REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BROCK D. BUCHE, PE, PLS, Director
Department of Public Utilities
BY: JESUS A. GONZALEZ, PE, Public Utilities Manager
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
ROBERT A. DIAZ, Supervising Engineering Technician
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the water main replacement along East Jensen Avenue between South Clovis and South Fowler Avenues. (Bid File 3871) (Council District 5 and County):
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines
2. Award a construction contract to Emmett’s Excavation, Inc., in the amount of $1,669,031
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; award a construction contract to Emmett’s Excavation, Inc. (Emmett’s), in the amount of $1,669,031, for the water main replacement along East Jensen Avenue between South Clovis and South Fowler Avenues Project (Project); and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign and execute all documents on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Public Utilities - Water Division (DPU), seeks to award a water main replacement and services transfer construction contract to Emmett’s following a competitive bidding process which identified it as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the amount of $1,669,031. The Project is necessary to replace a 14-inch diameter water main that is prone to experiencing unexpected failures. The scope of work includes construction of 4,720 linear feet of 16-inch diameter water main, fire hydrants, valves and services transfers. Council action is requested at this time as the received low bid is set to expire on November 23, 2022.
BACKGROUND
The DPU, has identified 4,720 linear feet of existing 14-inch diameter water main located in east Jensen Avenue between South Clovis and South Fowler Avenues that is prone to experiencing unexpected failures. The scope of work includes the replacement of the existing 14-inch Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) water main with a 16-inch ductile iron water main, fire hydrants, valves, and service transfers. Replacement of these mains will prevent further expensive failures from occurring along this alignment and ensure consistent levels of service.
A Notice Inviting Bids was published on August 12, 2022 and posted on the City’s Planet Bids website. The Project plans and specifications were distributed to 17 prospective bidders and posted at 6 Building Exchanges. Three sealed bid proposals were received and publicly opened on September 20, 2022. The bid proposals ranged from $1,669,031 to $2,136,486. Of the three bids, Emmett’s submitted a bid price in the amount of $1,669,031 and was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
The engineer’s estimate for the Project is in excess of $1 million, so the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) was incorporated into the bid.
The Staff Determination of Award was posted on the City’s Planet Bids website on October 20, 2022. Staff recommends that the City Council award a construction contract to Emmett’s, in the amount of $1,669,031, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The bid amount is 23.9% under the Engineer’s Estimate. The bids will expire 64 days after bid opening, which will be on November 23, 2022.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff has reviewed the scope and nature of this Project and determined that it is CEQA exempt as it falls within Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the CEQA Guidelines.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local Preference was not implemented because the lowest responsive and responsible bidder is a local business pursuant to the Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-108(d).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. This Project is located in Council District 5 and County. Funding for this Project is included in the Fiscal Year 2023 capital improvement budget within the Water Enterprise Fund 40101.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Notice of Exemption
Attachment 2 - Bid Evaluation and Fiscal Impact Statement
Attachment 3 - Sample Contract
Attachment 4 - Vicinity Map