Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type:
To: City Council
Subject: Main Flushing and Water Treatment Services for the Water Distribution System Date: March 28, 2023
Written by: Craig Scott, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Recommendation
It is recommended the City of Cotati City Council by motion approve a second amendment to the Standard Service Agreement with No-Des, Inc., for purchase of additional filters used for the water main flushing services.
Background
The City owns and operates a public drinking water system and is regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board. Proper maintenance of the water system requires regular flushing of the distribution system and particularly the pipelines with low points and dead ends. The flushing maintains water clarity and discharges sediment that may collect in the system.
Analysis/Discussion
On October 25, 2022, City Council approved an agreement with No-Des, Inc. to provide main flushing services. The main flushing services provide a close-system water cleaning operation where minimal water is wasted – of heightened importance during the current multi-year drought.
On December 13, 2022, mid-way through the flushing operation (5 of the 10 days total), City Council approved additional budget for purchasing 936 more filters than was anticipated. Those filters were used up and No-Des used 209 additional filters beyond that. The cost is $28 per filter plus tax for a total additional cost beyond what was authorized of $6,408.
Main flushing is providing a critical service to the operation of the distribution system and due to No-Des being in high demand across the country, it is difficult to schedule their services. However, because they were mobilized, No-Des went ahead and proceeded with the operation. The flushing was completed on December 16, 2022, and it wasn’t until the final billing that the overage was apparent.
Financial Considerations
The City’s adopted FY22/23 Budget includes $60,000 for main flushing contract services which was based on a prior quote received in 2021. Council subsequently, at Staff request, updated the budget to a revised total of $102,650 based on estimated needs for additional filters.
A final additional cost for the remaining of $6,408 would increase the total project budget to $109,058. The additional budget would come from reducing budgeted balances available within GL Account 401-00-80000-000000 Materials and Supplies. No impact to the anticipated fund balance is expected.
Environmental Issues
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378.
Attachments:
City of Cotati NO-DES Flushing Invoice 1225 (PDF)