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
PETER A. MARACCINI, PE, PhD, Supervising Professional Engineer
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a consultant services agreement with Michael K. Nunley & Associates, Inc., for the design of wellhead treatment at Well 345-1 for a total amount not to exceed $151,600 (Unincorporated Fresno County)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that City Council approve a consultant services agreement (Agreement) with Michael K. Nunley & Associates, Inc. (MKN), for an amount not to exceed $137,800, inclusive of a contingency in an amount not to exceed $13,800, for a total amount not to exceed $151,600 for the design of wellhead treatment at Well 345-1 (Project); and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Well 345-1 was removed from service due to a mild unpleasant aroma coming from the extracted groundwater, likely caused by hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, groundwater manganese concentrations exceeded the threshold for consumer acceptance as established by the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. To address both water quality issues, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) requires a consulting engineering firm to design a wellhead treatment system and provide support during the subsequent bidding and construction of the facilities.
BACKGROUND
Well 345-1, located at 185 S. Burgan Ave, was put into service in May 2020. Shortly after startup, DPU staff noticed a mild odor emanating from the well, likely caused by hydrogen sulfide. To avoid any consumer complaints with regards to taste and odor, DPU staff removed the well from service. At the same time, water quality measurements indicated the groundwater manganese concentrations exceeded the threshold for consumer acceptance as established by the California Code of Regulations, Title 22. As such, DPU determined the well needed wellhead treatment to address both water quality issues.
Well 345-1 is located in the Southeast portion of the City, technically within unincorporated Fresno County but generally within the area bounded by Council District 5. The water production capacity of the surrounding area has been negatively impacted by the presence of 1,2,3-trichloropropane, which has led to many wells being taken out of service to reduce risk to human health. As such, DPU is making an effort to bring wells back online to meet the water demands in the Southeast portion of the City. The water quality issues facing Well 345-1 can be overcome with proper wellhead treatment, thereby allowing the City to utilize the well’s 400 gallons-per-minute production capacity.
The Project was advertised to the DPU Shortlist for Well Site Improvement and Wellhead Treatment Design (Shortlist). The Shortlist was established by first soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified engineering consulting firms then selecting the most qualified firms for placement on the Shortlist. On January 28, 2022, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was published in the Business Journal and posted on the City’s Planet Bids website. Seven (7) SOQs were received by the deadline of February 25, 2022, from which four (4) firms were selected for placement on the Shortlist by a selection committee consisting of DPU representatives. Subsequently, an RFQ for this Project was advertised to the four selected firms on the Shortlist on March 16, 2022. Three SOQs were received by the deadline of April 8, 2022, which provided detailed information regarding each firm’s specific approach to this Project and their relevant experience. Upon review of the qualifications and analysis of the proposed fees, MKN was selected as the consultant providing the best value for this Project based on the totality of the evaluation.
A standardized agreement has been used, without modification, in accordance with Administrative Order 4-4, which the City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form. The Certificates of Insurance have been approved by the City’s Risk Management Division. Upon approval by the City Council, the agreement will be executed by the Director of Public Utilities, or his designee.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, the award of this agreement is not a “project” as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented, as all proposing firms are local businesses pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-109(b).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding for the services is included in the Water Division’s five-year Capital Improvement Program budget within the Water Enterprise Fund 40101.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Consultant Services Agreement
Attachment 2 - Vicinity Map