REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
March 22, 2018
FROM: THOMAS C. ESQUEDA, Director
Department of Public Utilities
THROUGH: MICHAEL CARBAJAL, Planning Manager
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
BY: MATTHEW BULLIS, Professional Engineer
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $499,871 and a contingency of $25,000 for preparation of a Biosolids Master Plan for the Fresno/Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., for an amount of $499,871 and a contingency of $25,000 for the preparation of a Biosolids Master Plan; and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign all documents on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is seeking to approve a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., of Fresno, California to prepare a Biosolids Master Plan (Plan) for the Fresno/Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF). The RWRF is currently operating on a Plan that is 27 years old. The updated Plan will be based on current Federal, State and industry Bio-solids re-use, disposal practices and best operating procedures. Staff have completed the consultant services selection process in accordance with City policies and selected Carollo Engineers, Inc., to update the Plan.
BACKGROUND
The Federal Government provides for the regulation of municipal sewage sludge (Biosolids) and vest authority in the State of California to impose regulations upon waste dischargers. Various agencies are involved in the regulation of wastewater treatment including the State Water Resources Control Board, Water Quality Control Board, Department of Health Services and Fresno County planning agencies. The City is currently operating under a 1991 Plan which provides the guidance for the disposal and reuse of biosolids at the RWRF. Over 27 years have passed since the Plan was approved and various new Federal and State regulations have been implemented concerning biosolids reuse. The City currently budgets over $2,000,000 annually for biosolids disposal and recycling. An updated master plan is needed to review the current technical practices, best operational procedures and most viable alternatives for re-use and disposal. The updated Plan will provide a 20-year plan horizon outlining recommended capital projects, best practices, beneficial re-use and/or disposal options, project timelines and budget costs. This Plan will serve as a road map for biosolids management through 2038.
On June 20, 2017, staff e-mailed more than 45 potentially qualified engineering firms a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and posted the document on the City’s bids online website. Statements of Qualifications were received from two consultants. An evaluation of the RFQ was conducted by DPU staff members and Carollo Engineers, Inc., was selected to provide the requested services. Staff negotiated a professional services fee of $499,871 with a contingency of $25,000 to address any unforeseen scope of work items. Upon approval by the City Council, the agreement will be executed by the Director of Public Utilities or designee, who has been delegated this authority by the City Manager.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 the award of this contract does not qualify as a “project” for the purpose of CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was implemented as Carollo Engineers, Inc., is a local business.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the consultant services agreement will not impact the General Fund. Funding for this project is included in the Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Improvement budget within the Wastewater Enterprise Fund - Consulting Services Account (53302) and is identified in the five year capital improvement plan.
Attachments:
Consultant Services Agreement (attachment 1)
Vicinity Map (attachment 2)