreement is made pursuant and conforms to the provisions of the Charter of the City of Aurora, Colorado, which controls the operations of the Utility Enterprise for the City of Aurora. The obligations of Aurora under this Agreement are the sole obligations of the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise and, as such, shall not constitute a general obligation or other indebtedness of the City of Aurora or a multiple fiscal year direct or indirect debt or other financial obligation whatsoever of the City of Aurora within the meaning of any constitutional, statutory, or charter limitation.    In   the event of default by Aurora or failure to meet any of its obligations under the terms of this Agreement, the other Parties hereto shall have no recourse to any revenues of the City of Aurora except for the net revenues of the water utility system available therefore in the City of Aurora Utility Enterprise water fund, or any successor enterprise fund, and remaining after payment of all expenses relating to the operation and maintenance and periodic payments on bonds, loans and other obligations of the City acting by and through it Utility Enterprise.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as creating a lien upon any revenues of the Utility Enterprise or the City.  Aurora has determined that the interruptible nature of the water deliveries under this Agreement and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement are sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water inside Aurora.
 

5.8   Joint   and   Several   Obligations. The obligations by Denver Water and Aurora under this Agreement shall be joint and several.

 
 
 
 

 
 
5.9  
No   Remedy   Against non-Parties. Except as provided in Paragraph 5.17, the Parties to this Agreement may seek remedies under this Agreement only against each other, and not against third parties.
 
5.10   Venue   and   Governing   Law. Venue for resolution of any dispute resulting in litigation shall be the Colorado District Court for the county in which any defendant resides. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Colorado.

5.11   Waiver   of   Rights. The failure of any Party to exercise any right under this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of such Party's right and shall not affect the right of such Party to exercise at some future time the right or rights or any other right it may have under this Agreement.
 
5.12   Captions. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not define or limit any of its terms or provisions.
 
5.13   Failure   to   Perform   Due   to   Force   Majeure.   No Party to this Agreement shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform due solely to conditions or events of force majeure, as that term is defined  in this Paragraph; provided that: (i) the non-performing Party gives each other Party prompt written notice describing the particulars of the force majeure; (ii) the suspension of performance is of no greater scope and of no longer duration than required by the force majeure event or condition; and (iii) the non-performing Party proceeds with reasonable diligence to remedy its inability to perform and provides weekly progress reports to the other Parties describing the remedial actions taken.  In the case of a force majeure event, the Parties shall meet and agree, in writing, upon an appropriate modification of obligations identified herein, with specific reference to water delivery obligations, so as to address the unanticipated conditions associated with such event.  As used in this Paragraph, force majeure shall mean any delay or failure of a Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement caused by events beyond the Party's reasonable control and without the fault or negligence of the Party, including, without limitation (a) acts of God, (b) sudden actions of the elements such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes, (c) sabotage, (d) vandalism beyond that which can be reasonably prevented by the Party, (e) terrorism, (f)   war, (g) riots, (h) fire, (i) explosion, (j)   blockades,  (k) insurrection, or (1) strike, slow down or labor disruptions (even if such difficulties could be resolved by conceding to the demands of a labor group). Provided that hydrological change is addressed in 5.14.
 
5.13.1   Subordination   C lause. In the event of a force majeure event or condition as described above in Paragraph 5.13, until the event or condition is resolved, this Agreement shall  be made expressly subordinate to any present or future use of water supply for municipal purposes within the service territories of Aurora or Denver Water or to meet contracted water delivery obligations of Aurora or Denver Water existing prior to the execution of this
Agreement.
 
5.13.2   Cooperation   under Force   M ajeure. Should there be evidence of force majeure that may affect, or has affected, the ability of any of the Parties to meet their obligations under this Agreement, the Parties agree to meet and negotiate in good faith any modifications to this Agreement to ensure a reasonable and coordinated response to such force majeure with the goal of forestalling the need for a force majeure declaration.
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
5.14  Hydrologic Change. The Parties acknowledge that the WISE Project, and deliveries under this Agreement, are based on surface water supplies that are variable to the extent described in this Agreement. The Parties have undertaken engineering studies based on observed historical hydrology that suggest these supplies will continue, and may increase in the future. Should future hydrology change such that there are demonstrably and significantly less water supplies available than expected at the time of the execution of this Agreement, the Parties agree to cooperate in the identification and development of additional supplies designed to assist Aurora and Denver Water in meeting the delivery obligations identified in this Agreement. Demonstration of changing hydrology may include persistent water use restrictions imposed on customers of Denver Water and Aurora or a Colorado River compact call or water management efforts to mitigate a Colorado River compact call. Provided, however, that nothing in this 5.14 shall relieve Denver Water or Aurora from meeting the Delivery Obligation then in effect, nor shall it modify the "basis for charges" (including the calculation of the WISE Raw Water Rate) relative to the cost of such deliveries as identified in 3.5.1 and Attachment C.

5.15   Enforcement.    Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 5.16 and 5.17, this Agreement may be enforced in law or equity, damages, or such other legal and equitable relief as may be available to a Party.  Except as otherwise provided herein, each party waives any right to special, indirect, consequential and punitive damages, including lost revenue.  Should Denver Water or Aurora fail to treat or deliver water in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Authority shall have recourse against either or both of these parties based upon the factual cause of the default.
 
5.16  
Remedies   for   Monetary   Defaults.
 
5.16.1   Suspension of Deliveries.   If the Authority does not timely satisfy any of its payment obligations under this Agreement, Aurora may give the Authority a notice of default. If   the Authority does not cure the default by making full payment within seven (7) business days from receipt of the default notice, Denver Water and/or Aurora, in addition to pursuing any other remedies available to them at law or in equity, may suspend deliveries of water to the Authority.
 
5.16.2   Termination of Agreement.    If the Authority fails to cure the default within 180 days from receipt of the default notice described in Paragraph 5.16.1, then Denver Water and/or Aurora, in addition to pursuing any other remedies available to them at law or in equity, may terminate this Agreement.
 
5.17  
Delivery   Obligation   and   Minimum   Payment   Adjustment.
 
5.17.1   With respect to any Delivery Year after June 1, 2016, if any Member fails to pay to the Authority the sums required of such Member under the SM WISE IGA (''Non-paying Member") towards the Minimum Payment required by Paragraph 3.5.3(b), then the Authority may seek an adjustment of the Minimum Payment in future Delivery Years pursuant to the terms of this Paragraph, under the following conditions:
 
 
 

 

 
(a)  
the Authority pays the full Minimum Payment required by Paragraph 3.5.3(b) for the subject Delivery Year (Delivery Year 1);
(b)  
the Authority provides written notice to Denver Water and Aurora identifying the Non-paying Member and the Non-paying Member's pro-rata share of the Minimum Payment and reasonable evidence of such non-payment;
(c)  
the Authority terminates both deliveries under this Agreement and deliveries of any other water through the Western Pipeline to the Non-paying Member;
(d)  
the Authority uses commercially reasonable efforts to ensure compliance by the Non-paying Member, including pursuing all applicable available remedies set forth in the SM WISE IGA; and
(e)  
the Authority provides regular written notice to Denver Water and Aurora of the remedies undertaken and the status of those remedies;
 

5.17.2   If the Authority continues to satisfy these conditions during Delivery Year 2 and requests an adjustment, then the basis for calculating the Minimum Payment for Delivery Year 2 shall be reduced ("Temporary Reduction") by the amount of water attributable to the Non-paying Member's share of the Minimum Payment required by Paragraph 3.5.3(b) for Delivery Year 2. The Temporary Reduction shall not exceed 30% of the Minimum Payment for Delivery Year 2, subject to the limitations in Paragraph 5.17.5. The Delivery Obligation for the applicable Ten- y ear Block shall be reduced by the same amount as the basis for the Temporary Reduction for Delivery Year 2.
 
5.17.3   The same procedure will be followed for Delivery Years 3-5, if the Authority continues to satisfy the conditions for a Temporary Reduction. A Temporary Reduction shall not be available for more than four Delivery Years.

5.17.4   At the end of Delivery Year 3 but in no event after Delivery Year 5, the Authority may request, the Delivery Obligation will be reduced by the amount of water that formed the basis for the Temporary Reduction ("Permanent Reduction"), provided that the Authority demonstrates that the Non-paying Member is no longer a Member under the SM Authority IGA and is permanently excluded from receiving any water under this Agreement and any other water through the Western Pipeline. To effectuate a Permanent Reduction, the Parties shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement that: (i) reduces the Delivery Obligation by the Permanent Reduction; (ii) makes other necessary conforming changes, including reductions to maximum and minimum deliveries in Paragraph 3.4.3 in the same proportion as the Permanent Reduction
bears to the prior Delivery Obligation and the Minimum Payment in 3.5.3; and (iii) removes the Non-paying Member as a Member under this Agreement.   I f a Permanent Reduction is to be effectuated during any Delivery Year other than the first Delivery Year of a Ten-Year Block, the reduction of the Delivery Obligation for that Ten-Year Block shall be one-tenth of the Permanent Reduction multiplied by the number of years remaining in the Ten-Year Block.
 
5.17.5   The aggregate amount of all Permanent Reductions, or of all contemporaneous Permanent and Temporary Reductions, shall not exceed 30% of the Minimum Payment (i.e. 2,168 AF per year or a reduction in the Delivery Obligation of more than 21,675 AF.)
 

 
 

 
 
   5.18   Defense   against   Third   Parties. In the event of litigation by any third party concerning this Agreement, and to the extent permitted by law, the Parties agree to jointly defend any such third party action.
 
5.19  
No   Third   Party   Beneficiaries. There are no third party beneficiaries of this Agreement.
 
5.20  
Water   Rights   Peace   Pact.
 
5.20.1   Diligence Proceedings. As stated in Recital 0, the Parties may agree to work to increase WISE deliveries. With regard to all conditional water rights presently owned by Denver Water and/or Aurora, the Parties agree to withdraw any statements of opposition in each other's pending diligence filings and not to oppose each other's pending or future diligence applications, including pending or future applications to make conditional rights, existing on the date of this Agreement, absolute. However, the Parties may file statements of opposition in such proceedings for the limited purpose of ensuring compliance with the obligations of this Agreement.·
 
5.20.2   Other   Proceedings. The Parties also agree to negotiate in good faith the stipulated resolution of any pending or future water right and administrative or judicial proceedings that may be necessary: (a) for Denver Water and Aurora to meet their delivery obligation for the provision of reusable water supplies under this Agreement or (b) for the Authority or its Members to use and reuse water delivered under this Agreement. To that end, the Parties shall timely share all relevant factual information concerning the existence or absence of injury to the respective decreed water rights of each party as a consequence of the administrative or judicial approvals being sought.
 
5.20.3   SM   WISE   IGA. The Authority shall include in the SM WISE IGA an obligation to comply with the provisions of this Paragraph 5.20. Failure of a Member to comply with this Paragraph shall constitute a breach of this Agreement by the Authority. However, in actions other than diligence proceedings, nothing in this paragraph 5.20 or in the SM WISE IGA is intended or shall be interpreted to prevent any Member from taking any actions it deems necessary to protect its water rights from injury, consistent with the intent of Paragraph 1.3.
 
5.21   Infrastructure   Ownership. Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute or be interpreted as constituting the transfer of any ownership interests in the infrastructure assets of the Parties.
 
Each Party shall remain individually responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of their infrastructure absent express written agreement to the contrary.
 
5.22   Separate   Water Supply   Agreements. Any separate water supply agreement between a Member and either Aurora or Denver Water, executed after the effective date of this Agreement, shall be contingent upon the Member being in full compliance with its WISE-related obligations. Denver Water and Aurora agree to suspend deliveries immediately under any separate water supply agreement if the Member becomes a Non-paying Member as defined in paragraph 5.17. Any separate water supply agreement shall contain a provision requiring suspension of deliveries during any period in which the Member is in default of any of its obligations under the SM
WISE IGA.
 
 
 

 
5.23   New   Participating   Members   of   Authority. The Parties acknowledge that at times additional entities may request to join the Authority and become a Member. Any new Member must be an entity in existence and delivering water to customers as of the effective date of this Agreement, unless the parties agree otherwise i n writing. Acceptance of qualified Members and the nature of their financial obligations, if any, to the Authority, shall be within the sole discretion of the Authority; provided, however, that such change in the Members shall not in any manner affect the obligations of Denver Water and Aurora under this Agreement nor modify the terms of any existing agreement between either Denver Water or Aurora and any current or future Members. New Members shall be bound by the terms of this Agreement and shall enjoy such benefits as determined at the discretion of the Authority.
 
5.24   Authority   of   the   Parties. The Parties each affirm and represent that they have the full power and authority to execute this Agreement and thereafter perform all of the terms and conditions set forth herein.

5.25   No   Agency   Created. This Agreement is not intended and shall not be construed to create any joint venture, agency relationship or partnership between the Parties. None of the Parties shall have any right or authority to act on behalf of or bind any other Party.
 
5.26   Dispute   Resolution.     If a dispute relating to this Agreement arises among the Parties, the Parties shall first consider any proposed resolution of the matter.    If the matter is not resolved, the Parties shall promptly convene a meeting to be attended by persons with decision-making authority regarding the subject matter of the dispute.  The meeting attendees shall attempt in   good faith to negotiate a resolution of the dispute.   If the dispute is still not resolved within 20 days after the meeting, the Parties shall be free to pursue any other legal remedy.
 
5.26.1   In the event of legal proceedings, the Parties agree to seek a prompt resolution, and that each Party shall pay its own costs and expenses, including attorney fees.
 
5.27   Effect   on   Prior   Agreements. This Agreement supersedes the Pilot Project Agreement between Denver Water and the Authority dated February 14, 2007. All other agreements between any of the Parties shall remain in full force and effect. In the event of a conflict between the terms of a prior agreement between any of the Parties and this Agreement, the terms  of this Agreement shall prevail.
 
5.28   Counterparts   and   Facsimiles . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile signatures bind the Parties.
 
5.29  
Notices.
 
Any notice or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and delivered to the addresses provided below or such other addresses as designated by any Party by one of the following means: (a) in person (by hand delivery or professional messenger service); (b) by U.S. Mail, postage prepaid; (c) by overnight service (Express Mail of the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express) or any other courier service guaranteeing overnight delivery), addressed to each of the following:

 
 

 
 
  For Aurora:
    Deputy Director of Water Resources of Aurora Water 
    15151 E. Alameda Parkway, #3600
    Aurora, CO 80012
     
    Copy to:
    City Attorney
   
15151 East Alameda Parkway, Suite 5300
    Aurora, CO 80012
 
 
  For Denver Water:
    Director of Planning
    Denver Water Department
    1600 W. 12th Avenue
    Denver, CO 80204-3412
     
  For the Authority:
    Executive Director
    South Metro WISE Authority
    8400 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 1500
    Greenwood Village, CO 80111
     
     Copy to:
     Spencer Fane & Grimshaw LLP
     ATIN: James M. Hunsaker
     1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 3800
     Denver, CO 80203

 
or at such other address as any Party hereto may hereafter or from time to time designate by written notice to the other Parties given in accordance herewith.
 
Any notice delivered (a) in person shall be effective upon delivery; (b) by first class U. S. Mail shall be effective three (3) business days after the mailing; (c) by overnight service shall be effective one (1) business day after delivery to the overnight service provider.
 
5.30  
Agreement   Contingencies and   Effective   Date.   This Agreement is contingent upon:
 
(a)   the execution of the Western Pipeline Agreement which shall include provisions ensuring the financing thereof, referenced in paragraph 3.2.1;

(b)   issuance of a permit satisfactory to the Parties by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) allowing water delivered under this Agreement to be stored in Rueter-Hess Reservoir; and
 
(c)   complete execution (not contingent upon the approval of any additional parties) of the CRCA.
 

 
 
 

 
The "Effective Date" of this Agreement shall be the date when the last of the foregoing contingencies has been met.   If these contingencies have not been satisfied as of December 31, 2013, the Parties agree to terminate this Agreement or extend the dates set forth in this Agreement.


 

[signatures start on following page]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Denver Water, the Authority and Aurora have executed this Agreement.
 

 
   CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER
   acting by and through its
 ATTEST:  BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
   
   
 By:_____________________________  By: _____________________________
 Secretary         _____________________________
   President
   
   Date: _____________________________
   
   REGISTERED AND COUNTERSIGNED:
APPROVED:  Dennis Gallagher, Auditor
   CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER
   
   
 By: _____________________________  By: _____________________________
 Planning Division  
   Date: _____________________________
   
 APPROVED AS TO FORM:  
   
   
  By: _____________________________  
 Legal Division  
   
   
 

 

 
 

 

 
 
   South Metro WISE Authority
   
   
   By: _____________________________
          President
   
   Date: _____________________________
   
   
   
 


 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO,
ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS
UTILITY  ENTERPRISE


 
 
 ___________________________________________  _________________
 Stephen D. Hogan, Mayor  Date
 

ATTEST:

 
 
 ___________________________________________  _________________
 Janice Napper, City Clerk  Date
 
 
 
APPROVED AS TO FORM FOR AURORA:



 

 
 ___________________________________________  _________________  _________________
Christine McKenney, Assistant City Attorney  Date ACS#
 
 
 

 

STATE OF COLORADO        )
 
               )      SS
 
COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE   )
 

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of________________________________________________ 2013, by Stephen D. Hogan, Mayor, acting on behalf of the Utility Enterprise of the City of Aurora, Colorado.
 

Witness my hand and official seal. ___________________________________     
                                                                        Notary Public
 
My commission expires: _______________________________

 

(SEAL)

 
 

 
 
LIST OF EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS
 
Attachment A -Major WISE Partnership Facilities
Attachment B -DIA Connection Infrastructure
Attachment C -Water Delivery Pricing
Attachment D -West Slope Charge Agreement

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Attachment A -Major WISE Partnership Facilities



IMAGE




 
 

 

 
 
ATTACHMENT  B
 

DIA CONNECTION  INFRASTRUCTURE


 

1.            Connection   from   Denver   Water's   distribution   system   at   DIA   to   Aurora   Water's   Pump Station   #2
 

The connection from DIA to Aurora's PWP will provide blend water for Authority WISE deliveries. The current estimate for design, permitting, construction and all other costs for the DIA connection is $8.7 million. Authority will pay 85% of the total costs, based on estimated usage of the connection. Authority's 85% of the $8.7 million total estimated cost is included in the DIA Connection Fee.
 

1.1   Description:   A 24" pipeline, approximately six (6) miles in length, from the north end of DIA at East 114th Avenue and Newbern Street to the PWP Pump Station #2 near 96th Avenue and E-470, and meters at a location to be determined.

 
 
 

 
ATTACHMENT C
WATER DELIVERY PRICING
 

1.  
General.   Pricing for water deliveries to the Authority under this Agreement (the "Delivery Rate") is intended to be based on the principles of cost-of-service utility rate setting. However, it is understood by the Parties that specific circumstances defined under this Agreement require advanced understanding and application of those principles and that the Parties have adapted in some cases an application of rate setting principles that are particular to this Agreement, the characteristics of the services provided, and the purpose and intent of the Parties themselves. In cases where generally accepted principles of utility rate setting may appear to differ from the pricing of water deliveries under this Agreement, the terms defined in this Attachment C of the Agreement will prevail. If a term or condition necessary for the pricing of water deliveries under this Agreement is missing from this Attachment, that term and condition will be established by mutual agreement of the Parties.
 

2.  
Overall   Principles.   The Delivery Rate incorporates the following overarching principles:
 

2.1.  
Appropriate   Return   on   Investment.     The Delivery Rate will allow those who own Facilities ("Owner") to receive an appropriate return on historical and new investments in the Facilities as defined in this Attachment.
 

2.2.  
Consistent   with   Owners'   Internal   Ratemaking   and   Financial   Practices .   The Delivery Rate will be consistent with the financial requirements and internal ratemaking practices of the Owner.
 

2.3.  
Equitable   and   Transparent   Allocation   of   Costs.   The costs incurred to provide deliveries under this Agreement include the operating and maintenance costs in addition to various capital components. Equitable pricing means that these costs will be allocated to those receiving water deliveries from the project each in accordance with their particular demand characteristics and their contractually defined delivery requirements. Transparency exists when the process for such an allocation can occur within a framework that is visible, understood by all the Parties, and repeatable over time with consistent and predictable results.
 

3.  
Facilities.   The WISE Facilities include all tangible assets, and intangible real property rights (e.g. water rights), that are used and useful in providing the water deliveries under this Agreement.  A listing of the current Facilities is included in Table   I . The listing of Facilities may change from time to time. No changes to the Facilities listed in Table 1 will be made without the consent of the Parties which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or denied. All Facilities, current and future, include the following overall characteristics:
 

3.1.  
Facilities   are   Used.   To be considered a Facility, the asset must be physically used for delivery of water under this Agreement with measurable flows of water occurring on a regular and recurring basis. Any Facility included in the Delivery Rate is either: a) currently used with measurable flows, or b) will be used in the year immediately following Owner's budget year as part of the normal operations of the Facilities.
  
 

 
 

 
 
3.2.  
Facilities   are   Useful.   A Facility must provide a specific function that enables the delivery of water as described in this Agreement.  Facilities, or parts of Facilities, that do not enable the deliveries under this Agreement are not included in the Delivery Rate. Facilities that are only used by the Facilities' Owner are not included in the Delivery Rate.
 

3.3.  
Exceptions.   Additional Facilities will be required in the future to maintain current deliveries and provide increased deliveries to the Authority in excess of an average of 72,250   acre feet in a Ten-Year period, or 7,225   acre feet per year on average.  In some cases, those Facilities may need to be constructed ahead of the Owners' planned schedules.  Exceptions to Paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 may be required to address the additional costs, if any, incurred in accelerating construction of planned Facilities. Facilities may be added to the Delivery Rate in anticipation of future construction under the following conditions:
 

3.3.1.  
Conditions for Exception:
 

3.3.1.1.  
Acceleration   of   planned   Facilities.     The Owners need to accelerate planned infrastructure to maintain the current delivery commitment.
 

3.3.1.2.  
Increased   Delivery   Requested .   The Authority has requested increased delivery from a previous commitment level, and the Owners are willing and able to meet the requested deliveries.
 

3.3.1.3.  
Additional   Facilities   Required.   The Owners cannot meet the requested increased delivery without additional Facilities. The Facilities required are either newly identified and were not part of the Owners' prior plans, or must be constructed ahead of the Owners' plans.
 

3.3.1.4.  
Owner   Investment   Required .   The Owners pay for the additional Facilities and incur an Owner Investment consistent with Paragraph 5.2.1   below.
 

3.3.2.  
Allowances   in   Pricing .   If the conditions in Paragraphs 3.3   and 3.3.1   are met, then the pricing for the next determination of the Delivery Rate will include the reasonably estimated costs for the identified Facilities.
 

3.3.2.1.  
Capital   Costs .   The capital costs calculated under this provision will include a return to the Owners as described in   Paragraph 5.2   based on the reasonably estimated construction cost of the Facilities in question. The pricing will not include any depreciation expense as described in Paragraph 5.1   or working capital as described in Paragraph 5.2.1.3,   however, until the Facilities are constructed and placed into service and used and useful for delivery of water under this Agreement. All other provisions of Section 5.2   will apply.
 
 

 
 

 
 
3.3.2.2.  
Operating   Costs.   Operating and maintenance expenses as described in Paragraph 6, below, will not be included in the pricing analysis until such time as the Facility is placed into service for the delivery of water under this Agreement.
 

4.  
Ownership.   Each of the Facilities has at least one Owner. The Owner(s) will be identified for each of the Facilities by name and by percentage of ownership.
 

5.  
Capital   Costs .   Capital costs include the depreciation expense on the Facilities, plus a return to the Owner of the Facilities.
 

5.1.  
Depreciation   Expense.   Depreciation expense has the same meaning as is normally applied by the Government Accounting Standards Board. All depreciation is to be determined using the Straight-Line method based on the initial term of the Facility's life. Determination of salvage value, if any, is at the discretion of the Facility Owner.
 

5.2.  
Return.   Owner(s) will be compensated for their investment in the Facilities in an amount equal to the Owner(s) weighted average cost of capital (WACC) times the Owner(s) investment in the Facilities.
 
5.2.1.  
Measuring   Owner   Investment.     Owner investment is also referred to as "Rate Base." The Rate Base is meant to accurately measure the Owner(s) actual investments in the Facilities. It   includes the following components:
 
5.2.1.1.  
Net   Book   Value of   Facilities.   This is equal to the actual original cost of the Facility less accumulated depreciation. The book value may be increased by additions or improvements to the Facilities; it decreases with asset deletions, retirements, and accumulated depreciation.
 
5.2.1.2.  
Construction   Work   in   Process.   Future Facility investments may be included in the Rate Base if the Facility meets the definitions in Paragraph 3 above.
 
5.2.1.3.  
Working   Capital.   Owners are allowed to include an allowance for working capital equal to 90 days of their operating &   maintenance expenses incurred at the Facilities. The working capital allowance for each Facility shall be calculated as the annual operating and maintenance expense, divided by 365   days, times 90 days.
 
5.2.1.4.  
(Less)   Contributions   Received.   Any capital payments or assets in kind paid by the Authority to the Owner(s) to defray the Owner(s) Investment shall be accounted for as capital contributions and credited to the Authority as a reduction in the Owner(s) Investment. Contributions reduce both the Return and depreciation expenses related to the Facilities.  All contributions will be amortized at a rate equal to the rate of depreciation for the Facility in question.
 
 
 

 

 
5.2.2.  
Measuring   the   Weighted   Average   Cost   of   Capital.   The weighted average cost of capital is the sum of the weighted debt cost and weighted equity cost; it will be used as the rate of return described in section 5.2.
 
5.2.2.1.  
Total   Cost   of   Capital . The cost of capital will include an allowance for the Owner(s) actual cost of debt financing, as well as a return for the Owner(s) equity.
 
 
5.2.2.1.1.Cost of Debt -The cost of debt is the average annual interest rate paid on the Owner(s) portfolio of outstanding long-term debt. For the purposes of this Agreement, the cost of debt shall be calculated as follows:
 
 
5.2.2.1.1.1.Determine the total amount of long-term debt issued and outstanding as measured from the Owner(s) most recently audited and publicly available financial statements. Total long-term debt outstanding shall include all portions of long-term debt due and payable within one year, also called the "current portion", together with those amounts payable at any time after one year, also called the "long-term portion."
 
 
5.2.2.1.1.2.Determine the net interest payment due on each component of the long-term debt during the 12-month period in which the Delivery Rate will be determined. Interest payments due shall reflect the total of scheduled interest payments, net of any discounts, premiums, grants, state/federal subsidization, or other reductions.
 
 
5.2.2.1.3.Divide the total amount of interest due by the total amount of long-term debt outstanding to derive the annual effective interest rate.
 
 
5.2.2.1.2. Cost   of   Equity -the cost of equity is the interest rate to be paid on the use of the Owner(s) equity capital.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the cost of the Owner(s) equity shall be calculated as follows:
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.1.Determine the cost of equity using the Build-Up Method (BUM) expressed as the following formula: Cost of Equity (Ke) = Risk Free Rate (Rf)  +   Market Risk Premium (MRP)  +   Industry Risk Premium {IRP)  +   Size Premium (SP).
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.2.Risk Free Rate (Rf). The risk-free rate is equal to the yield on a 20-year US Treasury bond. For the purposes of this Agreement, the yield shall be the average calculated for the 12 months immediately preceding the determination of the Delivery Rate.
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.3.Market Risk Premium (MRP). The MRP represents the additional return required by equity holders over debt holders in general. For the purposes of this Agreement, the MRP will be taken from Ibbotsons   Stocks,   Bonds,   Bills,   and   Inflation   Valuation   Yearbook.   The MRP shall be the historical long-term horizon expected equity risk premium as published in the Ibbotson SBBI Valuation Yearbook, and not the supply side equity risk premium.
 

 
5.2.2.1.2.3.Industry Risk Premium (IRP). The IRP represents the additional or reduced return required by equity holders in the same industry as the Owner(s). For the purposes of this Agreement, the Owner(s) industry is Water Supply, classified under the Standard Industrial Code of 494, or the NAICS code of 221310. The IRP will be taken from the then current edition of Ibbotsons   Stocks,   Bonds,   Bills,   and   Inflation   Valuation   Yearbook.
 

 
 

 
5.2.2.1.2.4.  
Size Premium (SP). The SP represents the additional or reduced return required by equity holders as a result of the size of the Owner(s) specific enterprise. For the purposes of this Agreement, the SP will be taken from Ibbotsons   Stocks,   Bonds,   Bills,   and   Inflation   Valuation   Yearbook   for the appropriate decile (the text provides an appropriate SP for different enterprise sizes grouped into deciles). For the purposes of this Agreement, the Owner(s) size shall be determined as the book value of its equity. Book value of the Owner(s) equity shall be determined based on the most recently audited and publicly available financial statements;  book value is equal to total assets less total liabilities with no further adjustments whatsoever.
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.6.
In the event that Ibbotsons   Stocks,   Bonds,   Bills, and   Inflation   Valuation   Yearbook   is no longer published in its current form, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to identify a comparable substitute publication for the purposes of this Attachment C.
 
5.2.2.2.  
Weightings.   The weighted average cost of capital is affected by the relative percentage of debt and equity financing used by the Owner(s) in the Owner(s) overall water utility enterprise.
 
 
5.2.2.2.1. Total   Invested   Capital.   An   Owner's total invested capital is equal to the sum of: (a) total long-term debt as described in 5.2.2.1.1; and (b) his total equity as measured from the most recently published,  publicly available, audited financial statements as the Owner(s) total assets less total liabilities.
 

 
5.2.2.2.2 Determine   the   Weight   of   Debt   as   a   Portion   of Invested   Capital.   The total long-term debt divided by Total Invested Capital is the debt weighting.
 
 
 

 

 
5.2.2.2.3 Determine   the   Weight   of   Equity   as a   Portion   of   Invested   Capital. The   equity   weighting   shall   be   determined   as   100% minus the   debt   weighting   described   in   5.2.2.2.2.
 
 
5.2.2.3.
Calculate   the   WACC . The   WACC   for   the   Owner(s)   shall   be   calculated   using   the   formula:   WACC   =   Wd(Kd)   +   We(Ke).   Where   Wd   =   weight   of   debt   as   described   in   5.2.2.2.2; Kd   =   cost   of   debt   as   described in   5.2.2.1.1; We   =   weight   of   equity   as   described   in   5.2.2.2.3; and   Ke   =   cost   of   equity   as   described   in   5.2.2.1.2

 
6.  
Operating   &   Maintenance   Costs.   The costs of operating and maintaining the Facilities will be properly budgeted and accounted for on a regular basis. Whether or not operating and maintenance costs are incurred, and the level, if any, of those costs is determined at the sole discretion of the Owner(s) of the Facilities. Only the operating and maintenance costs incurred in the operation of the Facilities are included in the basis for the Delivery Rate.
 

6.1.  
Direct   Operating   and   Maintenance   Costs.   The direct expenses in operating and maintaining the Facilities are to be included in the Delivery Rate determined under this Agreement. Direct operating and maintenance costs include the fixed and variable costs of operating the Facilities. Capital repairs and replacements are not to be included as operating and maintenance costs. Any expenditure meeting the Owner(s) then existing capitalization policy should be recorded as an asset and included in the determination of Rate Base as described above.
 

7.  
WISE   Raw   Water   Rate.   The "WISE Raw Water Rate" shall be determined as the then published rate established by Denver Water for non-reusable nonpotable water service charged to its Outside Combined Service Area customers times 1.625   for all reusable water supplied under this Agreement.
 

8.  
Direct   Overhead   and   Administration.     Administrative costs directly incurred in the management of this Agreement are to be included in the Delivery Rate. Owners are responsible for accounting for any direct overhead and administrative costs, both fixed and variable.
 

9.  
Indirect   Overhead   and   Administration.     Costs that are not directly attributable to the performance of this Agreement are not included in the Delivery Rate.

 
 
 

 
10.  
Ratemaking   Process.   Except as noted in Paragraph 10.1,   the Owners will at their expense, prior to proposing to increase the Delivery Rate for any year, prepare a cost-of-service allocation for the Facilities' costs in accordance with this Attachment C. The cost-of-service allocation will be based on the Owners' budgeted expenditures for the forthcoming year, and the capital costs will be based on the expected Rate Base for the same forthcoming year. The WISE Pricing Summary results of the Rate Model for 2013   are attached hereto as Exhibit 1.   A full model print-out has been provided to the Parties for 2013.   The Owners will provide reasonable back-up documentation with similar detail when proposing future Delivery Rate increases.
 
10.1.  
Water   Supply   Rate   Adjustments.     The rate may be increased annually to reflect changes to the WISE Raw Water Rate as determined in accordance with paragraph 7.   If   the Owner is increasing the Delivery Rate solely as a result of an increase in the WISE Raw Water Rate, then the Owner is not required to prepare a new cost-of-service allocation but can incorporate the updated WISE Raw Water Rate into the Delivery Rate.
 
10.2.  
Annual   Period.   Except for Delivery Rate changes pursuant to 10.1,   the Delivery Rate will be prepared for the forthcoming year in which a new Delivery Rate is to take effect. For the purposes of rate administration, all changes to the Delivery Rate charged under this Agreement will be prepared and placed into effect on January 1 of each year.
 
10.3.  
Information   Requirements.     Using the average annual delivery amount to the Authority of  7,225   AF  (5,00 _ 0   AF   until  2020),   to be adjusted in the future if additional commitments are agreed to, the Owner will then take the following steps:
 
10.3.1.  
Determine   Water   Demand   at   Each   Facility.   The Owner will prepare an estimate of the average water through each Facility for each month. The estimate will show for each Facility: (i) the total amount of water sent through the Facility in each month, and (ii) the total water delivered to each Party for each month. The amount of water delivered to the Authority through each Facility may be adjusted to account for "trade" water. Trade water is a TDS management approach where the Authority will receive treated Aurora Mountain Water in exchange for Aurora taking water from Brighton that would have been delivered to the Authority, but for the TDS concentration.  The "trade water" approach for pricing will have the effect of increasing the amount of flow accounted for in the PWP Treatment Train for the Authority and will allow Aurora Water to recover the additional costs, if any, it incurs to produce water for delivery.

10.3.2.  
Determine   the   Operating   and   Maintenance   Costs   for   Each   Facility.     The Owners will prepare, at their expense, a detailed budget of operating and maintenance expenses anticipated for each Facility for the Delivery Year. Operating and maintenance expenses shall not include any provision for capital expenditures of any kind. All capitalized asset purchases should be reported as additions to the fixed assets as described in Paragraph 10.3.3,   below.

 
 
 

 
10.3.3.  
Update   Fixed   Asset   Register.   The Owner will provide, at their expense, a detailed listing of fixed assets for each Facility that will be updated, current, and audited as of the end of the Owner's financial reporting year immediately preceding the Delivery Year. The fixed asset register will detail the following information for each Facility and will be reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the Government Accounting Standards Board, except in no case will the fixed assets be reported for the purposes of this Agreement using the so-called "Modified Approach" as described under GASB Rule No. 34: (i) Name and description of the asset, (ii) the original acquisition cost of the asset, (iii) the month and year the asset was acquired and physically placed into service, (iv) the estimated useful life of the asset as estimated for accounting purposes using straight line depreciation methods, and (v) the accumulated depreciation for the asset.
 

10.3.4.  
Determine   the   Owners'   Rates   of   Return.     The Owners' rates of return shall be determined each year based on the provisions of Paragraph 5.
 

10.3.5.  
Determine   the   WISE   Raw   Water   Rate.   The WISE Raw Water Rate shall be determined in accordance with Paragraph 7.
 

10.3.6.  
Allocate   the   Costs   of   Service.   The cost-of-service Delivery Rate will be determined as follows:
 

 
10.3.6.1.
Standard Method. The Delivery Rate will be determined by allocating the total costs of the Facilities to the Parties based on the water demands as described in Section 10.3.1;   provided, however, that the following adjustment for water deliveries characterized as less-than-firm or interruptible under this Agreement shall be made: the total costs of the Facilities will be limited to the total costs of providing the average daily demand (ADD) and will exclude any costs associated with the capacity in the Facilities above and beyond that necessary to provide for the ADD (i.e.,   Parties with interruptible deliveries will be allocated 0% of the "Share of Facility Capacity" as that term is used in the Rate Model Report).
 
 
10.3.6.2.
Exceptions. Changes in delivery characteristics, addition of new Facilities, and the ownership structure of new and/or existing Facilities dictate a change in cost allocation methods. Aurora reserves the right to modify the cost allocation methods under such circumstances to reflect the actual delivery characteristics. No changes to the cost allocation methods shall be made without the consent of the Authority which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
 
10.3.7.  
Determine   Rates.   The Delivery Rate will be specific for each Party based on each Party's particular usage of the Facilities.  Rates may include a charge for volume of water delivered, charges for reservations of capacity, or any combination of these based on specific circumstances and characteristics of demand for each Party.
 

 
 
 

 

 
Table 1
 

Facility Name
Description
 
PWP -North Campus
Riverbank filtration wells, aquifer recharge and recovery system, and associated piping
 
PWP -Pumping Stations
Three pump stations along the pipeline from
Brighton to the Binney Water Purification
Facility (Binney)
 
PWP -Pipeline(s)
Pipeline from Brighton to Binney
 
PWP -Treatment (PWP Train)
Binney treatment process for water from Brighton
 
PWP -Treatment (Mountain Train)
Binney treatment process for water from Strontia Springs
 
 
** Infrastructure no longer used to provide WISE Water deliveries shall be deleted.

 

 
 

 
ATTACHMENT D
 
WEST SLOPE CHARGE AGREEMENT
[WISE agreement with Authority]

 

Agreement between Authority, River District and Denver Water.
 
 
1.      Authority agrees to pay into the West Slope Fund the West Slope Charge for each acre­ foot of water provided by Denver Water, as provided in Authority's water supply contract with Denver Water.
 

•  
The West Slope Charge will be 12.5% of the standard nonpotable or potable water rate, as applicable, charged by Denver Water to customers outside its Service Area.
 
•  
Authority agrees that payment of the West Slope Charge is a contractual obligation to the River District, established at the defined percentage. Parties agree that the West Slope Charge is not a cost-based rate, but a contractual obligation, and is not governed by rate provisions in Denver Water's water supply contracts and leases.
 
•  
Authority agrees that nonpayment of the West Slope Charge may constitute breach of this contract and may result in suspension of water deliveries.
 

2.  
Billing and payment
 

•  
Denver Water agrees to be responsible for collection of the West Slope Charge on behalf of the River District.
 
•  
Whenever Denver Water adjusts the rates charged to Authority [usually annually], it will notify the River District in the same manner as it notifies its customers. The River District will respond in writing, requesting that Denver Water be responsible for billing and collection of the specified revised West Slope Charge based on the adjusted rate.
 
•  
Authority will pay the West Slope Charge as part of its payment for water provided.
 
•  
Denver Water will follow its normal procedures for providing notice of nonpayment.
 
•  
Denver Water will transmit the collected West Slope Charge payments to the River District on a regular schedule determined by the payment schedule.
 

3.  
Default for nonpayment
 

•  
If Authority fails to pay the West Slope Charge within the period allowed by Denver Water's normal collection procedures, Denver Water will send a written notice to the River District.
 
•  
The River District will send written notice to Authority, with a copy to Denver Water, of breach of contract for failure to pay the West Slope Charge. The notice of breach shall include a reasonable period during which the Authority may cure the breach.
 
•  
The River District will undertake such measures as it deems necessary to collect the unpaid West Slope Charge.
 
 
 

 
 
 •   If other efforts fail and the River District deems it necessary, the River District will send a notice of proposed suspension of water delivery to the Authority and a notice_ of default to Denver Water requesting that Denver Water suspend delivery of water on a proposed date of suspension, which shall be no less than ten (10) days following the date of the notice.
 
 
•  
If payment is not received prior to the end of the noticed period, Denver Water agrees to suspend deliveries of water as requested by the River District, until such time as the West Slope Charge is paid and the River District requests Denver Water to resume deliveries.
 
•  
Denver Water will not suspend deliveries of water to the Authority unless the written notice of default includes a certification from the River District that it will take full responsibility for any damages to the Authority resulting from suspension of service requested by River District that is later determined to be unlawful or to be invalid by reason of an error committed by the River District, and to hold Denver Water harmless for any such damages and costs incurred by Denver Water, if any, in defending itself. The River District will assume no responsibility for an error committed by Denver Water.
 
4.     Agree to Abstention Provisions and agree to enforce Abstention Provisions against WISE Members, as required in the SM WISE IGA between the Authority and the Members, relevant portions of which are attached.
 
 
 
 


 


Exhibit 10.3
 
 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
WISE Partnership - Water Delivery Agreement between
Denver Water, the City of Aurora, acting by and through its Utility Enterprise, and the
South Metro WISE Authority
 
This Water Delivery Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by the City and County of Denver, acting by and through its Board of Water Commissioners ("Denver Water"), the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise ("Aurora"), and the South Metro WISE Authority  ("Authority") (individually, a "Party" and collectively, the "Parties").
 
Recitals

A.           Denver Water owns and operates a municipal water supply system that provides water to the inhabitants of the City and County of Denver and by contract to certain areas outside the boundaries of the City and County of Denver.
 
B.           Aurora owns and operates a municipal water supply system that provides water for inhabitants of the City of Aurora and by contract to certain areas outside the City of Aurora.
 
C.          The Authority is comprise of ten (10) governmental or quasi-governmental water providers seeking to develop through cooperation between its Members new surface water supplies that will decrease reliance on nontributary groundwater.supplies. The Authority Members are also members of the South Metro Water Supply Authority ("SMWSA").
 
D.          Denver Water and SMWSA entered into an agreement in 1999 to investigate the feasibility of potential future cooperative water operations between the Board and the SMWSA.
 
E.           Denver Water and Aurora entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement dated April 12, 2006, committing to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial arrangements that could include shared use of water resources and water facilities.
 
F.           Denver Water and SMWSA entered into the Pilot Project Agreement dated February 14, 2007, committing to investigate the feasibility of potential future cooperative water operations, water efficiency, and delivery of water to SMWSA.
 
G.           Denver Water, Aurora, and SMWSA previously executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated November 20, 2008, as amended by that certain amendment dated July of 2009, to implement a cooperative study to identify water resources, including infrastructure, that might be available for a joint water supply project to facilitate efficient and cost-effective delivery of water.
 
H.          These combined investigations have shown the potential for regional water resource operations that may significantly benefit all members of the Partnership.
 
I.           These combined investigations have identified both periodic available capacity in Aurora's existing Prairie Waters Project (PWP) and periodic available water supplies that can be utilized by the Authority and Denver Water.
 
 
 
1

 
 
J.            Denver Water and Aurora entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement dated August 16, 2012 that governs their operations under the WISE Project.
 
K.           Denver Water's participation in this Agreement includes providing water from reusable return flows, which originate on the West Slope.  To resolve longstanding disputes with the West Slope, Denver Water has entered into the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement (CRCA), which authorizes use of Denver Water's reusable return flows in the WISE Partnership under certain terms and conditions.
 
L.           The Authority and its Members have entered into the SM WISE IGA defining the Members' participation in the WISE Project.
 
M.          Colorado law, C.R.S. § 29-1-201 et seq., authorizes and encourages local governments to contract with one another to provide any function, service, or facility, including the sharing of costs.  Governments are specifically authorized by C.R.S. §   31-35-402(1)(h) to enter into agreements for planning, construction and operation of water facilities.  All the Parties to this Agreement are political subdivisions of the State of Colorado, and each is authorized to acquire infrastructure and to operate water facilities.
 
N.          The Parties now wish to enter into this Agreement for water deliveries pursuant to the WISE Partnership.  The Parties' intend that this Agreement result in a permanent supply of water to the Authority, subject to this Agreement's terms and conditions.  This Agreement
should be construed in such a manner as to further the Parties' intent.
 
0.            Engineering studies based on historic hydrology have suggested that in the future additional water may be available under the WISE Partnership, assuming significant new infrastructure, and significant additional unused return flows resulting from growth in Denver Water's and Aurora's customer base. While changes in future hydrology, demands, or water administration will affect the volume of potential future deliveries, the Parties intend to cooperate with each other to determine if increased WISE deliveries would be feasible. If the Parties decide that increased WISE Deliveries are in their collective interests, that additional water would be subject to a separate agreement.
 
P.           The Parties are currently negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with Douglas County, Colorado that would create an option for the County to acquire additional deliveries of water under the WISE Project in an amount up to 27,750 AF over a Ten-Year Block, as defined below.  Such deliveries would be provided under terms substantially similar to the terms of this Agreement, and for the purpose of reducing reliance on nonrenewable groundwater by current and future customers within existing service areas in Douglas County.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, Denver Water, Aurora, and the Authority agree as follows:
 
 
 
2

 
 
Article 1
Intent   of   the   WISE   Partnership
 
1.1           The Parties have been engaged in the development of a regional water supply project, now known as the WISE Partnership (WISE).  A fundamental concept of WISE is to reduce the reliance of Authority Members on nonrenewable groundwater and to create a dependable, albeit interruptible, surface water supply for Authority Members.  WISE would accomplish these goals by utilizing the periodic unused or underused capacity in Aurora's PWP, and the construction or acquisition of additional infrastructure, combined with the beneficial use by the Authority of water supplies to be made available by Aurora and Denver Water.  Engineering studies conducted by the Parties have demonstrated a potential for a dependable supply of water for the Authority utilizing such periodic unused capacity and available water supplies.
 
1.2           The Parties have determined that the joint use of infrastructure, the delivery of water, and the financial arrangements in this Agreement will benefit the health, safety and welfare of their respective citizens and customers, enhancing water supplies while minimizing costs.
 
1.3           Denver Water and Aurora acknowledge that the Members of the Authority will depend upon the water deliveries provided under this Agreement to partially meet their future long-term water demands.  The Members of the Authority acknowledge that they cannot rely upon WISE deliveries as their sole source of water supply.  The water supply being made available to the Authority by Aurora and Denver Water is permanent, variable, and interruptible under the conditions described in this Agreement.  The Authority agrees to require the Members to acknowledge in the SM Wise IGA the need to maintain existing water supplies, develop new water supplies, or have adequate storage available to meet their demands when WISE deliveries are interrupted under the terms of this Agreement.
   
Article 2
Definitions
 
" Abstention   P rovisions" shall mean those restrictions on the acquisition of new supplies of water from the Colorado River Basin by the Authority and the Members as set forth in the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement, effective as of the date of this Agreement.
 
" AF " means acre-feet.
 
" Authority   Service   A rea" means the aggregate water delivery service area within Douglas County and Arapahoe County to which the Members are authorized to provide water service.  The Authority Service Area within Douglas County and Arapahoe County may be modified through inclusion, annexation, or contract in the future.  Any expansion of the Authority Service Area beyond Douglas County and/or Arapahoe County is subject to the prior written approval of the Parties.
 
" Binney P lant " shall mean the Binney Water Purification Facility located north of the Aurora Reservoir.
 
" Binney   Plant   C onnection" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3.3.4.
 
 
 
3

 
 
" Colorado   River   Cooperative   A greement " or " CRCA " shall have the meaning set forth in Recital K of this Agreement.
 
" Corps " shall mean the United States Army Corps of Engineers. " Delivery   L ocation " shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 4.1.1.
 
" Delivery   L ocation " shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 4.1.1.
 
" Delivery Obligation " shall mean a minimum delivery of 72,250 AF of water over each Ten­ Year Block.
 
" Delivery   Y ear" means each 12-month period beginning June 1 and ending the following May 31.
 
" DIA C onnection " means that interconnection between Denver Water's treated distribution system near the Denver International Airport and Aurora's PWP as described in Attachment B.
 
" DIA   Connection   F ee" means the payment made by the Authority to Denver Water pursuant to Paragraph  3.3.1.
 
" Dominion   A greement" means that certain Intergovernmental  Agreement for Temporary Lease of Water between Aurora and Dominion Water &   Sanitation District dated July 30, 2012 or any subsequent agreement(s) for delivery to Dominion at an alternative point of delivery.
 
" ECCV " means the East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District.
 
" ECCV Western   L ine" means the 48"-54" pipeline owned by ECCV that runs from the vicinity of E-470 and Smoky Hill Road south and west along E-470/C-470 to the vicinity of E-470 and University  Boulevard.
 
" Effective   D ate " shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 5.30.
 
" Joint   Advisory   C ommittee " shall mean that certain advisory committee formed by the Parties pursuant to Paragraph 5.1.
 
" M ember " means a member of the Authority. At the time of execution of this Agreement, the Members are as follows:
 
  Town of Castle Rock
 
Dominion Water &   Sanitation District
 
Stonegate Village Metropolitan District
 
Cottonwood Water &   Sanitation District
 
Denver Southeast Suburban Water & Sanitation District (a/k/a Pinery Water and Wastewater District)
 
Centennial Water &   Sanitation District
 
Rangeview Metropolitan District
 
Parker Water &   Sanitation District
 
Meridian Metropolitan District
 
Inverness Water &   Sanitation District
 
 
 
4

 

" MGD " means million gallons per day.
 
" Master   M eter" shall refer to the primary meter through which deliveries are made to the Authority; during the Phase In   Period, through the Temporary Interconnect and thereafter through the Binney Plant Connection.
 
" Minimum  P ayment " shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3.5.3.
 
" Offered Delivery   A mount " means the volume and flow rate of water offered by Denver Water and Aurora to the Authority at the Delivery Location(s) subject to the delivery volume and flow rate parameters set forth in Paragraph 3.4.
 
" Phase   In   P eriod " means the period between the completion of the Temporary Interconnect and May 31, 2021.
 
" Prairie   Waters   Pro j ect " or " PWP " means the water collection, conveyance, storage and treatment system owned and operated by Aurora that delivers water from the South Platte River north of Denver to and including the Binney Plant.
 
" SM WISE   I GA " means the "South Metro WISE Authority Formation and Organizational Intergovernmental  Agreement" executed by the Members.
 
" Temporary I nterconnect " shall mean the connection between the Aurora treated distribution system and the Western Pipeline as described in Paragraph 3.2.2.
 
" T DS " means " Total   Dissolved   S olids " as set forth in Paragraph 3.6.2. " TDS   C ommitment" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3.6.2.
 
" Ten-Year   B lock " means successive ten-year periods, starting with the ten-year period of June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2031, and continuing for subsequent consecutive ten-year periods.
 
" Total   Actual C ost " means the total cost of the land acquisition, design, permitting, construction, and related expenses of the DIA Connection.
 
" Water Infrastructure  and Supply Efficiency Partnership " or " WISE Partnership " or "WISE Project" or " WISE ", as identified under Article  1, refers to the cooperative water supply effort by Aurora, Denver Water, and the Authority to develop efficient and cost effective water pursuant to this Agreement.
 
" Western P ipeline " means a pipeline capable of delivering water from the Master Meter to the Authority.
 
" West Slope   Charge   A greement " shall mean an agreement between the Authority and the Colorado River Water Conservation District in substantially the form of Attachment D, the purpose of which is set forth in Paragraph 4.4.1.
 
 
 
5

 
 
Article   3
Water   Supply
 
 
3.1            Volume   of   W ater . Aurora and Denver Water agree to make available for delivery to the Authority a minimum amount of 72,250 acre-feet (AF) of water over each Ten-Year Block, an average of 7,225 AF per year ("Delivery Obligation"). Delivery of the full 7,225 AF on an annual average will be phased in over the Phase In Period, as described in Paragraph 3.4. Water deliveries in a particular Delivery Year will be governed by the parameters in Paragraph 3.4.
 
3.2            Infrastructure Necessary to Commence Deliveries .  In order for any water to be delivered from the PWP to the Authority additional infrastructure must be constructed or acquired by the Parties.
 
3.2.l            Western Pipeline . Additional infrastructure will include either the ECCV Western Pipeline or an alternate Western Pipeline.  Denver Water and the Authority shall cooperate and coordinate the planning, design, cost-sharing, construction and operation of the Western Pipeline under the terms of a separate agreement.
 
3.2.2            Construction of the Temporary Interconnect .  The Authority is responsible, at its own cost and expense, for the design and construction of the Temporary Interconnect including acquiring all necessary permits and third party approvals.  The Authority's design and construction of the Temporary Interconnect and the location of the same shall be subject to the specifications, approval and acceptance of Aurora. Upon completion and Aurora's acceptance of the Temporary Interconnect, the Authority shall convey to Aurora those portions of the Temporary Interconnect (and easements as necessary) upstream of the isolation valve (downstream of the meter vault) free of all liens and encumbrances that impair the maintenance, operation or control of the Temporary Interconnect and with a one year warranty.  Aurora will thereafter own, maintain, operate and control those portions of the Temporary Interconnect conveyed by the Authority with associated maintenance or replacement costs to be borne by Aurora.
 
3.2.3            Authority   I nfrastructure .  Any additional infrastructure necessary for Authority Members to take delivery of water from the Western Pipeline is the responsibility of the Authority and shall not be included as WISE Facilities described in Attachment C.
 
3.3            DIA Connection .   In   order for Denver Water and Aurora to begin delivery of the full annual average of 7,225 AF, the DIA Connection will be required.  Denver Water agrees to complete construction of the DIA Connection on or before May 31, 2020, unless the Parties mutually agree to a different date.  Denver Water shall provide to the Authority updates on construction progress on an annual basis.  Denver Water will own and operate the DIA Connection.
 
 
 
6

 
 
3.3.l            Payment   of   DIA   Connection   F ee .  The Authority will pay to Denver Water the fee described below for the construction of the DIA Connection.  The first payment of $882,052 will be due sixty days after the date when the last of the contingencies defined in Paragraph 5.30 has been met.
 
 
Date Due
Payment Due
 
 
see above
$              882,052
 
     
11/15/2015
$               705,642
 
1/15/2016
$               882,052
 
1/15/2017
$            1,146,668
 
11/15/2018
$            1,146,668
 
11/15/2019
$            1,146,668
 
11/15/2020
$            1,146,668
 
 
The DIA Connection Fee payments are based on the current estimated cost of constructing the DIA Connection. The infrastructure costs include all design, engineering, permitting, land acquisition, and related expenses.   In   the event of termination of this Agreement due to a default by the Authority, there shall be no return of any DIA Connection Fee payments made prior to such default.
 
3.3.2            Reconciliation of   the   DIA   Connection   Fee   P ayments.  The DIA Connection Fee payments identified in Paragraph 3.3.l represent the Authority's share of the estimated cost of the DIA Connection.   Should the Total Actual Cost of construction of the DIA connection by Denver Water be greater than the DIA Connection Fee, the Authority shall pay the remainder due on or before July 1, 2020, as provided for under Attachment B.  Should the Total Actual Cost of the DIA Connection be less than the DIA Connection Fee, the Authority shall be refunded the overpayment by Denver on or before July 1, 2020.  In any event, the Authority shall be provided copies of all invoices associated with the DIA Connection construction and any calculations performed by Denver Water in determining the respective balances or credits due.
 
3.3.3            Permits.   Easements   and   A pprovals . The Parties agree to cooperate to obtain such easements, approvals and permits as are necessary for: (i) the construction of the DIA Connection and the Temporary Interconnect; (ii) any other infrastructure reasonably necessary to fulfill the terms of this Agreement, and (iii) the storage of WISE water in Rueter-Hess Reservoir.
 
3.3.4           The Authority is responsible for the construction by May 31, 2021, of any infrastructure necessary to convey and use water delivered from the Binney Plant to the Western Pipeline ("Binney Plant Connection").  Use of this Binney Plant Connection for water deliveries to the Authority is governed by this Agreement.  The Authority's design and construction of the Binney Plant Connection will be subject to the same terms and conditions controlling its design and construction of the Temporary Interconnect except that the portion of the Binney Plan Connection that will be conveyed to Aurora shall consist of all components upstream of the Master Meter.  When water deliveries are interrupted due to Denver Water's need to make use of its supplies, Denver Water will need to use the Binney Plant Connection. On such occasions, and subject to all delivery terms in this Agreement, Denver Water will have the first use of the Binney Plant Connection, and will compensate the Authority for its costs, including O&M and a capital recovery charge, based upon AWWA utility rate setting and cost-of-service principles.
 
 
 
7

 
 
 
 
3.4
Water   D eliveries .
 
3.4.1            Deliverv P hase-in .  During the Phase In Period, Aurora and Denver Water will make available 5,000 AF annually as a guaranteed minimum delivery.  Deliveries in excess of the 5,000 AF will be offered on an as-available basis.  The Authority, subject to the Minimum Payment obligations under Paragraph 3.5.3, will determine, at its sole discretion, whether to take such deliveries.
 
3.4.2           Post May 31, 2021 D eliveries. Beginning June 1, 2021, Aurora and Denver Water will offer for delivery to the Authority a minimum of 72,250 AF of water over a Ten-Year Block. The Offered Delivery Amount will be calculated retrospectively on the basis of the daily offered flow rate and will be credited towards the Delivery Obligation.
 
3.4.3            Maximum   and   Minimum   Offered   Delivery   A mount .   In   any particular year, the Offered Delivery Amount will depend on hydrology and infrastructure constraints.  However, the Offered Delivery Amount volume shall not be required to be more than in Paragraph 3.4.3(a) nor less than the minimums in Paragraph 3.4.3(b).
 
(a)               Maximum   Offered   Delivery   A mount .  Beginning June 1, 2021, the maximum Offered Delivery Amount shall be as follows:
 
 
no more than 18,063 AF of water in any single Delivery Year,
 
no more than 32,513 AF of water in any two Delivery Year period,
 
no more than 43,350 AF of water in any three Delivery Year period,
 
no more than 54,188 AF of water in any four Delivery Year period, and
 
no more than 65,025 AF of water in any five Delivery Year period.
 
(b)              Minimum Offered Delivery Amount .  Beginning June 1, 2021, the minimum Offered Delivery Amount will be as follows, without regard to Ten-Year Blocks (i.e., within or between Ten-Year Blocks):
 
 
no minimum delivery for any single year,
 
no more than 24 consecutive months with no deliveries,
 
no less than 1,806 AF in any consecutive 36 month period,
 
no less than 3,613 AF in any consecutive 48 month period,
 
no less than 7,225 AF in any consecutive 60 month period,
 
no less than 21,675 AF in any consecutive 120 month period.
 
3.4.4            Available   Delivery   Flow   R ate .  Aurora will determine the available delivery flow rate in coordination with Denver Water and the Authority.  Absent agreement by the Authority, the maximum available delivery rate during the Phase In Period will be 15 MGD.  Thereafter the maximum available delivery rate will be 22 MGD. Absent agreement by the Authority, Aurora may change the available delivery rate by no more than 7 MGD (5 MGD during the Phase In Period) and no more often than once per 24 hour period. Aurora shall provide 24 hour notice to the Authority for any delivery rate change, unless the change is caused by a power outage or other unforeseen operational upset, in which case Aurora will notify the Authority as soon as possible.
 
 
 
8

 
 
3.4.5            Excess Deliveries .  Water in excess of the Maximum Offered Delivery Amount in Paragraph 3.4.3a or in excess of 22 MGD will be offered for delivery on an as available basis. The Authority will determine, at its sole discretion, whether to take such excess deliveries.  Any such excess deliveries shall not be credited towards the Delivery Obligation or the Offered Delivery Amounts set forth in Paragraph 3.4.3.
 
3.4.6            Modifications of Offered Delivery Amounts .  The above minimum and maximum Offered Delivery Amounts from Denver Water and Aurora may be modified upon agreement, in writing, of all the Parties based upon future hydrologic determinations, infrastructure decisions, or other pertinent factors, without the need to modify the remainder of this Agreement or execute a new agreement.
 
3.4.7            Distribution of the Offered Delivery Amount Over the Delivery Year .  Aurora will determine the monthly timing, volume, and flow rate of deliveries in coordination with Denver Water and the Authority.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Aurora shall maintain the Offered Delivery Amount in any given year within the parameters of the table below, with the actual Offered Delivery Amount based on water availability, subject to the minimum deliveries in Paragraph 3.4.3(b).  While deliveries are being made, Aurora shall provide the following to the Authority on a daily basis (or other interval agreed to by the Parties' operating representatives):
 
 
(i)
Notice of changes to the Offered Delivery Amount, if any;
 
 
(ii)
The amount of the Offered Delivery Amount taken;
 
 
(iii)
The amount of excess deliveries to the Authority pursuant to Paragraph 3.4.5, if any.
 
The above information shall be provided to the Authority via e-mail or other mutually acceptable means of communication.
 
(a)           Phase-In Distribution. During the Phase In Period the distribution of the Offered Delivery Amount over any Delivery Year will be made within the following parameters (unless otherwise agreed to by all Parties):
 
 
   
Jun-Sep
Oct-Jan
Feb-May
 
 
Maximum
50.0%
65.0%
65.0%
 
 
Minimum
10.0%
25.0%
25.0%
 
 
 
 
9

 
 
(b)            Distribution Above 7,225 AF .  Commencing on June 1, 2021, in years where the Offered Delivery Amount over any Delivery Year is at or above 7,225 AF, the distribution of the Offered Delivery Amount over any Delivery Year will be made within the following parameters (unless otherwise agreed to by all Parties):
 

   
Jun-Sep
Oct-Jan
Feb-May
 
 
Maximum
75.0%
60.0%
50.0%
 
 
Minimum
10.0%
10.0%
5.0%
 
 
(c)            Distribution Below 7,225 A F. Commencing on June 1, 2021, in years where the Offered Delivery Amount  over any Delivery Year is less than 7,225 AF, the maximum amount of the Offered Delivery Amount   in any seasonal period is as follows (unless agreed to by all Parties ):

   
Jun-Sep
Oct-Jan
Feb-May
 
 
Maximum
5,419 AF
4,335 AF
3,613 AF
 
 
                   3.4.8            Good Faith . Though the bullets in Paragraph 3.4.3 and the charts in Paragraph 3.4.7 represent the minimum and maximum allowable distribution of the Offered Delivery Amount, the Parties acknowledge that hydrologic conditions and infrastructure capacity will dictate the amount of water actually made available within the identified range of possible annual deliveries, subject to the minimums in Paragraph 3.4.3(b).  Denver Water and Aurora agree to act in good faith to make water available to the Authority on a schedule which accommodates the Authority's needs subject to such constraints.  The Parties further acknowledge that storage developed by the Authority, either surface or sub-surface, can be utilized to manage seasonal distributions in a more beneficial manner.
 
 
3.5
Charges   for   Water .
 
3.5.1            Basis   for   C harges .  Pricing for water provided under this Agreement shall be based upon Attachment C and this Paragraph.  The pricing methodology in Attachment C takes into account the cost of water and infrastructure contributed by each Party and the actual cost of system operation to a specified delivery location.  The rate for water delivered under this Agreement shall be calculated for delivery at the Binney Plant (the "Delivery Rate").  The Delivery Rate for 2013 is $5.50 per thousand gallons of water and shall apply to all water regardless of the Delivery Location.   In   addition to the Delivery Rate, Aurora will charge and the Authority shall pay a conveyance fee for water provided under this Agreement delivered to the Temporary Interconnect.  (the "Conveyance Fee").  The Conveyance Fee is the sum of the incremental energy costs incurred by Aurora associated with the conveyance of water delivered under this Agreement between the Binney Plant and the Temporary Interconnect.  The Conveyance Fee shall be payable on the same terms and conditions as the Delivery Rate charge.
 
3.5.2            Modification   of   C harges.  Charges may be increased based on the WISE Raw Water Rate and/or on an update to the cost of service model, incorporating capital and operational costs following the utility basis for ratemaking prescribed in Attachment C.  Aurora shall provide notice to the Authority of any proposed rate adjustment prior to October 1, and the Authority shall have the opportunity to comment on the proposal prior to the effective date of the rate on January 1 of the following year.
 
 
 
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                      3.5.3            Minimum Payment .  In recognition that Aurora and Denver Water will reserve for the Authority the volumes of water described in this Article 3, the Authority agrees to make minimum payments (each a "Minimum Payment") as described in this Paragraph 3.5.3.  Aurora shall bill the Authority for the Minimum Payment at the end of each applicable Delivery Year, and the Authority shall pay such invoices in the manner described in Paragraph 4.7.
 
(a)                Phase In Period Deliveries .  Beginning with the 2017-2018 Delivery Year, regardless of whether the Phase In Period has commenced, if the Authority takes delivery of less than the amount of water listed in the following table, the Authority shall pay a Minimum Payment equivalent to the then-current rate established under Paragraph 3 .5.1   times the difference between the amount listed in the table and the amount delivered to the Authority during the Delivery Year.
 
     
 
Delivery   Year
 
Minimum Payment
Amount   (AF/yr)
6/112017-5/31/2018   1,500
6/112018-5/31/2019   2,500
6/1/2019-5/31/2020   3,500
6/1/2020-5/31/2021   5,000
 
(b)            Full   D eliveries .  Beginning with full deliveries after June 1, 2021, as described in Paragraph 3.4.2, the Minimum Payment will be calculated based on 7,225 AF of water, or the Offered Delivery Amount in the applicable Delivery Year, whichever is less. The Authority shall pay a Minimum Payment equivalent to the then-current rate established under Paragraph 3.5.l times the difference between the amount of water delivered to the Authority during the Delivery Year and: (1) 7,225 AF; or (2) the Offered Delivery Amount, whichever is less. Once the Authority has paid for 72,250 AF during any Ten-Year Block, no further Minimum Payment will be required for that Ten-Year Block.
 
(c)            Exceptions   to   Minimum   P ayment .  The Minimum Payment shall not apply to: (i) any amount of the Offered Delivery Amount not delivered due to an outage of infrastructure necessary to deliver water to one or more Members, if such outage is caused by a factor outside the reasonable control of the Authority or Members; (ii) any water made available for delivery at a flow rate in excess of maximum delivery rates defined in Paragraph 3.4.4 that is declined by  the Authority; and (ii i )   prior to June 1, 2030, any water containing TDS levels higher than 500 mg/I that is declined by the Authority under Paragraph 3.6.2

 
3.6
Water   Q uality .
 
                  3.6.1            Compliance with Drinking Water Standards .  Aurora will supply to the Authority at the Master Meter water that meets all state and federal safe drinking water regulatory requirements as such may exist now or in the future, subject to the qualification on TDS provided in Paragraph 3.6.2.  The Authority is solely responsible for maintaining compliance with drinking water standards beyond the Master Meter and requiring the Members to ensure that water delivered under this Agreement is compatible with the other water supplied by the Members.
 
 
 
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3.6.2           Total Dissolved Solids .  Primary drinking water standards have not been established for IDS; the current secondary standard is 500 mg/I.  Unless the Authority agrees otherwise, for the period through May 31, 2030, Aurora will provide to the Authority water at the Master Meter that has a IDS level no greater than that provided to Aurora's own customers from the Binney Plant (the "IDS Commitment").   Ifthe IDS level at the Master Meter exceeds the secondary standard of 500 mg/I, Aurora will notify the Authority and the Authority may decline deliveries.  Until May 31, 2030, any declined water above 500 mg/I IDS will not count toward the Delivery Obligation described in Paragraph 3.1.  There is no guarantee of a maximum IDS concentration beyond May 31, 2030, regardless of whether a primary IDS drinking water standard has been established, and accordingly, the IDS Commitment expires on May 31, 2030.
 
                3.6.3            Disinfection .  Currently, the water to be supplied to the Authority at the Master Meter is disinfected with Chloramines.  Aurora agrees to consult with the other Parties prior to a change in the disinfection method.  The Authority is solely responsible for making this water compatible with the other water supplies of its Members.
 
                3.6.4            Master Meter Deliveries . The water quality standards and the IDS Commitment set forth in this Agreement apply only to water delivered at the Master Meter and shall not apply to water delivered at any Delivery Location that is not a Master Meter.
 
                3.6.5            Future IDS Management .   The Parties acknowledge that at some point in the future, currently estimated to be 2030, Denver Water and Aurora's own demands for more capacity and more blend water will result in an inability to offer deliveries at the IDS concentrations in Paragraph 3.6.2, once the IDS Commitment has expired.  The resolution to this IDS issue could involve: (a) reverse osmosis (RO) or other equivalent treatment technologies; (b) the development of additional blending water supplies; or (c) acceptance of deliveries of unblended, higher IDS water.   In an attempt to maintain IDS levels at the limits set in Paragraph 3.6.2, and to increase deliveries in future phases, the Parties agree to evaluate the resolution of this IDS issue at the bi-annual delivery meetings established in Paragraph 4.1.5, beginning in 2022.  Unless the Authority chooses to receive unblended water once the aforementioned capacities are reached and the IDS Commitment has expired, the Authority shall develop and implement a schedule for the timely construction of any facilities and/or acquisition of any blend water supplies determined to be necessary in order to maintain the IDS levels in Paragraph 3.6.2, for the Delivery Obligation or for any expanded deliveries beyond that amount that may be available.
                3.6.6            Implementation  of IDS Management Solution .  The details governing the implementation of the agreed upon IDS management solution will be the subject of a separate supplemental agreement.  Absent the execution of such a supplemental agreement, the provisions of Paragraph 3.6.2 and 3.5.3(c)(iii) will no longer be effective and unblended water will be provided under Article 3.

 
 
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Article 4
Operations
 
4.1
D eliveries to the Authority .
 
4.1.1            Delivery   L ocation .  The "Delivery Location" shall mean, collectively, the Master Meter and any other points of delivery of water to the Authority under this Agreement as provided for under this Paragraph.  The initial primary point of delivery to the Authority for purposes of delivery under Paragraph 3.4.1 will be through a Master Meter to be installed at the Temporary Interconnect.   Commencing June 1, 2021, the point of delivery to the Authority will be through a Master Meter at the Binney Plant Connection.  Alternative points of delivery may be used with the mutual consent of the Parties.
 
(a)          The Parties acknowledge that, due to geographic considerations, Member Rangeview Metropolitan District ("Rangeview") may receive water deliveries at an alternate location at or near the Binney Plant and on terms mutually acceptable to Rangeview, Aurora and Denver Water.
 
(b)          The Parties further acknowledge that due to geographic considerations and the timing of infrastructure construction, Member Dominion Water and Sanitation District ("Dominion") may receive water deliveries at an alternate location pursuant to the terms of the Dominion Agreement.  Water delivered under the Dominion Agreement shall not be assignable to any other Member.
 
4.1.2            Use   of   Third   Party   I nfrastructure .  Water supplies owned by Denver Water and Aurora will not be delivered to the Authority through any third party infrastructure located upstream of the Master Meter absent mutual agreement by the Parties.
 
4.1.3            Other   Water   Owned   by   the   A uthority . Upon written request, Aurora may, at its sole discretion, agree to collect, transport, and treat other water owned by the Authority or its Members, based on the terms of a separate agreement.
 
4.1.4            Reusable S upplies .  Denver Water and Aurora intend to provide potable water from reusable supplies.  In   the event that Denver Water or Aurora provides any single-use water due to an adverse judicial or administrative determination, the Parties agree to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution to the Authority's use of non-reusable supplies.
 
4.1.5            Delivery   Year   S chedule .  The Parties will meet no later than May 1 of each year to discuss the tentative volumes and anticipated delivery amounts and flow rates that may be available in the upcoming Delivery Year, and to schedule estimated deliveries for June through August, and meet in August to discuss the tentative schedule for September through May estimated deliveries, with additional meetings on an as needed basis. The Authority may provide a desired delivery schedule in advance of any such meetings for consideration and discussion.
 
                     4.2              Deliveries to Authority Members .  The Authority is responsible for deliveries to individual Members beyond the Master Meter, including the construction of any additional infrastructure, as necessary.  Members are responsible to develop whatever individual infrastructure and connections are necessary to take delivery from the Authority's infrastructure and any other Delivery Locations, and are responsible for maintenance of such individual infrastructure.   It   will be the sole obligation of the Authority to identify and respond to the individual water demands of the Members.  The Authority will determine in its sole discretion the allocation of water delivered by Denver Water and Aurora through the Master Meter.  The Authority will provide annual accounting to Aurora and Denver Water of water deliveries to the Members.
 
 
 
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4.3            Use   and   Reuse   of   W ater.  The Authority and the Members shall be entitled to use and reuse to extinction the return flows from reusable supplies; provided, however, that should the Authority or the Members be unable to reuse such supplies or voluntarily choose not to do so, the Authority or the Members may contract for other Members to do so.  Nothing herein shall preclude the ability of Denver Water or Aurora to lawfully recapture and reuse water not reused and recaptured by the Authority or the Members.  The Authority will make best efforts to notify Denver Water and Aurora in a timely manner when unused return flows from WISE deliveries are available.
 
4.4           As a condition of using Denver Water's reusable water, the Authority and the Members receiving water must comply with the following provisions in the CRCA. These provisions of the CRCA apply only to Members of the Authority.
 
4.4.l            West   Slope   C harge .  The Authority, on behalf of the Members, shall enter into a West Slope Charge Agreement containing the provisions described in Attachment D.  The WISE Raw Water Rate, as defined in Attachment C, includes a charge sufficient to satisfy the Authority's obligation under the West Slope Charge Agreement.
 
(a)           Denver will transmit West Slope Charge payments to the Colorado River Water Conservation District on behalf of the Authority in accordance with the West Slope Charge Agreement, and will provide regular statements of such payments to the Authority.
 
(b)           Aurora shall be entitled to retain the entirety of the WISE Raw Water Rate attributable to water delivered by Aurora under this Agreement, notwithstanding that such water is not subject to the West Slope Charge Agreement.
 
4.4.2            Restriction   on   Seeking   New   Supplies   from   the   Colorado   River   B asin . Members must comply with the following Abstention Provisions, which are defined in Article VIII of the CRCA. The Abstention Provisions, by their terms, do not apply to any potential project whose diversions would occur only outside the State of Colorado.
 
(a)           Abstain permanently from pursuing or participating in any project that would result in any new depletion from the Colorado River and its tributaries above the confluence with the Gunnison River, including without limitation the Eagle River (with the exception of the Eagle River MOU for Aurora and the Upper Colorado Cooperative Project).  Pursuing or participating in a project means seeking formal approval of any aspect of a project in a regulatory or judicial forum, but does not include conducting various planning activities such as feasibility studies.
 
 
 
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(b)           Abstain from pursuing or participating in any project that would result in diversions from the Colorado River Basin within Water Divisions Nos. 4 and 6, or downstream from the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers in Water Division No. 5 for a period of 25 years.  Pursuing or participating in a project means seeking formal approval of any aspect of a project in a regulatory or judicial forum, but does not include conducting various planning activities such as feasibility studies.  This abstention period would be reduced to 15 years if, within the first ten (10) years following execution of this Agreement, the NEPA permitting process for the Upper Colorado Cooperative Project has not been initiated.  If   construction of a cooperative project commences within 20 years from the date of this Agreement, then the  abstention period under this Paragraph would be extended for an additional ten (10) years (a total of 35 years).
 
4.4.3            Conservation   and   R euse .  The Authority and Members must comply with the following provisions of the CRCA, Articles I.B.4(c) and I.B.4(d), respectively.
 
(a)            Reuse   of   W ater .  The Members receiving WISE water must maximize, using best efforts, the reuse or successive use of the reusable water provided to them.
 
(b)            Conservation   P lan . The Members receiving WISE water must adopt and implement a conservation plan that would achieve results similar or proportionately the same as Denver Water's.
 
4.4.4            E xpectations .  As contemplated by Paragraphs 4.1.4 and 4.4, the Parties expect that reusable water will be delivered under this Agreement and that the water will be used and reused to extinction using best economically feasible efforts.  The Parties believe that Members who are implementing a State-approved conservation plan will satisfy the conservation plan requirement.
 
4.5            Use   of   W ater .  Water delivered to the Authority under this Agreement shall be decreed for municipal use.  The Authority agrees to use the water delivered in a manner consistent with Denver Water's and Aurora's water right decrees.  Denver and Aurora represent that they have no knowledge of any restrictions on any of their water rights decrees that would prohibit or limit the use of the water delivered for municipal uses within the Authority Service Area.  Deliveries from Denver Water and Aurora may not be used for agricultural uses.
 
4.6            Location   of   U se . Use of water provided to the Authority pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited to the Authority Service Area. Use of the water supplied under this Agreement outside of the Authority Service Area is prohibited.
 
4.7
Billing   and   P ayment .
 
4.7.1           Aurora shall bill the Authority each month for any water delivered under this Agreement during the preceding month.  Each monthly invoice shall establish the actual amount of water delivered during such period and the Offered Delivery Amount for the same period.
 
4.7.2           Aurora shall bill the Authority at the end of each Delivery Year for the applicable Minimum Payment, if any, owing with respect to such Delivery Year.
 
 
 
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4.7.3           The Authority shall pay all such invoices within forty-five (45) days ofreceipt. All late payments shall be subject to a late fee of 5% of the amount due per month, up to a maximum of 25%.
 
 
 
4.8
Operating Representatives .
For purposes of this Agreement the Parties' representatives shall be:
 
  For Denver Water: Director of Planning
   
Denver Water Department
1600 W. 12th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204-3412
     
  For Aurora:
Deputy Director, Water Resources
Aurora Water
   
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, #3600
Aurora, CO 80012
     
  For the Authority: Executive Director
    South Metro WISE Authority
   
8400 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 1500
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
 
Article   5
General   Provisions
 
5.1            Joint   Advisory   C ommittee.  Each Party shall appoint one or two members to a Joint Advisory Committee, which shall meet as often as determined necessary, but no less than two times a year, in order to discuss any issues or concerns arising in the implementation of this Agreement.
 
5.2            A ssignment .  Following prior written notice to and approval by Denver Water and Aurora, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or denied, the Authority may assign this Agreement to another newly created Title 29 or Tile 32 governmental entity that is made up of all or substantially all of the Members.  With the exception of the foregoing, no right hereunder shall be assigned by any of the Parties, without prior written consent from all Parties.
 
5.3            No Operating Obligation . Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed as creating any obligation on Aurora or Denver Water to operate its facilities in any particular manner, so long as Aurora and Denver Water comply with the express terms of this Agreement.
 
5.4            Indemnity . To the extent it lawfully may, the Authority shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, Aurora and Denver Water, their officers, agents, and employees against any liability, loss, damage, demand, action, or cause of action by a third party which may occur as a result of the physical delivery of water, commencing at the Delivery Location, by Aurora and Denver Water under this Agreement, except as to any portion of negligence judicially determined to be caused by Aurora or Denver Water. This includes but is not limited to, any damages, including any special, indirect, consequential and punitive damages which may result from the transportation of water under this Agreement by means of any water carriage facilities after the Delivery Location.  No provision of this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver or release of the immunities, limitations, or defenses afforded to the Authority, Aurora or Denver Water under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.
 
 
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5.5            Amendments .  Amendments to this Agreement shall only be effective if entered into with the same formality as this Agreement and approved by all Parties.
 
5.6            Denver   C harter .  This Agreement is made under and conforms to the provisions of Article X of the Charter of the City and County of Denver, which controls the operation of the Denver Municipal Water System.  This Agreement involves the use of water outside the territorial limits of the City and County of Denver.  The Denver Charter provides that "the Board shall have power to lease water and water rights for use outside the territorial limits of the City and County of Denver, but such leases shall provide for limitation of delivery of water to whatever extent may be necessary to enable the Board to provide an adequate supply of water to the people of Denver ..."  The extent to which limitation of water delivery outside Denver may be necessary to enable the Board to provide an adequate supply of water to the people of Denver is a fact to be determined by the Denver Water Board in the exercise of its reasonable discretion. The Board has determined that the interruptible nature of the water deliveries under this Agreement and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement is sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water inside Denver.  This Agreement shall not be construed or implemented in such a way as to impair Denver Water's obligations to provide water within its Combined Service Area.
 
5.7            Sole   Obligation   of   Aurora   Utility   E nterprise . This Agreement is made pursuant and conforms to the provisions of the Charter of the City of Aurora, Colorado, which controls the operations of the Utility Enterprise for the City of Aurora. The obligations of Aurora under this Agreement are the sole obligations of the City of Aurora acting by and through its Utility Enterprise and, as such, shall not constitute a general obligation or other indebtedness of the City of Aurora or a multiple fiscal year direct or indirect debt or other financial obligation whatsoever of the City of Aurora within the meaning of any constitutional, statutory, or charter limitation. In   the event of default by Aurora or failure to meet any of its obligations under the terms of this Agreement, the other Parties hereto shall have no recourse to any revenues of the City of Aurora except for the net revenues of the water utility system available therefore in the City of Aurora Utility Enterprise water fund, or any successor enterprise fund, and remaining after payment of all expenses relating to the operation and maintenance and periodic payments on bonds, loans and other obligations of the City acting by and through it Utility Enterprise.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as creating a lien upon any revenues of the Utility Enterprise or the City.  Aurora has determined that the interruptible nature of the water deliveries under this Agreement and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement are sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water inside Aurora.
 
5.8            Joint and Several Obligations .  The obligations by Denver Water and Aurora under this Agreement shall be joint and several.
 
 
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5.9 No Remedy Against non-Parties . Except as provided in Paragraph 5.17, the Parties to this Agreement may seek remedies under this Agreement only against each other, and not against third parties.
 
5.10 Venue and Governing L aw. Venue for resolution of any dispute resulting in litigation shall be the Colorado District Court for the county in which any defendant resides. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Colorado.
 
5.11 Waiver of Rights . The failure of any Party to exercise any right under this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of such Party's right and shall not affect the right of such Party to exercise at some future time the right or rights or any other right it may have under this Agreement.
 
5.12 Captions . The captions in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not define or limit any of its terms or provisions.
 
5.13 Failure to Perform Due to Force M ajeure. No Party to this Agreement shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform due solely to conditions or events of force majeure, as that term is defined in this Paragraph; provided that: (i) the non-performing Party gives each other Party prompt written notice describing the particulars of the force majeure; (ii) the suspension of performance is of no greater scope and of no longer duration than required by the force majeure event or condition; and (iii) the non-performing Party proceeds with reasonable diligence to remedy its inability to perform and provides weekly progress reports to the other Parties describing the remedial actions taken. In the case of a force majeure event, the Parties shall meet and agree, in writing, upon an appropriate modification of obligations identified herein, with specific reference to water delivery obligations, so as to address the unanticipated conditions associated with such event. As used in this Paragraph, force majeure shall mean any delay or failure of a Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement caused by events beyond the Party's reasonable control and without the fault or negligence of the Party, including, without limitation (a) acts of God, (b) sudden actions of the elements such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes, (c) sabotage, (d) vandalism beyond that which can be reasonably prevented by the Party, (e) terrorism, (f) war, (g) riots, (h) fire, (i) explosion, G) blockades, (k) insurrection, or (1) strike, slow down or labor disruptions (even if such difficulties could be resolved by conceding to the demands of a labor group). Provided that hydrological change is addressed in 5.14.
 
5.13.1 Subordination C lause. In the event of a force majeure event or condition as described above in Paragraph 5.13, until the event or condition is resolved, this Agreement shall be made expressly subordinate to any present or future use of water supply for municipal purposes within the service territories of Aurora or Denver Water or to meet contracted water delivery obligations of Aurora or Denver Water existing prior to the execution of this Agreement.
 
5.13.2 Cooperation under Force M ajeure. Should there be evidence of force majeure that may affect, or has affected, the ability of any of the Parties to meet their obligations under this Agreement, the Parties agree to meet and negotiate in good faith any modifications to this Agreement to ensure a reasonable and coordinated response to such force majeure with the goal of forestalling the need for a force majeure declaration.
 
 
 
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5.14            Hydrologic   C hange .  The Parties acknowledge that the WISE Project, and deliveries under this Agreement, are based on surface water supplies that are variable to the extent described in this Agreement.  The Parties have undertaken engineering studies based on observed historical hydrology that suggest these supplies will continue, and may increase in the future. Should future hydrology change such that there are demonstrably and significantly less water supplies available than expected at the time of the execution of this Agreement, the Parties agree to cooperate in the identification and development of additional supplies designed to assist Aurora and Denver Water in meeting the delivery obligations identified in this Agreement. Demonstration of changing hydrology may include persistent water use restrictions imposed on customers of Denver Water and Aurora or a Colorado River compact call or water management efforts to mitigate a Colorado River compact call. Provided, however, that nothing in this 5.14 shall relieve Denver Water or Aurora from meeting the Delivery Obligation then in effect, nor shall it modify the "basis for charges" (including the calculation of the WISE  Raw Water Rate) relative to the cost of such deliveries as identified in 3.5.1 and Attachment C.
 
 5.15            Enforcement . Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 5.16 and 5.17, this Agreement may be enforced in law or equity, damages, or such other legal and equitable relief as may be available to a Party.  Except as otherwise provided herein, each party waives any right to special, indirect, consequential and punitive damages, including lost revenue.  Should Denver Water or Aurora fail to treat or deliver water in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Authority shall have recourse against either or both of these parties based upon the factual cause of the default.
 
5.16             Remedies   for   Monetary   D efaults.
 
         5.16.1           Suspension of Deliveries. If   the Authority does not timely satisfy any of its payment obligations under this Agreement, Aurora may give the Authority a notice of default.   If   the Authority does not cure the default by making full payment within seven (7) business days from receipt of the default notice, Denver Water and/or Aurora, in addition to pursuing any other remedies available to them at law or in equity, may suspend deliveries of water to the Authority.
 
         5.16.2            Termination of Agreement.   If   the Authority fails to cure the default within 180 days from receipt of the default notice described in Paragraph 5.16.1, then Denver Water and/or Aurora, in addition to pursuing any other remedies available to them at law or in equity, may terminate this Agreement.
 
5.17     Delivery Obligation and Minimum Payment Ad j ustment.
 
         5.17.1            With respect to any Delivery Year after June 1, 2017, if any Member fails to pay to the Authority the sums required of such Member under the SM WISE IGA (''Non-paying Member") towards the Minimum Payment required by Paragraph 3.5.3(b), then the Authority may seek an adjustment of the Minimum Payment in future Delivery Years pursuant to the terms of this Paragraph, under the following conditions:
 
 
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  (a)
the Authority pays the full Minimum Payment required by Paragraph 3.5.3(b) for the subject Delivery Year (Delivery Year 1);
  (b)
the Authority provides written notice to Denver Water and Aurora identifying the Non-paying Member and the Non-paying Member's pro-rata share of the Minimum Payment and reasonable evidence of such non-payment;
  (c)
the Authority terminates both deliveries under this Agreement and deliveries of any other water through the Western Pipeline to the Non-paying Member;
  (d)
the Authority uses commercially reasonable efforts to ensure compliance by the Non-paying Member, including pursuing all applicable available remedies set forth in the SM WISE IGA; and
  (e)
the Authority provides regular written notice to Denver Water and Aurora of the remedies undertaken and the status of those remedies;
     
 
5.17.2 If the Authority continues to satisfy these conditions during Delivery Year 2 and requests an adjustment, then the basis for calculating the Minimum Payment for Delivery Year 2 shall be reduced ("Temporary Reduction") by the amount of water attributable to the Non-paying Member's share of the Minimum Payment required by Paragraph 3.5.3(b) for Delivery Year 2. The Temporary Reduction shall not exceed 30% of the Minimum Payment for Delivery Year 2, subject to the limitations in Paragraph 5.17.5. The Delivery Obligation for the applicable Ten­ Year Block shall be reduced by the same amount as the basis for the Temporary Reduction for Delivery Year 2.
 
5.17.3 The same procedure will be followed for Delivery Years 3-5, if the Authority continues to satisfy the conditions for a Temporary Reduction. A Temporary Reduction shall not be available for more than four Delivery Years.
 
5.17.4 At the end of Delivery Year 3 but in no event after Delivery Year 5, the Authority may request, the Delivery Obligation will be reduced by the amount of water that formed the basis for the Temporary Reduction ("Permanent Reduction"), provided that the Authority demonstrates that the Non-paying Member is no longer a Member under the SM Authority IGA and is permanently excluded from receiving any water under this Agreement and any other water through the Western Pipeline. To effectuate a Permanent Reduction, the Parties shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement that: (i) reduces the Delivery Obligation by the Permanent Reduction; (ii) makes other necessary conforming changes, including reductions to maximum and minimum deliveries in Paragraph 3.4.3 in the same proportion as the Permanent Reduction bears to the prior Delivery Obligation and the Minimum Payment in 3.5.3; and (iii) removes the Non-paying Member as a Member under this Agreement. If a Permanent Reduction is to be effectuated during any Delivery Year other than the first Delivery Year of a Ten-Year Block, the
reduction of the Delivery Obligation for that Ten-Year Block shall be one-tenth of the Permanent Reduction multiplied by the number of years remaining in the Ten-Year Block.
 
5.17.5 The aggregate amount of all Permanent Reductions, or of all contemporaneous Permanent and Temporary Reductions, shall not exceed 30% of the Minimum Payment (i.e. 2,168 AF per year or a reduction in the Delivery Obligation of more than 21,675 AF.)
 
 
 
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5.18            Defense   against   Third   P arties.  In the event of litigation by any third party concerning this Agreement, and to the extent permitted by law, the Parties agree to jointly defend any such third party action.
 
5.19           No Third Party Beneficiaries . There are no third party beneficiaries of this Agreement.
 
5.20           Water Rights Peace Pact .
 
         5.20.l Diligence P roceedings . As stated in Recital 0, the Parties may agree to work to increase WISE deliveries. With regard to all conditional water rights presently owned by Denver Water and/or Aurora, the Parties agree to withdraw any statements of opposition in each other's pending diligence filings and not to oppose each other's pending or future diligence applications, including pending or future applications to make conditional rights, existing on the date of this Agreement, absolute. However, the Parties may file statements of opposition in such proceedings for the limited purpose of ensuring compliance with the obligations of this Agreement.
 
 
         5.20.2 Other P roceedings . The Parties also agree to negotiate in good faith the stipulated resolution of any pending or future water right and administrative or judicial proceedings that may be necessary: (a) for Denver Water and Aurora to meet their delivery obligation for the provision of reusable water supplies under this Agreement or (b) for the Authority or its Members to use and reuse water delivered under this Agreement. To that end, the Parties shall timely share all relevant factual information concerning the existence or absence of injury to the respective decreed water rights of each party as a consequence of the administrative or judicial approvals being sought.
 
 
         5.20.3 SM WISE I GA . The Authority shall include in the SM WISE IGA an obligation to comply with the provisions of this Paragraph 5.20. Failure of a Member to comply with this Paragraph shall constitute a breach of this Agreement by the Authority. However, in actions other than diligence proceedings, nothing in this paragraph 5.20 or in the SM WISE IGA is intended or shall be interpreted to prevent any Member from taking any actions it deems necessary to protect its water rights from injury, consistent with the intent of Paragraph 1.3.
 
5.21            Infrastructure   O wnership . Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute or be interpreted as constituting the transfer of any ownership interests in the infrastructure assets of the Parties. Each Party shall remain individually responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of their infrastructure absent express written agreement to the contrary.
 
5.22          Separate   Water   Supply   A greements . Any separate water supply agreement between a Member and either Aurora or Denver Water, executed after the effective date of this Agreement, shall be contingent upon the Member being in full compliance with its WISE-related obligations. Denver Water and Aurora agree to suspend deliveries immediately under any separate water supply agreement if the Member becomes a Non-paying Member as defined in paragraph 5.17. Any separate water supply agreement shall contain a provision requiring suspension of deliveries during any period in which the Member is in default of any of its obligations under the SM WISE IGA.
 
 
 
21

 
 
5.23            New   Participating   Members   of   A uthority .  The Parties acknowledge that at times additional entities may request to join the Authority and become a Member.  Any new Member must be an entity in existence and delivering water to customers as of the effective date of this Agreement, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.  Acceptance of qualified Members and the nature of their financial obligations, if any, to the Authority, shall be within the sole discretion of the Authority; provided, however, that such change in the Members shall not in any manner affect the obligations of Denver Water and Aurora under this Agreement nor modify the terms of any existing agreement between either Denver Water or Aurora and any current or future Members.  New Members shall be bound by the terms of this Agreement and shall enjoy such benefits as determined at the discretion of the Authority.
 
5.24            Authority   of   the   P arties .  The Parties each affirm and represent that they have the full power and authority to execute this Agreement and thereafter perform all of the terms and conditions set forth herein.
 
5.25            No   Agency   C reated .  This Agreement is not intended and shall not be construed to create any joint venture, agency relationship or partnership between the Parties.  None of the Parties shall have any right or authority to act on behalf of or bind any other Party.
 
5.26            Dispute   R esolution . If   a dispute relating to this Agreement arises among the Parties, the Parties shall first consider any proposed resolution of the matter. If   the matter is not resolved, the Parties shall promptly convene a meeting to be attended by persons with decision-making authority regarding the subject matter of the dispute. The meeting attendees shall attempt in good faith to negotiate a resolution of the dispute. If   the dispute is still not resolved within 20 days after the meeting, the Parties shall be free to pursue any other legal remedy.
 
         5.26.l    In   the event of legal proceedings, the Parties agree to seek a prompt resolution, and that each Party shall pay its own costs and expenses, including attorney fees.
 
5.27            Effect on Prior Agreements .  This Agreement supersedes the Pilot Project Agreement between Denver Water and the Authority dated February 14, 2007.  All other agreements between any of the Parties shall remain in full force and effect.  In the event of a conflict between the terms of a prior agreement between any of the Parties and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.
 
5.28            Countemarts and Facsimiles .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile signatures bind the Parties.
 
5.29         Notices .
 
         Any notice or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and delivered to the addresses provided below or such other addresses as designated by any Party by one of the following means: (a) in person (by hand delivery or professional messenger service); (b) by U.S. Mail, postage prepaid; (c) by overnight service (Express Mail of the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express) or any other courier service guaranteeing overnight delivery), addressed to each of the following:
 
 
 
22

 
 
  For Aurora:  
   
Deputy Director of Water Resources of Aurora Water
15151 East Alameda Parkway, Suite 3600
 
    Aurora, CO 80012  
       
   
Copy to:
City Attorney
15151 East Alameda Parkway, Suite 5300
Aurora, CO 80012
 
       
  For Denver Water:  
   
Director of Planning
Denver Water Department
1600 W. 12th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204-3412
 
       
  For Authority:  
   
Executive Director
South Metro WISE Authority
8400 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 1500
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
 
       
   
Copy to:
Spencer Fane & Grimshaw LLP
ATTN: James M. Hunsaker
1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 3800
Denver, CO 80203
 
 
 
or at such other address as any Party hereto may hereafter or from time to time designate by written notice to the other Parties given in accordance herewith.
 
                  Any notice delivered (a) in person shall be effective upon delivery; (b) by first class U. S. Mail shall be effective three (3) business days after the mailing; (c) by overnight service shall be effective one (1) business day after delivery to the overnight service provider.
 
5.30            Agreement   Contingencies.     The ability and obligation of the Parties to perform under this Agreement is contingent upon:
 
         (a)            the execution of the Western Pipeline Agreement which shall include provisions ensuring the financing thereof, referenced in paragraph 3.2.1; and
 
         (b)           issuance of a permit satisfactory to the Parties by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) allowing water delivered under this Agreement to be stored in Rueter-Hess Reservoir.
 
         The "Effective Date" of this Agreement shall be December 31, 2013.    If   these contingencies have not been satisfied as of December 31, 2014, the Parties agree to terminate this Agreement or extend the dates set forth   in this Agreement.
 
 
 
23

 
 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Denver Water, the Authority and Aurora have executed this Agreement.
 
  CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER
  acting by and through its
ATTEST: BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
IMAGE
 
 
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
 
 
  By:
   Legal Division
 
 
 
24

 
 
IMAGE
 
South Metro WISE Authority
 
By:
    President
 
 
Date:            12/18/13
 
 
 
25

 
 
CITY OF AURORA, COLORADO,
ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS
UTILITY ENTERPRISE
 
IMAGE
 
 

STATE OF COLORADO      )
                   )     SS
COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE       )
 
     The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of 2013, by Stephen D. Hogan, Mayor, acting on behalf of the Utility Enterprise of the City of Aurora, Colorado.
 
IMAGE
 
 
 
26

 
 
LIST OF EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS
 
Attachment A -Major WISE Partnership Facilities
Attachment B -DIA Connection Infrastructure
Attachment C -Water Delivery Pricing
Attachment D - West Slope Charge Agreement
 
 
 
 
 
27

 
 
Attachment A -Major WISE Partnership Facilities
 
IMAGE
 
 
 
 
28

 
 
ATTACHMENT B

DIA CONNECTION INFRASTRUCTURE

 

1.              Connection from Denver Water's distribution system at DIA to Aurora Water's Pump Station   #2
 
The connection from DIA to Aurora's PWP will provide blend water for Authority WISE deliveries.  The current estimate for design, permitting, construction and all other costs for the DIA connection is $8.7 million.  Authority will pay 85% of the total costs, based on estimated usage of the connection.  Authority's 85% of the $8.7 million total estimated cost is included in the DIA Connection Fee.
 
     1.1    Description:     A 24" pipeline, approximately six (6) miles in length, from the north end of DIA at East I 14th Avenue and Newbern Street to the PWP Pump Station #2 near 96th Avenue and E-470, and meters at a location to be determined.
 
 

 
Attachment B 
 

 
 
ATTACHMENT C
WATER DELIVERY PRICING
 
 
1.
General.   Pricing for water deliveries to the Authority under this Agreement (the "Delivery Rate") is intended to be based on the principles of cost-of-service utility rate setting. However, it is understood by the Parties that specific circumstances defined under this Agreement require advanced understanding and application of those principles and that the Parties have adapted in some cases an application of rate setting principles that are particular to this Agreement, the characteristics of the services provided, and the purpose and intent of the Parties themselves. In cases where generally accepted principles of utility rate setting may appear to differ from the pricing of water deliveries under this Agreement, the terms defined in this Attachment C of the Agreement will prevail. If   a term or condition necessary for the pricing of water deliveries under this Agreement is missing from this Attachment, that term and condition will be established by mutual agreement of the Parties.
 
 
2.
Overall   Principles .   The Delivery Rate incorporates the following overarching principles:
 
 
2.1.
Appropriate   Return   on   Investment.     The Delivery Rate will allow those who own Facilities ("Owner") to receive an appropriate return on historical and new investments in the Facilities as defined in this Attachment.
 
 
2.2.
Consistent   with Owners'   Internal   Ratemaking and   Financial   Practices.     The Delivery Rate will be consistent with the financial requirements and internal ratemaking practices of the Owner.
 
 
2.3.
Equitable   and   Transparent   Allocation of   Costs.   The costs incurred to provide deliveries under this Agreement include the operating and maintenance costs in addition to various capital components.  Equitable pricing means that these costs will be allocated to those receiving water deliveries from the project each in accordance with their particular demand characteristics and their contractually defined delivery requirements. Transparency exists when the process for such an allocation can occur within a framework that is visible, understood by all the Parties, and repeatable over time with consistent and predictable results.
 
 
3.
Facilities.     The WISE Facilities include all tangible assets, and intangible real property rights (e.g. water rights), that are used and useful in providing the water deliveries under this Agreement.  A listing of the current Facilities is included in Table I .The listing of Facilities may change from time to time. No changes to the Facilities listed in Table 1 will be made without the consent of the Parties which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or denied.  All Facilities, current and future, include the following overall characteristics:
 
 
 
3.1.
Facilities are Used. To be considered a Facility, the asset must be physically used for delivery of water under this Agreement with measurable flows of water occurring on a regular and recurring basis. Any Facility included in the Delivery Rate is either: a) currently used with measurable flows, or b) will be used in the year immediately following Owner's budget year as part of the normal operations of the Facilities.
 
      
Attachment C
 
 

 
 
 
 
3.2.
Facilities are Useful. A Facility must provide a specific function that enables the delivery of water as described in this Agreement. Facilities, or parts of Facilities, that do not enable the deliveries under this Agreement are not included in the Delivery Rate. Facilities that are only used by the Facilities' Owner are not included in the Delivery Rate.
 
 
 
 
3.3.
Exceptions. Additional Facilities will be required in the future to maintain current deliveries and provide increased deliveries to the Authority in excess of an average of 72,250 acre feet in a Ten-Year period, or 7,225 acre feet per year on average. In some cases, those Facilities may need to be constructed ahead of the Owners' planned schedules. Exceptions to Paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 may be required to address the additional costs, if any, incurred in accelerating construction of planned Facilities. Facilities may be added to the Delivery Rate in anticipation of future construction under the following conditions:
 
 
 
3.3.1.
Conditions   for   Exception:
 
 
3.3.1.1.
Acceleration   of   planned Facilities.    The Owners need to accelerate planned infrastructure to maintain the current delivery commitment.
 
 
 
3.3.1.2.
Increased Delivery Requested. The Authority has requested increased delivery from a previous commitment level, and the Owners are willing and able to meet the requested deliveries.
 
 
 
3.3.1.3.
Additional Facilities Required. The Owners cannot meet the requested increased delivery without additional Facilities. The Facilities required are either newly identified and were not part of the Owners' prior plans, or must be constructed ahead of the Owners' plans.
 
 
 
 
3.3.1.4.
Owner Investment Required. The Owners pay for the additional Facilities and incur an Owner Investment consistent with Paragraph 5.2.1 below.
 
 
3.3.2.
Allowances in   Pricing . If   the conditions in Paragraphs 3.3 and 3.3.l are met, then the pricing for the next determination of the Delivery Rate will include the reasonably estimated costs for the identified Facilities.
 
 
3.3.2.1.
Capital   Costs. The capital costs calculated under this provision will include a return to the Owners as described in Paragraph 5.2 based on the reasonably estimated construction cost of the Facilities in question.  The pricing will not include any depreciation expense as described in Paragraph 5.1 or working capital as described in Paragraph 5.2.1.3, however, until the Facilities are constructed and placed into service and used and useful for delivery of water under this Agreement. All other provisions of Section 5 .2 will apply.

 
Attachment C
 
 

 
 
 
3.3.2.2.
Operating   Costs.     Operating and maintenance expenses as described in Paragraph 6, below, will not be included in the pricing analysis until such time as the Facility is placed into service for the delivery of water under this Agreement.
 

 
4.
Ownership.     Each of the Facilities has at least one Owner.  The Owner(s) will be identified for each of the Facilities by name and by percentage of ownership.
 

 
5.
Capital   Costs.     Capital costs include the depreciation expense on the Facilities, plus a return to the Owner of the Facilities.
 

 
5.1.
Depreciation   Expense.     Depreciation expense has the same meaning as is normally applied by the Government Accounting Standards Board.  All depreciation is to be determined using the Straight-Line method based on the initial term of the Facility's life. Determination of salvage value, if any, is at the discretion of the Facility Owner.
 

 
5.2.
Return.   Owner(s) will be compensated for their investment in the Facilities in an amount equal to the Owner(s) weighted average cost of capital (WACC) times the Owner(s) investment in the Facilities.
 
 
5.2.1.
Measuring   Owner   Investment.   Owner investment is also referred to as "Rate Base." The Rate Base is meant to accurately measure the Owner(s) actual investments in the Facilities. It   includes the following components:
 
 
5.2.1.1.
Net   Book   Value   of   Facilities.     This is equal to the actual original cost of the Facility less accumulated depreciation.  The book value may be increased by additions or improvements to the Facilities; it decreases with asset deletions, retirements, and accumulated depreciation.
 
 
5.2.1.2.
Construction   Work   in   Process.     Future Facility investments may be included in the Rate Base if the Facility meets the definitions in Paragraph 3 above.
 
 
5.2.1.3.
Working   Capital.     Owners are allowed to include an allowance for working capital equal to 90 days of their operating &   maintenance expenses incurred at the Facilities. The working capital allowance for each Facility shall be calculated as the annual operating and maintenance expense, divided by 365   days, times 90 days.
 
 
5.2.1.4.
(Less)   Contributions   Received.     Any capital payments or assets in kind paid by the Authority to the Owner(s) to defray the Owner(s) Investment shall be accounted for as capital contributions and credited to the Authority as a reduction in the Owner(s) Investment.  Contributions reduce both the Return and depreciation expenses related to the Facilities.   All contributions will be amortized at a rate equal to the rate of depreciation for the Facility in question.
 
 
Attachment C
 
 

 
 
 
5.2.2.
Measuring   the   Weighted   Average   Cost   of   Capital.   The weighted average cost of capital is the sum of the weighted debt cost and weighted equity cost; it will be used as the rate of return described in section 5.2.
 
 
5.2.2.1.
Total   Cost   of   Capital. The cost of capital will include an allowance for the Owner(s) actual cost of debt financing, as well as a return for the Owner(s) equity.
 
 
5.2.2.1.1. Cost   of   Debt   -The cost of debt is the average annual interest rate paid on the Owner(s) portfolio of outstanding long-term debt. For the purposes of this Agreement, the cost of debt shall be calculated as follows:
 
 
5.2.2.1.1.1. Determine the total amount of long-term debt issued and outstanding as measured from the Owner(s) most recently audited and publicly available financial statements.  Total long-term debt outstanding shall include all portions of long-term debt due and payable within one year, also called the "current portion'', together with those amounts payable at any time after one year, also called the "long-term portion."
 
 
5.2.2.1.1.2. Determine the net interest payment due on each component of the long-term debt during the 12-month period in which the Delivery Rate will be determined.  Interest payments due shall reflect the total of scheduled interest payments, net of any discounts, premiums, grants, state/federal subsidization, or other reductions.
 
 
5.2.2.1.1.3. Divide the total amount of interest due by the total amount of long-term debt outstanding to derive the annual effective interest rate.
 
 
 
5.2.2.1.2. Cost of Equity -the cost of equity is the interest rate to be paid on the use of the Owner(s) equity capital. For the purposes of this Agreement, the cost of the Owner(s) equity shall be calculated as follows:
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.1. Determine the cost of equity using the Build-Up Method (BUM) expressed as the following formula: Cost of Equity (Ke) = Risk Free Rate (Rf) +   Market Risk Premium (MRP) +   Industry Risk Premium (IRP) +   Size Premium (SP).
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.2. Risk Free Rate (Rf). The risk-free rate is equal to the yield on a 20-year US Treasury bond. For the purposes of this Agreement, the yield shall be the average calculated for the 12 months immediately preceding the determination of the Delivery Rate.
 
 
Attachment C
 
 

 
 
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.3. Market Risk Premium (MRP).  The MRP represents the additional return required by equity holders over debt holders in general.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the MRP will be taken from Ibbotsons   Stocks,   Bonds,   Bills,   and   Inflation   Valuation   Yearbook.   The MRP shall be the historical long-term horizon expected equity risk premium as published in the Ibbotson SBBI Valuation Yearbook, and not the supply side equity risk premium.
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.4. Industry Risk Premium (IRP). The IRP represents the additional or reduced return required by equity holders in the same industry as the Owner(s).  For the purposes of this Agreement, the Owner(s) industry is Water Supply, classified under the Standard Industrial Code of 494, or the NAICS code of 221310 .  The IRP will be taken from the then current edition of  Ibbotsons   Stocks,   Bonds, Bills,   and   Inflation Valuation   Yearbook .
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.5. Size Premium (SP).  The SP represents the additional or reduced return required by equity holders as a result of the size of the Owner(s) specific enterprise.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the SP will be taken from  Ibbotsons   Stocks,   Bonds,   Bills ,   and   Inflation Valuation   Yearbook   for the appropriate decile (the text provides an appropriate SP for different enterprise sizes grouped into deciles).  For the purposes of this Agreement, the Owner(s) size shall be determined as the book value of its equity. Book value of the Owner(s) equity shall be determined based on the most recently audited and publicly available financial statements; book value is equal to total assets less total liabilities with no further adjustments whatsoever.
 
 
5.2.2.1.2.6. In the event that Ibbotsons   Stocks,   Bonds,   Bills,   and   Inflation   Valuation   Yearbook   is no longer published in its current form, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to identify a comparable substitute publication for the purposes of this Attachment C.
 
 
5.2.2.2.
Weightings.     The weighted average cost of capital is affected by the relative percentage of debt and equity financing used by the Owner(s) in the Owner(s) overall water utility enterprise.
 
 
5.2.2.2.1. Total   Invested   Capital.     An   Owner's total invested capital is equal to the sum of: (a) total long-term debt as described in 5.2.2.1.1; and (b)  his total equity as measured from the most recently published, publicly available, audited financial statements as the Owner(s) total assets less total liabilities.
 
 
Attachment C
 
 

 
 
 
5.2.2.2.2. Determine   the   Weight   of   Debt   as   a   Portion   of   Invested   Capital . The total long-term debt divided by Total Invested Capital is the debt weighting.
 
 
5.2.2.2.3. Determine   the   Weight   of   Equity   as   a   Portion   of   Invested   Capital . The equity weighting shall be determined as I   00%   minus the debt weighting described in 5.2.2.2.2.
 
 
5.2.2.3.
Calculate   the   WACC.   The WACC for the Owner(s) shall be calculated using the formula: WACC = Wd(Kd) +   We(Ke). Where Wd = weight of debt as described in 5.2.2.2.2; Kd = cost of debt as described in 5.2.2.1.1; We = weight of equity as described in 5.2.2.2.3; and Ke = cost of equity as described in 5.2.2.1.2.
 

 
6.
Operating   &   Maintenance   Costs.   The costs of operating and maintaining the Facilities will be properly budgeted and accounted for on a regular basis. Whether or not operating and maintenance costs are incurred, and the level, if any, of those costs is determined at the sole discretion of the Owner(s) of the Facilities. Only the operating and maintenance costs incurred in the operation of the Facilities are included in the basis for the Delivery Rate.
 
 
6.1.
Direct   Operating   and   Maintenance Costs.    The direct expenses in operating and maintaining the Facilities are to be included in the Delivery Rate determined under this Agreement.  Direct operating and maintenance costs include the fixed and variable costs of operating the Facilities.  Capital repairs and replacements are not to be included as operating and maintenance costs.  Any expenditure meeting the Owner(s) then existing capitalization policy should be recorded as an asset and included in the determination of Rate Base as described above.
 
 
7.
WISE   Raw   Water   Rate.   The "WISE Raw Water Rate" shall be determined as the then published rate established by Denver Water for non-reusable nonpotable water service charged to its Outside Combined Service Area customers times 1.625 for all reusable water supplied under this Agreement.
 
 
8.
Direct Overhead and   Administration.    Administrative costs directly incurred in the management of this Agreement are to be included in the Delivery Rate.  Owners are responsible for accounting for any direct overhead and administrative costs, both fixed and variable.
 
 
9.
Indirect   Overhead   and   Administration.   Costs that are not directly attributable to the performance of this Agreement are not included in the Delivery Rate.

 
Attachment C
 
 

 
 
10.
Ratemaking   Process.   Except as noted in Paragraph 10.1, the Owners will at their expense, prior to proposing to increase the Delivery Rate for any year, prepare a cost-of-service allocation for the Facilities' costs in accordance with this Attachment C. The cost-of-service allocation will be based on the Owners' budgeted expenditures for the forthcoming year, and the capital costs will be based on the expected Rate Base for the same forthcoming year.  The WISE Pricing Summary results of the Rate Model for 2013 are attached hereto as Exhibit 1. A full model print-out has been provided to the Parties for 2013.  The Owners will provide reasonable back-up documentation with similar detail when proposing future Delivery Rate increases.
 
     10.1.
Water   Supply   Rate   Adjustments.     The rate may be increased annually to reflect changes to the WISE Raw Water Rate as determined in accordance with paragraph 7.   If   the Owner is increasing the Delivery Rate solely as a result of an increase in the WISE Raw Water Rate, then the Owner is not required to prepare a new cost-of-service allocation but can incorporate the updated WISE Raw Water Rate into the Delivery Rate.
 
     10.2.
Annual   Period.     Except for Delivery Rate changes pursuant to 10.1, the Delivery Rate will be prepared for the forthcoming year in which a new Delivery Rate is to take effect.  For the purposes of rate administration, all changes to the Delivery Rate charged under this Agreement will be prepared and placed into effect on January 1 of each year.
  
     10.3.
Information   Requirements.    Using the average annual delivery amount to the Authority of 7,225 AF (5,000 AF until 2021), to be adjusted in the future if additional commitments are agreed to, the Owner will then take the following steps:
 
         10.3.1.
Determine   Water Demand     at   Each Facility.  The Owner will prepare an estimate of the average water through each Facility for each month. The estimate will show for each Facility: (i) the total amount of water sent through the Facility in each month, and (ii) the total water delivered to each Party for each month. The amount of water delivered to the Authority through each Facility may be adjusted to account for "trade" water. Trade water is a TDS management approach where the Authority will receive treated Aurora Mountain Water in exchange for Aurora taking water from Brighton that would have been delivered to the Authority, but for the TDS concentration. The "trade water" approach for pricing will have the effect of increasing the amount of flow accounted for in the PWP Treatment Train for the Authority and will allow Aurora Water to recover the additional costs, if any, it incurs to produce water for delivery.
 
 
         10.3.2.
Determine   the   Operating   and   Maintenance   Costs   for   Each   Facility.    The Owners will prepare, at their expense, a detailed budget of operating and maintenance expenses anticipated for each Facility for the Delivery Year. Operating and maintenance expenses shall not include any provision for capital expenditures of any kind. All capitalized asset purchases should be reported as additions to the fixed assets as described in Paragraph 10.3.3, below.
 
 
Attachment C
 
 

 

             10.3.3.
Update Fixed Asset Register. The Owner will provide, at their expense, a detailed listing of fixed assets for each Facility that will be updated, current, and audited as of the end of the Owner's financial reporting year immediately preceding the Delivery Year. The fixed asset register will detail the following information for each Facility and will be reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the Government Accounting Standards Board, except in no case will the fixed assets be reported for the purposes of this Agreement using the so-called "Modified Approach" as described under GASB Rule No. 34: (i) Name and description of the asset, (ii) the original acquisition cost of the asset, (iii) the month and year the asset was acquired and physically placed into service, (iv) the estimated useful life of the asset as estimated for accounting purposes using straight line depreciation methods, and (v) the accumulated depreciation for the asset.
 
                 10.3.4.
Determine the Owners' Rates of Return. The Owners' rates of return shall be determined each year based on the provisions of Paragraph 5.

                 10.3.5.
Determine the WISE Raw Water Rate. The WISE Raw Water Rate shall be determined in accordance with Paragraph 7.

                 10.3.6.
Allocate the Costs of Service. The cost-of-service Delivery Rate will be determined as follows:
 
 
10.3.6.1.
Standard   Method.   The Delivery Rate will be determined by allocating the total costs of the Facilities to the Parties based on the water demands as described in Section  10.3.1; provided, however, that the following adjustment for water deliveries characterized as less-than-firm or interruptible under this Agreement shall be made: the total costs of the Facilities will be limited to the total costs of providing the average daily demand (ADD) and will exclude any costs associated with the capacity in the Facilities above and beyond that necessary to provide for the ADD (i.e.,   Parties with interruptible deliveries will be allocated 0% of the "Share of Facility Capacity" as that term is used in the Rate Model Report).
 
 
10.3.6.2.
Exceptions. Changes in delivery characteristics, addition of new Facilities, and the ownership structure of new and/or existing Facilities dictate a change in cost allocation methods. Aurora reserves the right to modify the cost allocation methods under such circumstances to reflect the actual delivery characteristics. No changes to the cost allocation methods shall be made without the consent of the Authority which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
 
                     10.3.7.
Determine Rates. The Delivery Rate will be specific for each Party based on each Party's particular usage of the Facilities. Rates may include a charge for volume of water delivered, charges for reservations of capacity, or any combination of these based on specific circumstances and characteristics of demand for each Party.
 
 
Attachment C
 
 

 
 
  Table 1

Facility Name
 
Description
PWP -North Campus
 
Riverbank filtration wells, aquifer recharge and recovery system, and associated piping
PWP -Pumping Stations
 
Three pump stations along the pipeline from Brighton to the Binney Water Purification Facility  (Binney)
PWP -Pipeline(s)
 
Pipeline from Brighton to Binney
PWP -Treatment (PWP Train)
 
Binney treatment process for water from Brighton
PWP -Treatment (Mountain Train)
 
Binney treatment process for water from Strontia Springs
** Infrastructure no longer used to provide WISE Water deliveries shall be deleted.
 
 
Attachment C
 
 

 
 
WISE Pricing Summary
 
Scenario   N ame:
5,000 Acre-Foot Commitment
 
Scenario   Descri ption:
A short-term scenario with South Metro receiving delivery of 5,000 acre feet per year. This scenario includes existing PWP facilities only - no expansions. The pricing in this scenario includes an assumed ratio of 2 to 1of mountain to PWP supply.
 
 
 
 
 
Filename
WISE Pricing - 2013 Update.xlsm
 
Report   D ate:
 
Test   Year:
February 13, 2013
 
2013
 
 
Total Deliveries:
 
MG
 
Acre-Feet
Denver Water Aurora Water
 
7,191.8
 
22,071.0
SMWSA
1,629.3
5,000.0
 
Total
 
8,821.1
 
27,071.0
 
 
 
 

 
 
IMAGE
 
1,036,159
so S601,936
S130,964
212,041                                PWP North campus
PWP Pumpln1 Stations                                              SD.OD
$0.0D              SD.OS
$0.14                SD.OS
$0.13
1 94,048                                                                                                5,952                 PWP   Pipelines   $0 . 0D   $0.03   $0. 0D
3,580,227                                                                                                668,773                 PBWPF   PWP   Train Tmt .   $0 . 0D   $0.50   $0. 41
2 , 345,794                                                                                                390 , 606                 PBWPF   Mountain   Train   $0 . 0D   $0.33   $0 . 24
458 , 90D   RAW   PWP   Water   -   Denver   Only   $0 . 0D   $0 . 0D   $0.28
91 7,800                 OW   Mountain   -   Denver   Only   $0 . 0D   $0 . 0D   $0 . 56
4,0D2 , 1199                                                                                                458,901                 AW   PWP   Raw   -   Aurora   Only   $0 . 0D   $0 . 56   $0 . 28
8,151 , 286                                                                                                917,814                 AW   Mountain-   Aurora   Only   $0 . 00   $ 1 . 1 3   $0.56
$0                                                                                                $19,91 2,350   $4,161 ,750   Total   $0 . 0D   $2.77   $255
°"                                                                                                83%                1 7"
I                                                                                                             capital   Costs   I   I   capital   costs   I
  Fadl!!!   Name                                                                                                             Total   Denver   Watl!r   Aurora  Water   SMWSA     Faclllty   Name   Denver   Water   Aurora   Water   SMWSA
PWP   North   Campus                                         $8,105,219                               $0             $6 , 686,425                               $1,41 8,794   PWP   North   campus   $0.0D   $0.93   $0 . 87
PWP   Pumpln1   Stations                                         7,014,208                                          6,434,406                               579,802   PWP   Pumpin1   Stat i ons   $0 . 0D   $0.89   $0.36
PWP   Pipelines                                         1 1 , 1 42,875                                          1 0,81 1 ,285                               331,590   PWP   Pipelines   $0 . 0D   $1 .50   $0.20
PBWPF   PWP   Train   Tm t .                                                                      1 6 , 1 1 1 ,359                                          1 5,346,357   1 ,472,0D2   PBWPF   PWP   Train   Tmt .   $0 . 0D   $2. 1 3   $0.90
PBWPF   Mountain   Train                                         1 1 , 1 05,612                                          1 0, 1 04, 1 55                               1 ,0Dl,457   PBWPF   Mountain   Tra i n   $0 . 0D   $1 .40   $0.61
RAW   PWP   Water   -   Denver   Only   RAW   PWP   Water   -   Denver   Only   $ 0 . 0D   $0 . 0D   $0 . 0D
OW Mountain   -   Denwr Only   DW   Mountain   -   Denver   Only   $0 . 0D   $0.0D   $0 . 0D
AW   PWP   Raw   -   Aurora   Only   AW   PWP   Raw   -Aurora   Only   $0 . 0D   $0 . 0D   $0.0D
AW   Mountain-Aurora   Only   AW   Mountain-Aurora   Only   $0 . 0D   $0.0D   $0 . 0D
Total                                         $54,116,273                               $0             $49,382,628                               $4,803,644   Total   $0 . 0D   $6.87   $ 2 . 95
 
 
 
1

 
 
IMAGE


 
Customer
Total   Annual   Usage   (MG)
Avg.   Day   Usage   (MGD)
%   ofTotal   Usage
Max Month (MGD) Adj. for Interruptible
(MGD)
Allee.   Of   Unused   Reserve   (MGD)
Total Capacity Used (MGD)
% ofTotal
Denver   Water                                  -                              -                       0%                         -                      -   -   -   0%
Aurora   Water                                  2,368.6                              6.5                       8 1 %                         6.5                      -   2. 0   8.5   1 00%
SMWSA                                  543. 1                              1.5                       1 9%                         3. 4                      (3.4)   -   -   0%
Total   Usage                                  2, 91 1.7                              8. 0                       1 00%                         9.9                      ( 3 . 4)   2.0   8 . 5   100%
I                                  Facility   Costs                                                  I                         I   Cost   Allocations   I
Allocated   to                              Allocated   to
Annual   Costs                                  Usage                              Capacity                       Total                                             Denver   Water   Aurora   Water   SMWSA   Total
Fixed   O&M   Costs                                  $469,249                              $30,751                       $500,000                         Usage   Units   -   2,368. 6   543. 1   2,9 1 1.7
Capi tal   Cost                                  7,606,724                              498, 495                       8 , 1 05 , 2 1 9                         $/Unit                      $2,854   $2,854   $2,854   $2,854
Variable   O&M                                  232,900                              0                       232,900
Subtotal                      $0   $6 , 759 , 1 1 5   $ 1 , 549 , 758   $8,308,873
Total             $8,308,873                        $529,247                        $8 , 838 , 1 1 9
Capacity   Units                                  -
8.5 - 8.5
Units                                  2, 91 1.7                              8. 5                                             $/Unit                      $62,264   $62,264   $62,264   $62,264
Cost   per   Unit                                  $2,854                              $62,264                                             Subtotal                      $0   $529,247   $0   $529,247
$ 1 , 859
$21 2, 251
Total   Cost                      $0   $7,288,361   $1,549,758   $8,838,119
 
 
 
2

 
 
IMAGE
Maximum Capacity (MGD) Average Day Usage (MGD) %  of Max Capacity Use Facility Cost NBV ($ million)
18.0 8.0 44% $85.57 The PWP pumping stations include three (3) stations located between the PWP North Campus and the PBWPF treatment plant. The stations pump water from the North Campus along a 32 mile pipeline.              Share of Facility Usage
 
I                                      Share   of   Facil ity   Capacity  A dj. for
Total Annual                                         Avg. Day                      % of Total                      Max Month                        Interruptible                      Alloc. Of Unused Total Capacity
Customer                                        Usage (MG)                               Usage (MGD)                               Usage                         (MGD)                              (MGD)                               Reserve (MGD) Used (MGD) %  ofTotal Denver Water   -   -   0%   -   -   -   -   ( ) , " .{,   Aurora Water2,368.66.581%6.5 - 11.S18.0100,".{,
SMWSA                                                 543.1                       1.5                    19%                         3.4                   (3.4)                        -                      -                        0%
Total Usage                                               2,911.7                         8.0                  100%                           9.9                   (3.4)                      11.5                    18.0                     100%
 
Facility   Costs       Cost   Allocations      Allocated to                      Allocated to
Annual Costs Usage
Capacity Total
Denver Water Aurora Water
SMWSA Total Fixed O&M Costs
$88,636 $200,000
$111,364 Usage Units
2,368.6 543.1 2,911.7
Capital Cost                                            3,108,551                    3,905,657                    7,014,208                    $/Unit                             $1,458                       $1,458                    $1,458                      $1,458
Variable O&M                                            1,048,200                               0          1,048,200
Total                                          $4,245,387                                        $4,017,021 $8,262,408
Subtotal                                   $0            $3,453,544                      $791,843 $4,245,387
Capacity Units                                   -                       18.0                      -   18.0
Units                                               2,911.7                        18.0                                $/Unit                          $223,168 $223,168   $223,168   $223,168
Cost per Unit                                $1,458                      $223,168                      Subtotal                      $0           $4,017,021                      $0           $4,017,021
 
 
 
3

 
 
IMAGE

Customer Total Annual Avg. Day % of Total
Max   Month                        Adj.   for I nterrupt i ble Alloc. Of   Unused
Total   Capacity
Usage   (MG)                                Usage   (MGD)                                           Usage                         (MGD)   (MGD)   Reserve   (MGD)   Used   (MGD)   %   of   Total
Denver   Water                               -                                -                       0%                       -                         -   -   -   0%
Aurora   Water                               2,368.6                                6. S                       81 %                       6 . S                         -   4 3 . S   s o . a   1 00%
SMWSA                               S43. 1                                1.S                       1 9%                       3.4                         (3.4)   -   -   0%
 
Annual   Costs                              Facil ity   Costs                                                    I                          I   Cost   Allocations
Allocated   to                                 Allocated   to
Usage                                 Capacity                      Total                                             Denver   Water   Aurora   Water   SMWSA   Total
Fixed   O&M   Costs                                                            $3 1 , 909                      $1 68, 091                     $200, 000   Usage   Units   -   2,368.6   S43.1   2, 91 1.7
Capital   Cost                              1 , 777 , 784                                 9, 36S, 091                      1 1 , 1 42 , 87S                                             $/Uni t   $622   $622   $622   $622
Variable   O&M                              0                                 0                      0
Subtotal                      $0   $ 1 , 472,   1 S2   $337,S41   $ 1 , 809,693
Total             $ 1 , 809 , 693                        $9 , S33 , 1 82                        $1 1 , 342 , 87S Capacity Units
 
 
 
4

 
 
IMAGE

 
Share   of   Facility   Usage                        Share of   Facil ity   Capacity                    Adj. for
Total Annual                                         Avg. Day                      % of Total                      Max  Month                         Interruptible                      Alloc. Of Unused  Total Capacity
Customer                                        Usage (MG)                               Usage (MGD)                               Usage                         (MGD)                              (MGD)                     Reserve (MGD)   Used (MGD)   %  ofTotal Denver Water   -   -   0%   -   -   -   - 0% Aurora Water2,368.66.581%6.5 - 10.517.0100%
SMWSA                                                   543 . 1                         1.5                      1 9%                           3.4                     (3 . 4)                         -                      -                         O " Ai
Total Usage                                               2,911.7                         8.0                  100%                           9.9                   (3.4)                      10.5                    17.0                     100%
Facility   Costs                                                            Cost   Allocations              
Allocated to                                                                                                                     Allocated to
 
Annual Costs
Usage
Capacity
Total
Denver Water
Aurora  Water
SMWSA
Total Fixed O&M Costs
$586,561
$663,439
$1,250,000
Usage Units
-
2,368.6
543.1
2,911.7
Capital Cost                                            7,891,990                    8,926,369                   16,818,359                     $/Unit                             $3,942                       $3,942                    $3,942                      $3,942
Variable O&M                                            2,999,000                               0          2,999,000
Total                                         $11,477,550                                       $9,589,808 $21,067,359
Subtotal                                  $0            $9,336,775                                       $2,140,775 $11,477,550
Capacity Units                                   -                       17.0                      -                     17.0
Units                                               2,911.7                        17.0                                $/Unit                          $564,106 $564, 106   $564,106   $564,106
Cost per Unit                                $3,942                      $564,106                      Subtotal                      $0           $9,589,808                      $0           $9,589,808
 
 
5

 
 
IMAGE

 
Share   of   Facility   Usage                   Share   of   Facil ity   Capacity                                              Adj. for
Total Annual                                         Avg. Day                      % ofTotal                      Max Month                        Interruptible   Allee. Of Unused  Total Capacity
Customer                                         Usage (MG)                              Usage (MGD)                                Usage                         (MGD)                              (MGD)                               Reserve (MGD) Used (MGD) %  ofTotal Denver Water   -   -   0%   -   -   -   - 0% Aurora Water4,823.213.282%18.5 - 14.533.0100%
SMWSA                                               1,086.2                         3.0                    18%                         1.7                   (1.7)                        -                      -                        0%
Total Usage                                               5,909.4                        16.2                    100%                         20.2                     (1.7)                      14.5                    33.0                     100",{,
  Facility   Costs         Cost   Allocat i ons       
Allocated to                      Allocated to
 
Annual Costs
Usage
Capacity
Total
Denver Water
Aurora Water
SMWSA
Total Fixed O&M Costs
$588,732
$611,268
$1,200,000
Usage Units
-
4,823.2
1,086.2
5,909.4
Capital Cost                                            5,448,525                    5,657,087                   11,105,612                     $/Unit                             $1,282                       $1,282                    $1,282                     $1,282
Variable O&M                                            1,536,400                               0          1,536,400
Total                                          $7,573,657                                      $6,268,355 $13,842,012
Subtotal                                   $0            $6,181,594                                         $1,392,063 $7,573,657
Capacity Units                                   -                      33.0                      -                     33.0
Units                                               5,909.4                        33.0                                $/Unit                          $189,950   $189,950   $189,950   $189,950
Cost per Unit                                $1,282                      $189,950                      Subtotal                      $0           $6,268,355                      $0           $6,268,355
 
 
 
6

 
 
ATTACHMENT D

WEST SLOPE CHARGE AGREEMENT
[WISE agreement with Authority]

 

Agreement between Authority, River District and Denver Water.
 
1.            Authority agrees to pay into the West Slope Fund the West Slope Charge for each acre­ foot of water provided by Denver Water, as provided in Authority's water supply contract with Denver Water.
 

 
The West Slope Charge will be 12.5% of the standard nonpotable or potable water rate, as applicable, charged by Denver Water to customers outside its Service Area.
 
 
Authority agrees that payment of the West Slope Charge is a contractual obligation to the River District, established at the defined percentage.  Parties agree that the West Slope Charge is not a cost-based rate, but a contractual obligation, and is not governed by rate provisions in Denver Water's water supply contracts and leases.
 
 
Authority agrees that nonpayment of the West Slope Charge may constitute breach of this contract and may result in suspension of water deliveries.
 
2.           Billing and payment

 
Denver Water agrees to be responsible for collection of the West Slope Charge on behalf of the River District.
 
 
Whenever Denver Water adjusts the rates charged to Authority [usually annually], it will notify the River District in the same manner as it notifies its customers.  The River District will respond in writing, requesting that Denver Water be responsible for billing and collection of the specified revised West Slope Charge based on the adjusted rate.
 
 
Authority will pay the West Slope Charge as part of its payment for water provided.
 
 
Denver Water will follow its normal procedures for providing notice of nonpayment.
 
 
Denver Water will transmit the collected West Slope Charge payments to the River District on a regular schedule determined by the payment schedule.
 
 
3.            Default for nonpayment
 
 
If Authority fails to pay the West Slope Charge within the period allowed by Denver Water's normal collection procedures, Denver Water will send a written notice to the River District.
 
 
The River District will send written notice to Authority, with a copy to Denver Water, of breach of contract for failure to pay the West Slope Charge.  The notice of breach shall include a reasonable period during which the Authority may cure the breach.
 
 
The River District will undertake such measures as it deems necessary to collect the unpaid West Slope Charge.
 
 
Attachment D -- pg. 1 
 

 
 
 
If   other efforts fail and the River District deems it necessary, the River District will send a notice of proposed suspension of water delivery to the Authority and a notice of default to Denver Water requesting that Denver Water suspend delivery of water on a proposed date of suspension, which shall be no less than ten (10) days following the date of the notice.
 
 
If   payment is not received prior to the end of the noticed period, Denver Water agrees to suspend deliveries of water as requested by the River District, until such time as the West Slope Charge is paid and the River District requests Denver Water to resume deliveries.
 
 
Denver Water will not suspend deliveries of water to the Authority unless the written notice of default includes a certification from the River District that it will take full responsibility for any damages to the Authority resulting from suspension of service requested by River District that is later determined to be unlawful or to be invalid by reason of an error committed by the River District, and to hold Denver Water harmless for any such damages and costs incurred by Denver Water, if any, in defending itself. The River District will assume no responsibility for an error committed by Denver Water.
 
4.           Agree to Abstention Provisions and agree to enforce Abstention Provisions against WISE Members, as required in the SM WISE IGA between the Authority and the Members, relevant portions of which are attached .
 
 
Attachment D -- pg. 2




Exhibit 10.4
AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF WESTERN PIPELINE CAPACITY
 
This Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Western Pipeline Capacity ("Agreement") is made and entered into this 1 9 th   day of November   ,   2014, and is by and between Rangeview Metropolitan District, a quasi-municipal political subdivision of the State of Colorado ("Buyer") and Centennial Water &   Sanitation District, Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District, Dominion Water &   Sanitation District, Inverness Water &   Sanitation District and Denver Southeast Suburban Water & Sanitation District d/b/a Pinery Water & Sanitation District, all quasi-municipal political subdivisions of the State of Colorado ("Sellers").
 
RECITALS
A.   Sellers and Buyer are parties to the South Metro WISE Authority Formation and Organizational Intergovernmental Agreement ("Organizational Agreement"), the primary purpose of which is to create the South Metro WISE Authority ("Authority") to facilitate the WISE Project; and

B.   Pursuant to Section 14 of the Organizational Agreement, Members of the Authority are authorized to sell and convey their rights in the WISE Project to one or more other Authority Members without restriction; and
 
C.   The Authority is a party to the Purchase Agreement for the East Cherry Creek Valley Westem Pipeline and State Land Board Line ("Purchase Agreement") which defines assets purchased by the WISE Authority ("Western and SLB Pipelines").

D.   The Sellers each hold a right to capacity in the Western and SLB Pipelines and WISE Asset Capacity as described in Exhibit A hereto ("Members Pipeline Capacity") and desire to sell portions of their respective Members Pipeline Capacity to Buyer; and

E.   The Buyer desires to purchase a portion of the Sellers' Members Pipeline Capacity subject to the terms and conditions contained herein; and

F.   The Buyer and the Sellers intend that this Agreement set forth their entire understanding and agreement regarding the terms and conditions upon which the Sellers are selling portions of their respective Members Pipeline Capacity to the Buyer. It is the intention of the parties that all prior negotiations, discussions, offers and agreements between them regarding the purchase of such rights be merged and incorporated in this Agreement, except as otherwise stated.
 
AGREEMENT

In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the Buyer and the Sellers agree as follows:
 
I .               D efinitions. All capitalized terms in this Agreement not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning as defined in the Organizational Agreement.


 
 

 
 
2.   Sale   of   Members   Pipeline   C apacity. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Sellers agree to sell to Buyer the portion of their respective Members Pipeline Capacity described in Exhibit A (the "Purchased Shares") and transfer to the Buyer all rights and responsibilities of the individual Sellers associated with the Purchased Shares pursuant to the Organizational Agreement. Upon execution of this Agreement by the parties, Buyer shall have full use of the Purchased Shares and shall be fully responsible and pay when due all Authority operations and maintenance assessments, modifications assessments and other amounts due as calculated by the Authority and attributed to the Purchased Shares. The Buyer and Sellers shall notify the Authority of the new allocation of their respective Members Pipeline Capacity resulting from this Agreement as set forth in Exhibit A.
 
3.   Purchase   Price   and   T erms. The total purchase price for the Purchase Shares is One Million Three Hundred Eighty-one Thousand three Dollars and Sixty Seven Cents ($1,381,003.67). The purchase price shall be paid in installment payments by the Buyer to the Sellers with the first payment being made on or before December 1, 2015 and thereafter payments being made on or before December 1 of the next two years. The amount of the payments to each Seller shall be as set forth in the payment schedule in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein ("Payments"). There shall be   no pre-payment penalty for Payments made in advance of the schedule.
 
4. Payments.
a.   Deposit   of   F unds. Payments shall be made on or before December 1 of each year (beginning in 2015) during the term of this Agreement. The Buyer may, at any time, prepay the total purchase price.
 

b.   Good   F unds. All amounts paid by the Buyer hereunder shall be in funds which comply with all applicable Colorado laws, which include cash, electronic transfer funds, certified check, savings and loan teller's check and cashier's check ("Good Funds") delivered as instructed by each Seller.
 
5. Term.

a.   Duration   of   A greement. This Agreement shall commence as of the date hereof. This Agreement shall run until December 1, 2017 ("Term"), or until all Payments have been made, unless otherwise extended or terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.
 

b.   Termination   of   A greement. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest of the following events:

(1)   failure by the Buyer to make the Payments as set forth in Exhibit A and make the other allocated payments for the Purchased Shares as required under the Organizational Agreement and as set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement;

(2) the delivery of all Payment amounts and satisfaction of all requirements per this Agreement; or

(3) an uncured event of default by either party under this Agreement ;

 
 
2

 

(4) an uncured event of default by Buyer under the Organizational Agreement.
The parties shall give written notice of claim of default to the other party after which the defaulting party shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of notice to cure such default.
 
6. Remedies for D efault.
a.   Default   By   the   Parties Upon termination of this Agreement as a result of an uncured default by either of the Parties hereto pursuant to Section 5(b) above, any moneys received prior to such event by the Sellers shall be retained by the Sellers, and the Purchased Shares shall be allocated between Buyer and Sellers in proportion to the percentage of Payments that have been made. The Sellers shall receive back from Buyer the unpaid for Purchased Shares (pro rata in proportion to the relative amount sold as set forth in Exhibit A), and the parties shall notify the Authority of the allocation of Members Pipeline Capacity percentages resulting from such allocation. Buyer agrees to execute any documentation which may be required by the Authority to document the re-conveyance of the Purchased Shares and all related interests in the WISE project. If Buyer is in default, Buyer shall not receive any credit or refund for the costs or expenses paid by Buyer attributable to the use of the full Purchased Shares during the time prior to default. If Buyer has failed to make a payment required under this Agreement, Sellers may cure the default upon termination, but Buyer shall continue to be responsible to Sellers for any Late Fees or interest imposed by the Authority under the Organizational Agreement for late payment of costs. If Seller is in default, Buyer shall receive a refund for the costs and expenses paid by Buyer attributable to the use of the full Purchases Shares during the time of default but shall pay the pro-rated portion of such expenses based on the number of Purchased Shares it retains upon allocation of same after default per the above.
7.   Representations.   Covenants.   and   Agreements   of   the S ellers. The Sellers represent and covenant as follows:

a.   Each of the Sellers is a political subdivision duly organized and existing under the Constitution and laws of the State of Colorado. Each of the Sellers has taken all necessary actions and is duly authorized to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder.

b.   There is no litigation or proceeding pending or, to the best of the Seller's knowledge, threatened against the Sellers affecting the right of each of the Sellers to execute this Agreement or the ability of the Sellers to take the actions required hereunder or to otherwise comply with the obligations contained herein.
 
c.   The Sellers covenant and agree to comply with any applicable covenants and requirements set forth in the Organizational Agreement and to take such actions as necessary to facilitate the transfer of the Purchases Shares pursuant to the terms thereof.
 
8.   Representations and   Covenants   of   the   B uyer.  The Buyer represents and covenants as follows:
 
a.   The Buyer is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado which has the lawful authority to acquire the Purchased Shares from the Sellers.
 

 
3

 
 
b.   The Buyer shall not pledge or assign its right, title and interest in and to: (1) this Agreement; or (2) the Purchased Shares and attendant rights and obligations that may be derived under this Agreement or assign, pledge, mortgage, encumber or grant a security interest in its right, title and interest in, to and under this Agreement or the Purchased Shares until such time as all Payments have been made to Sellers.

c.   There is no litigation or proceeding pending against the Buyer affecting the right of the Buyer to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

d.   The Buyer shall be responsible for applying for, obtaining, and complying with any and all necessary requirements for the Buyer's use of the Purchased Shares under the Organizational Agreement and to take all actions necessary to facilitate the transfer of the Purchased Shares pursuant thereto.
 
9.   No   Encumbrance.   Mortgage,   or   Pledge   of   the   Purchased   S hares.  Except as may  be permitted by this Agreement, the Buyer shall not permit any lien mortgage or pledge to be established or remain against the Purchased Shares during the term of this Agreement. The Buyer shall not modify, amend or otherwise make any change in the nature or use of the Purchased Shares during the term of this Agreement without the Seller's written consent to same.

10. Future   C ooperation. The Sellers and Buyers, for themselves, their respective agents, representatives and assigns, agree to provide to each other and the Authority, its agents, representatives, experts and attorneys, such information and documentation as may be reasonably necessary to implement this Agreement.
 
11.   Waivers. The Buyer and the Sellers may waive any event of default under this Agreement and its consequences. In the event that any term of this Agreement is breached by either party and thereafter waived by the other party, such waiver shall be limited to the particular breach so waived and shall not be deemed to waive any other breach hereunder, unless such Payment cures the non-payment of the Payment amount then due. Receipt of Payments by the Sellers shall not constitute a waiver of any then outstanding breach or default by the Buyer hereunder. Conversely, delivery of Payments by the Buyer shall not constitute a waiver of any then outstanding breach or default by the Sellers hereunder.

12.   Notices. Notices under this Agreement and other mailings to the parties shall be sent to the parties at the address for notifications on file with the Authority and a copy of any notices hereunder shall be sent to the Authority.

13.   Binding   E ffect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

14.   Anti-Merger   C lause. This Agreement shall not merge with the Organizational Agreement referenced herein or any other agreement.

15.   E xecution. This Agreement may be executed in duplicate originals as of the date first above written. When each party has executed a copy thereof, such copies taken together shall be deemed a full and complete agreement between the parties. The date last signed by either party shall be the execution date.

 
 
4

 
 
16.   A gents. The Sellers warrant that they have not retained any real estate broker or real estate agent who would be due a commission or other fee as a result of the closing of this transaction. The Buyer warrants that no commission is due to any broker from the Agreement amount contained herein.

17.   Modification   of   A greement. No subsequent modification of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid or enforceable unless made in writing and signed by both parties hereto.

18.   No   Third   Party   B eneficiaries. It is expressly understood and agreed that enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and all rights of action relating to such enforcement, shall be strictly reserved to the Buyer and the Sellers and their respective successors and assigns, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall give or allow any such claim or right of action by any other or third person on this Agreement. It is the express intention of the Buyer and the Sellers that any person other than the Buyer or the Sellers receiving services or benefits under this Agreement shall be deemed to be an incidental beneficiary only.

19.   Payments   Due   on   H olidays. If   the date for making any Payment or the last day for performance of any act or the exercising of any right, as provided in this Agreement, shall be a day other than a business day, such payment may be made or act performed or right exercised on the next succeeding business day, with the same force and effect as if done on the nominal date provided in this Agreement.

20.   Captions. The captions or headings herein are for convenience only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provisions or sections of this Agreement.

21.   Governing   L aw. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado.

22.   Entire   A greement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties relating to the subject thereof and any prior agreements pertaining thereto, whether oral or written, have been merged and integrated into this Agreement.
 
 
 
5

 
 
SELLERS:

CENTENNIAL WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT
 
 
BY: /s/ John Kaufman                                                                 
 
 
COTTONWOOD WATER AND
SANITATION DISTRICT
 
 
BY:  /s/ Patrick Mulhern                                                                
 
DENVER SOUTHEAST SUBURBAN
WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT
d/b/a PINERY WATER AND
WASTEWATER DISTRICT
 
 
BY: /s/ Charlie Krogh                                                                 
 
DOMINION WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT, a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado, acting by and in its capacity as a water activity enterprise pursuant to Article 45.1, Title 37, C.R.S.
 
 
BY:  /s/ Harold Smethills                                                                
 
 
INVERNESS WATER & SANITATION
DISTRICT
 
 
BY:  /s/ Patrick Mulhern                                                                
 
 
 
 
BUYER:

RANGEVIEW METROPOLITAN DISTRICT


 
BY: /s/ Mark Harding                                                                 
 

 
6

 
 
EXHIBIT A

 
 

 
Entity
 
WISE Assets Capacity to be Purchased by Rangeview
 
Cost of Wise Assets Capacity Purchased
 
3 annual payments of
 
Capacity purchased by Rangeview each year
 
WISE Assets Capacity prior to Rangeview purchase
WISE Assets capacity  share after Rangeview purchase
CWSD
1.183725142%
$370,739.24
$123,579.75
0.394575047%
13.386587491%
12.202862349%
Cottonwood
0.473490057%
$148,295.70
$49,431.90
0.157830019%
5.354634997%
4.881144940%
DWSD*
1.568435814%
$491,229.49
$163,743.16
0.522811938%
4.007852220%
2.439417416%
             
Inverness
0.591862571%
$185,369.62
$61,789.87
0.197287524%
6.693293746%
6.101431175%
Pinery
0.591862571%
$185,369.62
$61,789.87
0.197287524%
6.693293746%
6.101431175%
Rangeview
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1.692055020%
6.101431175%
TOTAL 
4.409376155%
$1,381,003.67
$460,334.56
1.469792052%
   
 
*   Dominion   Water   and   Sanitation District   has   an   option   to   purchase   13.72938%   from   Castle   Rock   pursuant   to   lease   purchase agreement   between   Dominion   and   Castle   Rock.   which   is   not   reflected   in   the   above   table.






EXHIBIT 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
  I, Mark W. Harding, certify that:
 
1.  
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Pure Cycle Corporation;
 
2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.  
Based on my knowledge, the consolidated financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.  
I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusion about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.  
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: January 9, 2015

/s/ Mark W. Harding                                                                            
Mark W. Harding
Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer
 
 




EXHIBIT 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Pure Cycle Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the three months ended November 30, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mark W. Harding, President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
 
 
/s/ Mark W. Harding                                                                            
Mark W. Harding
Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer
January 9, 2015