Item No. 5
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH FREYER & LAURETA, INC. FOR DESIGN AND PERMIT
SUPPORT OF THE EL CAMINO REAL STORMWATER AND
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT – PHASE I
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council approve a professional services agreement with Freyer & Laureta, Inc. for the design and permit support for El Camino Real Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project – Phase I, in the amount not to exceed $150,000; Authorize the City Attorney to prepare the agreement; authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
BACKGROUND
Drainage infrastructure along El Camino Real within the Town of Atherton is limited. Though it includes some inlets, culverts and limited storm drains, there are limited discharge connections.
Parts of the storm drain system were constructed in El Camino Real by Caltrans in the mid-1940’s and connect directly to the Atherton Channel for discharge. Other portions were either not connected or disconnected from downstream discharges and thus is subject to flooding, particularly on the side street at intersections. As a result, the Town has been looking to develop long-term stormwater and drainage solutions for the El Camino Real Corridor that will improve safety, and reduce flooding, particularly at the side street intersections.
On June 19, 2024, the Town Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with Freyer & Laureta, Inc. to develop the conceptual design of stormwater and drainage improvements to address the localized flooding along El Camino Real. The study and conceptual design of recommended improvements were finalized over the last month. The study recommended the implementation of two independent drainage and pumping systems to “dewater” surface stormwater runoff along the west side of El Camino Real. The northern segment, El Camino Real from Stockbridge Avenue to Selby Lane, would include inlets and drain lines from Stockbridge Avenue to Selby Lane, a pump station at Selby Lane, and discharge along the shoulder, north of Selby Lane. The southern segment, El Camino Real from Almendral Avenue to the Atherton
ECR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS - PHASE I
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
Channel south of Isabella Avenue), would include inlets and inlets and drain lines from Almendral Avenue to Isabella Avenue, with a pump station at Isabella Avenue, allowing for discharge to the Atherton Channel.
ANALYSIS
Freyer & Laureta, Inc. provided two separate proposals to design the north and south segments, including support required to obtain necessary permits from Caltrans and regulatory agencies.
These engineering design projects would be done either independently, or concurrently.
The Phase I project would treat stormwater between Stockbridge Avenue to Selby Lane.
Stormwater would be collected with a series of catch basis and be piped by gravity to a lift station on Selby Lane. Water would then be pumped to a discharge structure and then to stormwater systems in Redwood City. This scope of work would include design and permit support with Caltrans regarding the proposed improvements. The proposal for this segment is $139,900.
The Phase II project would design a dewater system to treat stormwater from Almendral Avenue to Isabella Avenue. Stormwater would be collected with a series of catch basis and be piped by gravity to a lift station on Isabella Avenue. Water would then be pumped to an intermediate structure that would drain into the Atherton Channel. This scope of work would include design, permit support with Caltrans and regulatory agencies, including anticipated environmental documentation such as biological and habitat evaluations. This proposal for this segment is $376,800.
Staff is recommending a phased implementation, with design of Phase I at this time, followed by Phase II. Staff is also requesting approval of a contract contingency of $11,100, for a total approval of $150,000 for Phase I, Stockbridge Avenue to Selby Lane.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are available in the FY 2025-26 Capital Improvements Program Budget for the El Camino Real Long-Term Solutions project for this initial phase of work.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal B - Improve Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness • Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
• Goal E - Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
POLICY FOCUS
ECR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS - PHASE I
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
The Council’s General Fund Goals/Mission include preserving and maintaining the public right of way to allow for safe travel, as well as implementing drainage improvement projects that will improve intersection drainage and minimize localized flooding.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposal from Freyer & Laureta, Inc. for Design Services, ECR Drainage Improvements - Phase I, from Stockbridge Avenue to Selby Lane (North End) dated September 4, 2025
2. Proposal from Freyer & Laureta, Inc. for Design Services, ECR Drainage Improvements - Phase II, from Almendral Avenue to the Atherton Channel (South End) dated September 4, 2025
3. Technical Memorandum – El Camino Real Dewatering Project Conceptual Study