REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 28, 2021
FROM: MICHAEL CARBAJAL, Director
Department of Public Utilities
THROUGH: BROCK D. BUCHE, PE, PLS, Assistant Director - UP&E
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
BY: ANITA LUERA, Supervising Engineering Technician
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Consultant Services Agreement with Michael K. Nunley & Associates, Inc., to provide engineering design services for wellhead treatment improvements at Pump Stations 177 and 185 for an amount not to exceed $339,045 (Council District 6)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that City Council approve a Consultant Services Agreement with Michael K. Nunley & Associates, Inc., (MKN) in the amount of $309,045 plus a contingency of $30,000, for a total amount not to exceed $339,045, to provide engineering design services for wellhead treatment improvements at Pump Stations (PS) 177 and 185 (Project); and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Concentrations of the synthetic organic chemical 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP), exceeding the regulatory maximum contaminant level, have been detected in approximately 33 of the City’s municipal groundwater wells. Approximately 26 of these wells are currently non-operational due to the TCP presence and absence of TCP treatment facilities at these well sites. The Department of Public Utilities, (DPU) Water Division requires consultant services to evaluate groundwater quality data and prepare a Basis of Design report for wellhead treatment improvements at PS 177 and 185. The consultant shall also complete environmental assessment requirements, prepare plans and specifications for construction of the improvements, acquire all related permits, and provide engineering support during bidding and construction.
BACKGROUND
The City maintains a water production system consisting of more than 260 municipal groundwater wells that currently provide just under 50% of the City’s potable water supply. The synthetic organic chemical TCP has been detected in approximately 100 of the City’s 260 municipal wells. TCP has been used mainly as a solvent and extracting agent and has been associated to a soil fumigant (nematicide). Extensive use of these fumigants likely resulted in the migration of TCP into local groundwater supplies. To date, approximately 33 of the City’s municipal groundwater wells exceed the regulatory maximum contaminant level for TCP and approximately 26 are currently non-operational due to the TCP presence and absence of TCP treatment facilities at these well sites. Implementation of wellhead treatment facilities at the impacted municipal groundwater well sites is necessary to return the wells to service and to ensure appropriate levels of service are maintained.
The DPU now requires consultant services to evaluate groundwater quality data and prepare a Basis of Design report for wellhead treatment improvements at PS 177 and 185. The consultant shall also complete environmental assessment requirements, prepare plans and specifications for construction of the improvements, acquire all related permits, and provide engineering support during bidding and construction.
In accordance with Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 4, Article 1, and Administrative Order 6-19, the DPU conducted a competitive process for selecting a consultant to provide the requested professional services for this Project. On January 20, 2021, the City published a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consulting services through the City’s Planet Bids website and sent direct email notifications with details of the posting to 43 potential candidates. The RFQ was also published in the Business Journal on January 20, 2021. Three Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) were submitted to the DPU for consideration by the deadline of February 18, 2021. A selection committee, consisting of representatives from the DPU’s Utilities Planning and Engineering, evaluated the SOQs and ranked the consultants. Upon completing the evaluation and fee negotiation process, MKN was selected based on their extensive experience in advanced water treatment processes. MKN also demonstrated a complete understanding of the Project and provided a thorough approach to completing the Project that meets the City’s goals and objectives.
A standard Consultant Services Agreement has been used, without modification, in accordance with Administrative Order 4-4. MKN’s Certificates of Insurance have been approved by the City’s Risk Management Division. Upon approval by the City Council, the Consultant Services 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 contract is not a “project” as defined by CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was implemented as MKN and all other proposing firms are local businesses pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-109(b).
FISCAL IMPACT
This Project is located in Council District 6. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding for these services is included in the Water Division’s five-year Capital Improvement Program budget within the Water Enterprise Funds 40116 and 40197-TCP. The total contracted price for this work is $309,045 plus a contingency of $30,000 for a total amount not to exceed $339,045. No additional funding is required for this Project.
Attachment:
Attachment 1 - Consultant Services Agreement