REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BROCK D. BUCHE, PE, PLS, Director
Department of Public Utilities
BY: KEVIN NORGAARD, PE, Assistant Director
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
JOSEPH DE GEORGE, MS, MBA, Project Manager
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a consultant services agreement with AECOM Technical Services Inc., for a total amount not to exceed $85,560, inclusive of a $14,260 contingency, to provide engineering design and construction support services for the conversion of two natural gas driven pumps to electric motor-driven at Pump Stations 10A and 82-1. (Bid File No. 12400659) (Council Districts 5 and 7).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council approve a consultant services agreement with AECOM Technical Services Inc., (Consultant) for an amount not to exceed $85,560, inclusive of a $14,260 contingency, to provide engineering design and construction support services for the conversion of two natural gas driven pumps to electric motor-driven at Pump Stations 10A and 82-1 (Project); and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City has approximately 260 operable wells in the public water supply system, the majority of which utilize electric motor-driven pumps to extract and distribute groundwater. Two wells located at Pump Stations (PS) 10A and 82-1 currently utilize natural gas-powered pumps. Due to increased operational, regulatory, and environmental costs of natural gas-powered pumps, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is recommending these sites be converted to electric motor-driven pumps. The consultant will assess the current electrical and mechanical needs at each site to appropriately size and design the electric motor, pumps, and necessary equipment as well as provide construction support services.
BACKGROUND
The Water Division is responsible for the conveyance and treatment of potable water for residential and commercial use in the City. The City has approximately 260 operable wells in the public water supply system, the majority of which utilize electric motor-driven pumps except for PS10A, located at 2011 E. Olive Avenue (Council District 7), and PS82-1, located at 5146 E. Lane Avenue (Council District 5), both of which utilize natural gas-powered engines. The original reason these wells were operated on natural gas was that should there be a loss of electrical power, the natural gas-powered sites would continue serving potable drinking water to the City’s distribution system. The City has since installed emergency backup generators at multiple well sites that will allow the Water Division to serve the City with potable drinking water in case of a widespread electrical failure.
Due to regulated air permit changes DPU is not currently authorized to operate either of the natural gas well sites. The proposed engine conversion project will allow for both pump stations to return full-time service within the water system. Conversion of these wells will increase water production and system pressure, resulting in better service for the neighboring areas.
In accordance with Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 4, Article 1 and Administrative Order 6-19, the DPU conducted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to select a consultant to provide the requisite professional services. The RFQ was published in the Business Journal and posted on the City’s Planet Bids website on October 20, 2023. One (1) Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) was received by the submission deadline of November 22, 2023. A selection committee consisting of representatives from the DPU Utilities Planning and Engineering Division evaluated the SOQ and, upon review of the qualifications and the proposed fees, selected AECOM Technical Services Inc. Staff recommends approving a consultant services agreement to AECOM Technical Services Inc., for a total amount not to exceed $85,560. Funding for this Project is included in the Fiscal Year 2024 capital improvement budget within the Water Division’s Enterprise Fund 4000-4001.
A standardized consultant service agreement approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office has been used in accordance with Administrative Order 4-4. Upon approval by the City Council, the consultant service agreement will be executed by the Director of Public Utilities, or designee.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the approval of this agreement is not a “Project” for the purposes of CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented as AECOM Technical Services Inc., is a local business pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-109(b).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding for this service is included in the Fiscal Year 2024 capital improvement budget within the Water Division’s Enterprise Fund 4000-4001. This Project services Council Districts 5 and 7.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Consultant Services Agreement
Attachment 2 - Vicinity Map