East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 2
institutional knowledge regarding local infrastructure to efficiently support the District’s capital improvement initiatives.
We look forward to continuing to serve the City of East Palo Alto’s needs and assisting in achieving the District’s goals through this important contract. We understand that no addendum has been issued by the District for this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). We have reviewed the District’s Standard Contractor and Professional Services Agreement, and we will be able to execute the contract. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Tyler Colyer at [email protected] or (650) 292-9100.
Very truly yours,
EKI ENVIRONMENT & WATER, INC.
Tyler F. Colyer, PE C. David Umezaki, PE
Supervising Engineer/Project Manager Principal-in-Charge 233
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 3
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Letter of Transmittal ....................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Table of Contents............................................................................................................................................ 3
3. Work Plan and Approach ................................................................................................................................ 4
4. Key Personnel Background ............................................................................................................................. 7
5. Team Experience........................................................................................................................................... 11
6. References .................................................................................................................................................... 23
7. Schedule........................................................................................................................................................ 24
8. Cost ............................................................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix A – Resumes of Key Personnel .......................................................................................................... 26 234
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 4
3. WORK PLAN AND APPROACH
Our Approach to Accomplish the Work
EKI’s Understanding of the Contract Requirements
EKI understands that East Palo Alto Sanitary District (EPASD or District) is seeking consultants to be available on an on-call basis to augment the District’s staff and assist with the design and management of various engineering services and projects. The scope of services for each task order will be discussed with the selected consultant prior to issuing the notice to proceed. The RFQ includes a list of potential tasks that EPASD may request from selected consultants. EKI has the experience and expertise to assist the District with the following tasks:
Review of environmental and technical documents, such as geotechnical investigations, hydraulic analyses, and water supply assessments.
Design and implementation of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects related to the District’s wastewater collection systems, including, but not limited to, the following:
o Technical, third-party design review
o Liaison with relevant regulatory agencies, including obtaining required permits and negotiations with other agencies
o Coordination with the District and relevant City Departments, including Public Works, Planning, Building, Legal, and Finance, among others
o Tracking and management of capital fund expenditures based on available funding o Reporting and presentation to District, City, and other relevant governing bodies.
We recognize that the nature of the District’s CIP projects reflects a commitment to the rehabilitation and renewal of its wastewater collection system infrastructure to improve the reliability and quality of your service delivered to the community. EKI has specific expertise in sewer infrastructure and is therefore prepared to assist the District with these types of projects. EKI understands that the District will use this on-call contract to oversee or design a variety of public works projects, from CIP projects such as sewer collection system upgrades to more complex projects such as pump stations and pump station improvements.
EKI assisted the City of East Palo Alto with preparation of its water supply and distribution system CIP during preparation of the City’s Water System Master Plan (WSMP). We are also currently completing a Water Storage Tank Siting Study for the City of East Palo Alto, which will be recommending locations for above and/or below grade tanks. EKI’s experience supporting the City of East Palo Alto on water system planning and capital improvement projects has given us a solid understanding of the City’s infrastructure priorities, permitting processes, and coordination requirements. With the East Palo Alto Sanitary District now being a subsidiary district of the City of East Palo Alto, we are well positioned to leverage these established working relationships and institutional knowledge to efficiently support the District’s capital improvement initiatives. EKI’s familiarity with local stakeholders and infrastructure issues will enable us to seamlessly integrate with City and District staff to advance the District’s sewer system improvement projects.
Project Management
Project Management Philosophy
EKI’s project management philosophy is simply integrating innovation with technical breadth and proven project management processes to consistently deliver quality solutions efficiently. Our approach involves seamless coordination of EKI and subconsultant resources to meet the District’s performance requirements. Our firm’s goal is to successfully resolve our clients’ challenges through the accomplishment of their 235
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 5
objectives on time and within budget. We feel attaining these objectives demands a holistic client-centric approach focusing on risks, regulations, stakeholders, alternatives, and cost savings opportunities. Our firm’s size and our high level of expertise permit a personalized approach to projects, where quality control oversight is provided by senior managers with extensive industry experience. A testament to EKI’s philosophy is our high level of repeat business through referrals.
Project Management Approach
EKI’s goal is to successfully resolve project challenges while providing quality that accomplishes the District’s requirements and objectives in a timely manner within the District’s budget. EKI’s experience is that the planning and preliminary project phases are the keys to monitoring and maintaining costs, as well as mitigating project risk.
EKI’s approach to the management of task orders will include the following:
Frequent and clear communications between the EKI team members and with the District staff; Risk, cost, and schedule control by identifying issues early in the project to be able to implement effective corrective measures;
Regular project cost monitoring to be able to proactively identify cost trends early such that corrective measures can be implemented to maximize potential cost savings; and Implementation of quality control throughout the project duration.
Project Communication
EKI believes that communication is critical to the performance of any project. Frequent and clear communication between EKI and the District will be vital in order to keep tasks on track, present findings, make decisions and apprise all parties of issues that could affect the project schedule and budget.
EKI will compile meeting minutes or notes within three (3) working days of each meeting to memorialize findings and decisions. Meetings will include discussions of interim work products and a report on budget status and schedule. EKI has found that regular meetings are invaluable in keeping projects on schedule and within budget and ensuring there will be no surprises when work products are delivered to the District. Our Daly City headquarters location, approximately 30 minutes away from the District office, enhances in-person meeting opportunities.
Monitoring Task Costs
EKI will update the District on budget statuses as part of our monthly billings and at key task order milestones.
The Project Manager will prepare a Progress Summary Report with each invoice that details progress made during the billing period, problems identified or anticipated, activities scheduled for the next reporting period, activity results, as well as general progress statuses. The report will include a table summarizing current and cumulative project expenditures to date, total approved budget, estimated cost at project completion, variances in planned budget, and estimated date of completion.
Task Schedule Management
EKI is able to manage complex projects with multiple team members. If requested by the District, for a given task order, we will develop a detailed schedule with durations and interdependencies. Documenting the baseline schedule assumptions will:
(1) determine and track project milestones/ development; (2) allow all involved parties to be on the same page when completing project deadlines; and (3) help in the identification of schedule variances, facilitating mitigation to limit schedule impact.
If schedule variances are identified, mitigation plans will be developed in conjunction with District staff to help ensure that corrective measures are implemented within the framework of the overall project schedule. At key 236
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 6
points of each task order, EKI will allocate sufficient time in the project schedule for District review and response to submittals.
Quality Control Procedures
Quality control is extremely important to us, and it is EKI’s policy to provide senior technical reviews throughout the duration of all our projects. Jonathan Sutter, PE, will review deliverables and consult on special problems while working with our proposed team to provide overall technical guidance and direction. EKI’s technical experts will be engaged from the early stages of the project so that potential major issues can be anticipated and dealt with during the feasibility planning effort. Once the project is underway, quality control will then be an ongoing process throughout the duration of the project. A summary of quality control procedures and tools is provided in the table below.
QA/QC Component Purpose/Description
Kickoff Meeting Confirm District’s goals/concerns/constraints/new issues Focus the Project at the onset
Deliverable Reviews EKI QA/QC staff perform internal reviews of all major deliverables at each major milestone, prior to submittal to the District
Deliverable markups are backchecked to ensure comments are addressed Each deliverable will be signed off on by the project manager, QA/QC reviewer and principal-in-charge. This includes written verification of each review.
District Comment
Tracking
Maintain log of District’s comments on previous deliverable and document how the comments have been addressed
Decision Log Document key decisions to make and memorialize decisions made with reference to supporting documentation (e.g., memoranda, emails, etc.) Partner Agency and Stakeholder Engagement
EKI has valuable experience working with local partner
agencies and stakeholders. Specifically, EKI has
worked on projects that required coordination with
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans),
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Union
Pacific Railroad, the California Public Utilities
Commission, the California Office of Emergency
Services, the California Department of Water
Resources, State Water Resources Control Board,
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and United States
Army Corps of Engineers.
EKI is known for its ability to provide technical
information in an accessible fashion to managers and
the public using compelling graphics and dynamic
presentations. Our written materials like flyers, door
hangers, website updates, newsletters and
construction advisory notices clearly communicate
key construction activities and potential traffic or
other impacts to residents, businesses, and
stakeholders. We have employed proactive and
effective stakeholder engagement across a wide variety of projects. 237
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 7
4. KEY PERSONNEL BACKGROUND
About EKI
EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned company that has provided comprehensive water resources and engineering services to public and private sector clients for over 35 years. EKI has maintained steady growth and financial stability since our founding in 1989. Our staff of 160+ employees includes licensed engineers, geologists, hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, computer-aided designers, geographic information system (GIS) and database specialists in offices throughout California and the United States.
EKI’s staff includes an effective mix of disciplines comprising water resources, engineering, environmental, and litigation support. This complementary mix is an asset to understanding and effectively resolving a wide variety of complex technical challenges. Our project managers form strong professional relationships with clients and work hard to understand each project’s technical, financial, and regulatory constraints. Communication within EKI is facilitated by frequent team meetings and one-on-one check-ins with team members. Each project manager is supported by an officer of the firm and a team of highly skilled technical staff.
Ability to Commit Resources
EKI understands that the continuity of key
personnel assigned to a project is a key factor
in project success. We are committed to the
success of the District’s contract and will
dedicate the staff and technical resources
needed for successful tasks completion under
this contract.
Company Philosophy
EKI takes a solution-oriented approach to
projects that builds from a strong technical
foundation and emphasizes proactive and
effective communication. The size of our firm,
the high level of experience and continuity of
our multi-disciplinary staff, and our
established credibility in our fields of expertise
and with regulatory agencies allows us to
effectively support our clients to meet their
objectives across a variety of sectors and issues.
Management Philosophy
EKI has developed a reputation for effective technical project management by carefully assessing client needs, providing appropriate services led by experienced staff, and delivering products that fulfill client expectations.
Our project managers form one-on-one relationships with clients and work hard to understand each project’s www.ekiconsult.com
35+ Years
in Business
160+
Professionals
Marin
Daly City
(HQ)
Irvine
Oakland
Davis
California
Offices
Professional
Engineers, 31
Certified
Hydrogeologists, 3
Certified
Engineering Graphics, 1
Professional
Geologists, 14
Ph.Ds., 19
Licensed
Environmental
Professionals, 5
Licensed Professional
Engineers at EKI: 31
238
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 8
technical, financial, and regulatory constraints. Communication within EKI is facilitated by the proximity of all project team members and by frequent team meetings. Each project manager is supported by an officer of the firm and a team of technical staff.
Experience Providing Civil Engineering and Inspection Services EKI is a leader in providing water resources engineering services and construction management services to multiple clients including municipalities, water districts, utility agencies, and private entities throughout Northern California. EKI has provided services on Master Service Agreement contracts on an asneeded basis. These services include planning, design, and construction management and oversight for potable water, recycled water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.
EKI has also provided hydrogeologic services such as
groundwater investigations, modeling, and well design. EKI serves as District Engineer for several municipalities and continues to provide program management, capital
improvement project (CIP) development and implementation, and construction management services for their improvement projects.
Specifically, EKI’s planning, engineering, hydrogeology, and construction management services for water, sewer, and
stormwater utilities include:
Water supply and distribution system infrastructure
planning, design, engineering services during
construction, and construction management;
Wastewater collection and recycled water facility planning, design, engineering services during construction, and construction management;
Stormwater collection and conveyance infrastructure planning, design, engineering services during construction, and construction management;
Program and project management for capital improvement programs and large water and wastewater infrastructure projects;
Design, construction, and testing of water supply wells, including wellhead treatment; Development and project plan reviews and water and sanitary sewer service application reviews; Water, recycled water, and wastewater system master planning and hydraulic modeling; Grant funding support;
RFP preparation for consultant procurement, bidding assistance, and plan review; Local and state regulatory and permit support;
Water shortage contingency and water conservation planning; Water resource planning, including Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs), Water Supply Assessments (WSAs), and Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessments (AWSDAs); Assessment and development of groundwater supplies, including basin safe yield assessments, aquifer testing, groundwater quality assessments, and groundwater modeling; Water supply portfolio development and management, including conjunctive use, water transfers, and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects; and
Evaluation of managed aquifer recharge, including with recycled water for indirect or direct potable reuse (IPR/DPR) purposes.
EKI has broad experience in planning,
engineering, and hydrogeology services for
water resources throughout California
239
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 9
Our Subconsultants
EKI has worked successfully as the prime consultant on numerous multi-disciplinary projects that involve civil, mechanical, electrical, controls, structural, geotechnical engineering, mapping and survey, and construction management and inspections services. We have successfully completed wide range of water and wastewater projects while managing multidisciplinary subconsultants. Project experience that demonstrates our work with subconsultants and successful ability to coordinate work between disciplines is presented in the “Team Experience” section of this SOQ.
To support our work as the prime consultant, EKI is capable of bringing subconsultants on our team to provide comprehensive on-call engineering solutions. As-needed, based on the project requirements of each task order issued by the District, EKI can bring subconsultants identified below for the following disciplines:
TJC and Associates for Structural Engineering, and Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Geo-Logic Associates for Geotechnical Engineering
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
As a local firm with a breadth of technical resources, we have the capabilities to efficiently handle task orders or projects generated from this contract. EKI has assembled a focused team of highly experienced and specialized professionals to support the District in all aspects of technical and administrative needs that may arise. The key individuals noted in the chart below are those staff members that can immediately address the requirements for the types of services included in the RFQ.
Our staff are local experts with a history of local, regional, and state-wide project experience, and are ideally positioned to seamlessly support the District’s On-Call needs. Refer to Appendix A for detailed resumes of staff members.
PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE
David Umezaki, PE*
PROJECT MANAGER
Tyler Colyer, PE*
EKI Engineering Staff Subconsultants
Sam Cronin, PE
Christopher Pittner, PE, QISP
Jordan Gans, PE
Yuqing Gao, EIT
TJC and Associates
Structural Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Geo-Logic Associates
Geotechnical Engineering
QA/QC
Jonathan Sutter, PE*
240
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 10
Staff Bios
EKI Key Team member roles, qualifications, educational background, and certifications are highlighted below.
These Key Team members will be supported by additional EKI staff as needed.
TYLER COLYER, PE– LEAD PROJECT MANAGER
Professional Civil Engineer in California (C#80141)
M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2010 B.S., Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 2009 Mr. Tyler Colyer has over 15 years of project experience in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure design and planning, water quality engineering, and environmental engineering. He has prepared and managed water, sewer, and storm pipeline design and rehabilitation, water treatment system designs, groundwater well designs, feasibility studies, and development of water use reports, and has provided construction management and construction observation services. As Project Manager and the Point of Contact (PoC) for the District, Mr. Colyer will coordinate the team’s work efforts, track budgets and project schedules, develop project goals and technical approaches, and provide senior technical leadership.
DAVID UMEZAKI, PE – PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE
Professional Civil Engineer in California (C#57697)
M.S., Civil (Environmental) Engineering, Stanford University, 1995 B.S., Civil Engineering, Stanford University, 1994
Mr. Umezaki has over 29 years of experience in water, wastewater, and recycled water projects. Mr. Umezaki has managed water, wastewater, and recycled water programs for a number of cities in Northern California. In this role, he has managed several permitting, design, and construction efforts for major water and wastewater treatment plant improvements. Mr. Umezaki has held key roles on several engineering projects, including engineering design and design review, construction review, and operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and groundwater treatment systems. As Principal-in-Charge, Mr. Umezaki will provide strategic and technical direction and support and will ensure that appropriate staff resources are made available.
JONATHAN SUTTER, PE – QA/QC MANAGER
Professional Civil Engineer in California (C#81606)
M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 2012 B.S., Civil Engineering, Columbia University, 2008
Mr. Sutter has over 16 years of experience in potable water, recycled water, and wastewater utility planning, design and construction management, and water resources planning. Over the past five years, Mr. Sutter has successfully led the design of over 40,000 linear feet (LF) of new water mains and other water system facilities in the Bay Area, led the preparation of four water system master plans for Bay Area agencies and has provided capital improvement program management and staff augmentation services to local agencies. He is currently serving as District Engineer for North Coast County Water District and Coastside County Water District. As the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager, Mr. Sutter will be responsible for reviewing EKI deliverables. He will serve as a technical advisor for CIP projects as well.
241
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 11
5. TEAM EXPERIENCE
EKI’s On-Call Experience
EKI has a strong presence in the Bay Area. In addition to our work with the City of East Palo Alto, our staff serves as trusted advisors for several public agencies including the Coastside County Water District, North Coast County Water District, Westborough Water District, Purissima Hills Water District, Zone 7 Water Agency, Valley Water, Valley of the Moon Water District, Cal Water and the Cities of Daly City, South San Francisco, Brisbane, Burlingame, Calistoga, Foster City (Estero Municipal Water District), Menlo Park, Hayward, and the Town of Hillsborough.
EKI has provided engineering services for these agencies, including design, planning, and construction oversight for potable water, recycled water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. For many of these agencies, EKI has also provided hydrogeologic services such as groundwater investigations, modeling, and well design.
Similar Projects in the Last 5 Years
City of Daly City – Sewer and Water Main CIP Design Services Evergreen/Winchester/Templeton Sewer Replacement Design:
Segments of the sanitary sewer in the project area were identified to be at high risk of failure in the City’s 10-Year Wastewater System Master Plan. The system within the project area is principally made of terracotta pipes and brick manholes, which are in poor condition and past their useful life. The pipes range from 14-inch to 21-inch and will be replaced by 18-inch and 21-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes.
EKI prepared three design submittals corresponding to 60%, 90%, and 100% design. The design of the project is complete and EKI is currently working with the City to publicly bid the project. Callan Boulevard Water Main Design: Approximately 2,000 feet of existing 6-inch water main located adjacent to Callan Boulevard between Southgate Avenue and Serramonte Boulevard needs to be replaced with a 12-inch water main located within Callan Boulevard, and an existing pressure reducing valve (PRV) station at the intersection of Callan Boulevard and Clarinda Avenue also needs to be replaced and relocated out of the street. EKI has prepared the 60% design, and is currently developing the 90%, and 100% design submittals.
I-280 Sewer Crossing Project: EKI is providing engineering design and construction support services for a proposed new sewer crossing underneath Highway 280 tentatively expected to consist of approximately 800 feet of 30-inch pipe within a 48- inch casing, plus 300 feet of open cut pipe. Due to difficulties with site topography and existing easements, EKI is preparing a Preliminary Design Report (PDR) to evaluate the feasibility and cost of alternate piping alignments and provide a recommendation for the apparent best alternative. As a part of the detailed design services, EKI’s team is currently conducting site investigations and preparing the PDR evaluating available Client Details
City of Daly City
153 Lake Merced Blvd.
Daly City, CA 94015
Years: 2023-Ongoing
Reference
Jeff Bastian
Project Development Coordinator
City of Daly City
Ph: (650) 742-4592
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members:
As-Needed Prime Engineering
Consultant
Tyler Colyer, PE
Dave Umezaki, PE
Jonathan Sutter, PE
Sam Cronin, PE
Christopher Pittner, PE, QISP
Subconsultants:
Survey and Mapping
Electrical and Structural
Geotechnical
242
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 12
options and recommending a preferred alternative. Later our team will prepare detailed design documents for the selected alternative and provide bid support and construction support services.
Town of Hillsborough On-Call Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Services EKI is providing as-needed general engineering and consulting services for the Town of Hillsborough under our third, consecutive multiple-year oncall contract. Our work includes the design and preparation of PS&E, construction management and inspection services for sanitary sewer and other pipeline projects. Recent sanitary sewer related task orders include:
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation and Replacement Program. EKI has been providing design and construction support services for replacing or rehabilitating over 35,000 LF of sanitary sewer pipe and its appurtenances using pipe bursting, pipe reaming, and open trench methods in the public right-of-way and within easement areas. Pipe bursting is the preferred construction method and has been specified for all pipe replacements except when potential conflicts were identified. For these potential conflict areas and along new sewer alignments, open trench construction was specified. EKI created base maps for these projects via the use of GPS surveying equipment, allowing for identification of potential conflicts in the field early in each project. A summary of each phase’s scope and level of effort is listed below:
Phase Linear Feet
(LF)
No. of
Manholes
Pipe Sizes and Material Construction
Completion Date
Phase 1A 7,000 LF 40 6-inch and 8-inch vitrified clay pipe (VCP) Fall 2020 Phase 1B 10,000 LF 47 6-inch and 8-inch VCP Winter 2021 Phase 1C 10,500 LF 70 6-inch and 8-inch VCP and ductile iron pipe Early 2024 Phase 23A 5,700 LF 36 6-inch and 8-inch VCP Spring 2024 Phase 24A 4,200 LF 30 6-inch and 8-inch VCP Summer 2025 Forest View Avenue/Newhall Road Sewer Main Replacement Project:
EKI performed design services for replacement and upsizing of approximately 2,300 LF of sanitary sewer pipe from 8-inch to 14-inch diameter HDPE. Prior to the start of design, EKI performed an evaluation of various sanitary sewer improvements and alignments with the intent of eliminating sanitary sewer overflows. EKI assisted the Town with choosing the most favorable project based on capital and operational improvement criteria.
Roblar Avenue/Santa Inez Avenue Sanitary Sewer Study. EKI prepared an alternatives analysis for replacement and upsizing of approximately 6,440 LF of sanitary sewer pipe (2,500 LF of which is a parallel sewer pipe). The design intent was to reduce the overall length of piping and eliminate sanitary sewer overflows. EKI reviewed sanitary sewer video for pipe and manhole condition, prepared a desktop model of the sewer alignment, and developed conceptual-level cost estimates for two alternative improvement projects.
Ralston Avenue Pepper Avenue Water Main Replacement Project. The project replaced approximately 2,300 LF of existing 10-inch diameter ductile iron pipeline with a new 12-inch PVC pipeline. In addition, the Town Client Details
Town of Hillsborough
1320 La Honda Road
Hillsborough, CA 94010
Years: 2013-Ongoing
Reference
Natalie Gribben
Senior Civil Engineer
(650) 375-7444
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members:
Prime On-Call Consultant
Tyler Colyer, PE – Project
Manager
Jonathan Sutter, PE
Sam Cronin, PE
Subconsultant:
Electrical and Structural
243
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 13
engaged EKI to consolidate this project’s design documents with another consultants’ sanitary sewer design documents to develop the overall bid package. The project was successfully completed. Sandra/Hayne Storm Drain Replacement. EKI evaluated alternatives and developed the design for replacement of the Cherry Creek storm drainage structures and pipes at Hayne Road and Sandra Road. The selected final alternative included replacement of a concrete headwall structure, replacement and consolidation of four failing corrugated metal pipelines with high-density polyethylene pipes (24-in to 60-in) of large diameters. The project also included the restoration of the creek downstream where each pipe daylights. For the pipelines, EKI prepared design plans, specifications, opinions of probable construction costs and provided construction oversight through key inspections during the project. EKI also oversaw the structural and environmental designers for the project.
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation – Phase 7, City of Piedmont EKI is providing design, bid support, and construction support services to replace and rehabilitate approximately 23,000 linear feet (LF) of aging sanitary sewer pipeline as a part of Phase 7 of the City’s Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Infiltration and inflow are the chief issues motivating the improvement of these sections of sanitary sewer line. This project’s specific goals are the result of a Consent Decree with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the State of California, and six other East Bay sewer agencies to reduce inflow and infiltration and sewer system overflows.
This Project involves replacements and/or rehabilitation of 6- to 16-inch vitrified clay pipe (VCP) and associated lower sewer laterals that are within the City right-of-way or easements. Associated manholes (172) are also to be replaced or rehabilitated utilizing cementitious and epoxy coatings, and cleanouts/lampholes are to be similarly improved. Due to very limited access along many of the alignments (particularly those in easements), EKI is prioritizing the use of trenchless replacement and rehabilitation methods, including pipebursting and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining.
However, a detailed constructability review at each stage of design is part of EKI’s scope to review access conditions, existing pipe materials, and potential conflicts with other utilities. Generally, the existing pipes are being replaced with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) wherever feasible.
EKI is also assisting the City with preparing an application for a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan through the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to fund this project. The project scope is split into two phases as it depends on the extent of the secured funding, the estimates prepared during the 75% design phase, and the actual pricing from bidding contractors. Since the construction of the project is dependent on obtaining funding, EKI is prioritizing initial design (35% design) and preparation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation to support the SRF loan application.
Client Details
City of Piedmont
120 Vista Avenue
Piedmont, California 94611
Years: 2024 – Current
Reference
Daniel Gonzales
Director of Public Works
Ph: (510) 420-3061
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members:
Prime On-Call Consultant
Tyler Colyer, PE
Dave Umezaki, PE
Sam Cronin, PE
Jordan Gans, PE
244
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 14
North Coast County Water District - District Engineering Services EKI has worked closely with the North Coast County Water District staff and management since 2020 to provide District Engineering services which include:
CIP Programming and Budgeting: EKI assisted in the preparation of the Fiscal year CIP budgets for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Near-term projects were prioritized and the budgets and cash flows for each project were updated.
Hydraulic Modeling and Storage Evaluations: Our engineers constructed and calibrated a new hydraulic model for the District.
This required updates to the District’s water system GIS by merging multiple datasets and incorporating recent projects. At the same time, a storage evaluation was completed in conjunction with this modeling effort that identified the required volume and location of future storage projects.
Pipeline Design: We are the lead engineering designers with the District on the following projects:
o Multi-phase water main loop at Everglades Drive that will create a loop in the southeast areas of the District’s system and allow abandoning the inaccessible aging pipes.
o Emergency installation of a new main at Frances Avenue to replace a leaking pipe located behind homes.
Groundwater Supply System Design: Based on the groundwater supply study recently completed by EKI which secured
a grant of $6.6M. Our team is initiating design, CEQA
compliance, bid support, engineering services,
construction management and grant administration
support for the installation of up to three new
groundwater wells, conveyance piping and pumping
and treatment.
Construction Inspection: Our engineers provided
construction inspection services on behalf of the
District for the City of Pacifica’s Balboa Way water main replacement project and we are currently teaming
with Tanner Pacific to provide inspection services for
the Loop at Everglades Drive Project.
Third-Party Engineering Reviews: EKI has provided
third-party peer reviews for several projects with the
District such as Sheila Tank Project Design, Fassler Tank Replacement Siting Study, Manor Drive Overpass
Feasibility Study, and Hinton Ranch Pipeline Project
Feasibility Study.
Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP): EKI prepared the District’s 2020 UWMP and Water Shortage Contingency Plan and developed an understanding of the District’s water supply and water demand projections.
Client Details
North Coast County Water District
80 Eureka Square Suite #219
Pacifica, CA 94044
Years: 2020-Ongoing
Reference
Adrianne Carr, Ph.D.
General Manager
North Coast County Water District
Ph: (650) 355-3462
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members:
As-Needed Prime Engineering
Consultant
Tyler Colyer, PE
Jonathan Sutter, PE
Sam Cronin, PE
Chris Pittner, PE, QISP
Jordan Gans, PE
Yuqing Gao, EIT
Subconsultants:
Survey and Mapping
Electrical and Structural
Geotechnical
245
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 15
Coastside County Water District – On-Call Capital Improvement Projects and Engineering Services
EKI has assisted Coastside County Water District in managing and implementing its 10-year CIP since November 2018. EKI has helped the District prioritize, program, manage, plan, design and oversee the construction of its near-term capital improvement projects. Recently, EKI has expanded its role with the District to review development applications for new water services and mainline extensions.
Specifically, EKI has completed the following projects:
CIP Management: Our engineering experts conducted a detailed review of the District’s 10 year CIP budget and prepared implementation schedules for 2-years and 10-years along with cash flow analyses for both terms.
Project Management: We provided project management services that included preparation of RFPs, selection and management of consultants, and review of work project deliverables for projects.
An example is the seismic evaluation of the District’s welded-steel water storage tanks.
Water Distribution System Design and Construction Management:
Our engineers have designed and managed 29,000 LF of new water mains for the District, ranging in size from 2-in to 20-in. Several projects have included trenchless construction, including several horizontal directional drilling (HDD) installations under creeks with sensitive habitats and bore and jack across Highway 1. Projects have also included the installation of new pressure regulating valve (PRV) stations. In addition to the design, bid support and construction management, EKI has been responsible for easement support, environmental compliance, permitting and construction inspection for several projects. EKI is currently designing a pipeline rehabilitation using a flexible reinforced fabric liner (Primus Line).
Project Name Linear
Feet (LF)
Pipe Sizes and
Material
Construction Method/Project Features
Highway 92 Emergency Pipeline
Replacement Project
5,650 LF 10-inch DI pipe and
12-inch HDPE pipe
Three (3) HDD creek crossings + open
trench / Private property acquisition
Grandview Water Main
Replacement
3,400 LF 6-inch and 8-inch DI
pipe
Pipe jacking under Highway 1 + open
trench + new PRV station/ Caltrans
Permitting
Pilarcitos Avenue (Strawflower)
Water Pipe Replacement
475 LF 10-inch HDPE pipe HDD under creek / Private property acquisition
200 LF 8-inch DI pipe Open trench
El Granada Water Pipeline
Replacement - Final Phase
420 LF 20-inch HDPE HDD under creek
900 LF 16-inch and 6-inch
DI Pipe
Open trench
Casa Del Mar and Grand Blvd
PRV Stations and Pipeline
Extension
520 LF 8-inch DI pipeline Open trench + new PRV stations Ferdinand Avenue Water Main
Replacement
1,590 LF 6-inch DI pipe Open trench
Client Details
Coastside County Water District
766 Main St.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Years: 2011-Ongoing
Reference
Mary Rogren.
General Manager
Ph: (650) 726-4405
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members:
As-Needed Prime Engineering
Consultant
Tyler Colyer, PE
Jonathan Sutter, PE
Sam Cronin, PE
Jordan Gans, PE
Yuqing Gao, EIT
Subconsultants:
Electrical and Structural
Geotechnical
246
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 16
Project Name Linear
Feet (LF)
Pipe Sizes and
Material
Construction Method/Project Features
Pine/Willow/Oak Water Main
Replacement
4,350 LF New 8-inch DI pipe Open Trench
Miramontes Point Road Water
Main Replacement
3,600 LF 10-inch iPVC pipe Open Trench
2,200 LF 6-inch iPVC pipe Open Trench
Storm Drainage and Road Resurfacing Design and Construction Management: EKI completed design and construction
management for the replacement of the existing culverts and reconstruction of the steep access road from the Denniston Water Treatment Plant to the Denniston Tank Site.
Development Projects and Third-Party Review: EKI has reviewed development applications for new service and mainline
extensions to evaluate services and ensure compliance with District standards. The projects were specifically for New RV and City parks. Additionally, EKI reviewed and proposed updates on the District’s Non-Complex Mainline Extension Policy, Half Moon Bay Highway 1 North Improvements and San Mateo Midcoast Multi-Modal Trail Improvements.
Hydraulic Modeling: EKI has updated the District’s water system hydraulic model to incorporate recent system improvements, current demand conditions and recent pump curves and settings. Our engineers also performed an extended period of simulation calibration. Systemwide Storage Evaluation: EKI prepared a systemwide storage evaluation to assess the District’s existing storage tanks and prioritize future storage improvement projects in the District.
City of Brisbane / Guadalupe Valley Municipal Improvement District (GVMID) - AsNeeded Water & Wastewater Engineering Services EKI has assisted the City of Brisbane / Guadalupe Valley Municipal Improvement District (City) plan, manage, and implement its water and sewer CIPs, as well as manage its water resources planning efforts.
Specifically, EKI has completed the following projects within the past three years:
CIP Management: EKI helped the City develop a 10-year Water and Sewer CIP implementation schedules and cash flows that covered two $5 million utility bonds.
Engineering Design: EKI has performed the following engineering design projects:
Annis Road PRV Station and Fire Main Replacement Project: EKI prepared plans, specifications, and cost estimates to replace approximately 6,500 LF of existing 6-inch water mains with new 8-inch and 10-inch ductile iron water mains and install a new PRV station to improve the potable water system’s capacity to supply fire flows in a residential area. All work is within residential area characterized by narrow streets, hilly terrain with extensive bedrock, and existing utilities that cover a significant footprint in the project area. To Client Details
City of Brisbane
50 Park Place
Brisbane, CA 94005
Years: 2015-Ongoing
Reference
Jerry Flanagan, P.E.
Deputy Director, Public Works
Department – Utilities
Ph: (415) 508-2137
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members:
Prime On-Call Consultant
Jonathan Sutter, PE
Chris Pittner, PE
Yuqing Gao, EIT
Subconsultants:
Electrical and Structural
Geotechnical
247
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 17
minimize impacts in residential areas
with narrow streets and hilly terrain with
extensive bedrock, EKI developed a
temporary bypass and sequencing plan
so that the new main could be installed in
the existing water main trench.
Construction of the project was split into
two phases: Phase 1 was completed in
Spring 2019 and Phase 2 was completed
in December 2020. EKI performed
construction management and
engineering services during construction
for both phases. The Fire Main Replacement Project - Phase 2 was recognized as Honorable Mention for the Utilities ($2M – $5M) Category by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Silicon Valley Chapter in 2021.
Glen Park Pump Station Upgrades Project: EKI is preparing the design for the replacement of the Glen Park Pump Station. The project will replace the existing potable water booster pump station and building and increase the firm capacity from 450 gallons per minute (gpm) to 1,450 gpm. EKI has completed the 90% Design submittal. The project is currently on hold until the City can secure additional funding.
Piping Interconnection Improvements at Glen Park Way and Humboldt Drive: As part of the Glen Park pump station design, EKI completed a pump test and hydraulic model evaluation that identified a disconnection in the pump stations discharge piping. EKI oversaw site investigations and designed a new interconnection to resolve the issue.
As-needed Hydraulic Modeling: EKI has provided on-call hydraulic modeling services for the City to support operations and infrastructure improvements.
Owner’s Representative for Design/Build Project: SCADA Upgrades Project: EKI is managing the City’s SCADA Upgrades Project, which will replace the City’s existing out of date SCADA system at all their water and wastewater facilities. EKI prepared the SCADA preliminary design, technical
requirements, and a request for proposals to select a SCADA integrator to design and build the City’s new SCADA system.
The EKI team will assist in the selection of the design/builder and provide engineering services during construction. The project is currently on hold until the City can secure additional funding.
Construction Management: EKI performed construction
management services for the Annis Road PRV Station and Fire Main Replacement Project - Phase 1 and Phase 2, including contract administration, field review, document control, and change order negotiation. Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP): EKI assisted the City prepare its RRA and ERP and comply with the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018. Review of Development Plans: EKI is also currently supporting the City’s planning department in reviewing the utility plans and the environmental cleanup process for the Baylands Development. Water Resources Work: EKI prepared a preliminary assessment of groundwater resources development potential to meet non-potable irrigation needs. In addition, EKI is currently preparing several Water Supply Assessments to support development projects within the City. 248
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 18
Previously, EKI prepared the City’s 2017 Water and Sewer Systems Master Plan Updates; assisted the City in public outreach for the Annis Road PRV Station and Fire Main Improvement Project, including preparation of presentation materials and participation in public meetings; and helped secure the CEQA categorical exemption, SFPUC Project Review Committee approval, and a Division of Drinking Water pipe separation requirement exemption for the Annis Road PRV Station and Fire Main Replacement Project. EKI also prepared the City’s most current Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
Valley of the Moon Water District On-Call Design Engineering and Water Supply Planning Services
EKI has been working with Valley of the Moon Water District (VOMWD) since 2015 and has successfully completed water supply and conservation and infrastructure design and construction support projects.:
Engineering Design: Park Avenue Well Replacement, Chestnut Exploratory Borehole, and Aquifer Storage and Recovery: EKI prepared design documents for the construction and equipping of a replacement supply well at the District’s Park Avenue Well site. The well is located in fractured bedrock, and the design included a new submersible well pump, piping, appurtenances, and connections to the existing well system. The design also included the drilling of an exploratory borehole at a nearby tank site to assess whether a permanent supply well could be constructed at that location. The drilling portions of the project were repackaged as part of the District’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project, which also includes three dual-nested monitoring wells at the Park Avenue and Well 5A sites. The drilling portion of the ASR project was recently completed and EKI is provided construction and testing oversight. EKI recently prepared a feasibility study to determine whether the Park Avenue Well and Well 5A are suitable for ASR operations, and will begin implementing a pilot test at each well site in fall 2024.
Additionally, EKI assisted the District in obtaining
approximately $3 million of drought-relief funding from the Department of Water Resources to support the ASR project.
Altimira Fire Flow Improvements Design: EKI is preparing plans, specifications, and cost estimates to replace approximately 5,000 LF of existing 6-inch and 8-inch water mains with new 12- inch PVC water mains to improve fire flows. The project includes relocating portions of the water main along with a pressure-reducing valve.
Well 5A Production Well Replacement: EKI prepared design documents, performed construction management, and led
permitting for the Well 5A Production Well Project, which included construction of a new well cased to a depth of 692 feet, rehabilitation and refurbishing the existing iron and manganese treatment system, and piping and appurtenant work.
Well 5A Treatment and Water Quality Investigations: Water quality testing during construction of Well 5A, which replaced an existing well at the same site, showed that there were elevated levels of arsenic, iron and Client Details
Valley of the Moon Water District
19039 Bay St.
Sonoma, CA 95476
Years: 2014-Ongoing
Reference
Matthew Fullner
General Manager
Valley of the Moon Water District
19039 Bay St., Sonoma, CA 5476
Ph: (707) 996-1037
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members: Prime
On-Call Consultant
Tyler Colyer, PE
Jonathan Sutter, PE
Dave Umezaki, PE
Chris Pittner, PE
Jordan Gans, PE
Yuqing Gao, EIT
249
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 19
manganese, as well as a periodic hydrogen sulfide odor in the groundwater. The well system already had a greensand filter to remove iron and manganese, so EKI developed a design for a new ferric chloride feed system that would allow the existing filters to co-precipitate and remove the arsenic and a residuals management system. To address the hydrogen sulfide odors, EKI developed a scope of work for a driller to perform zone testing and oversaw water quality testing of hydrogen sulfide during scope implementation. While the testing identified areas of higher hydrogen sulfide, additional testing may be done to further isolate and test specific water bearing zones to make a final recommendation on well modifications. Storage Tank Evaluations: Richards Boulevard Tank: EKI prepared a siting evaluation for a potential new prestressed concrete water storage tank, including a conceptual site layout, hydraulic modeling evaluation to determine if the tank site will benefit operations and improve fire flow availability, cost estimate, and a constructability review.
Evaluation of Storage and Supply Requirements for Glen Ellen: EKI prepared several studies related to new storage tanks in Glen Ellen (Pressure Zone 1F). EKI performed an analysis to identify potential tank sites by reviewing properties located at elevations that match the Pressure Zone 1F hydraulic grade line. For one of these sites, EKI prepared site maps and cost estimates for a new partially buried prestressed concrete tank to support negotiations with property owners. EKI also recently updated the storage and supply evaluations for Pressure Zone 1F that EKI previously prepared as part of the 2019 Water Master Plan to account for storage within the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) Aqueduct and recent improvements. Grant Funding: EKI prepared the District’s application for the Department of Water Resources Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Grant to implement several groundwater supply and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects. The District was recently awarded over $3.4 million in grant funding to replace the Park Well and implement ASR at the Park Well and Well 5A sites.
Water System Master Plan: EKI prepared the District’s 2019 Water Master Plan, which serves as the basis for the District’s 25-year CIP. As part of this effort, EKI constructed and calibrated a new GIS-based hydraulic and performed a storage and supply evaluation. To construct the hydraulic model, EKI converted the District’s CAD maps into a geodatabase of all the water system facilities. On-Call Hydraulic Modeling: EKI has performed on-call hydraulic modeling evaluations to support operational decisions and evaluate alternative improvement projects, including evaluating the need for a temporary bypass during construction of the Boyes Avenue Bridge Project, alternative water main improvement in lieu of the Saddle Tank Replacement Project, implications of deferring replacement of the 8-inch main on the Arnold Drive Bridge until the bridge is repaired or replaced, and fire flow availability for a new development. Permitting Support: EKI assisted VOMWD with updating its water system permit from the State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Drinking Water. VOMWD is adding two new wells to its system, as well as replacing onsite chlorine generators with liquid chlorine at seven additional wells. EKI developed and compiled the permit package including preparing drinking water sources assessments and documenting the final construction for the two new wells, compiling documentation that all materials and chemicals in contact with water are certified as compliant with National Sanitation Foundation, Standards 60 or 61, and developing system schematics and site plans.
Third-Party Review: EKI provided a third-party engineer review of the County of Sonoma’s Boyes Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project related to the replacement of the water main attached to the existing bridge and recommended several design changes, including installation of EBAA Iron Flex-Tend Couplings. Engineering and Water Resources Support for System Consolidation: EKI providing engineering and water resources support related to consolidation of the Sonoma Developmental Central (SDC) water system with the District’s water system, as part of redevelopment of the SDC site. EKI completed a water supply model to assess the reliability of the SDC’s existing surface water supplies and is preparing a Water Supply Assessment to support the SDC Specific Plan. EKI is currently preparing an engineering evaluation to assess the required 250
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 20
infrastructure needed to consolidate and transfer flows between the two systems and is preparing a transition plan that maps out permitting requirements and next steps. Urban Water Management Planning: EKI prepared the District’s 2020 UWMP and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) in accordance with the California Department of Water Resources UWMP Guidebook requirements.
City of Lathrop Integrated Water Resources Planning and other Water Resource Planning Services
EKI was retained by the City to prepare integrated water, wastewater, and recycled water master plans, provide technical support for detections of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the City’s groundwater, conduct various water resources planning efforts, and serve as program manager for various improvement projects at the wastewater and recycled water facilities.
Integrated Water Resources Master Plan: EKI prepared the City’s Integrated Water Resources Master Plan (IWRMP), which includes comprehensive updates to the Water, Wastewater, and Recycled Water Master Plans and associated CIPs. We updated the City’s infrastructure and land use geodatabases to develop new GIS‐ integrated hydraulic models in InfoWater and InfoSWMM, evaluated water demands and wastewater flows projections and peaking factors, evaluated the City’s future water supply reliability, and recommended CIPs for each utility. EKI performed field testing to calibrate the City’s new hydraulic model. EKI also provides on‐call hydraulic modeling analyses to evaluate required water, sewer, and recycled water infrastructure needed to support new major developments. UWMP/SGMA/WSA: Prepared the City’s 2015 and 2020 UWMPs, and associated AWSDAs and WSAs.
Successfully secured a basin boundary modification on behalf of the City to move portions of Lathrop from the East San Joaquin Subbasin, a high-priority and critically overdrafted basin, to the Tracy Subbasin, a medium priority basin.
PFAS Technical Support: EKI provided the City with technical support related to the detection of PFAS in the City’s groundwater supply. EKI assisted the City to determine the extent of the impacts, meet the dynamic regulatory requirements, and evaluate potential treatment and blending options. EKI presented initial findings to the City Council. EKI completed a bench-scale test to evaluate the effectiveness of granulated activated carbon (GAC) in removal of PFAS in the City’s groundwater supply and prepared a feasibility study of potential alternatives.
Recycled Water Program Management: Served as Program Manager for the CTF Expansion Project and FiveYear Wastewater Capacity Project – expansion of MBR wastewater treatment plant from 1.0 mgd to 2.0 mgd.
Role included selection of engineer for the construction, coordination with stakeholders, management of three consultants and six developers, and technical review of engineering documents. Secured a new Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) permit for the expansion of the membrane bioreactor (MBR) wastewater recycling plant (CTF Expansion Project and Five-Year Wastewater Capacity Project); Coordinated eight consulting engineering firms and fifteen developers on behalf of the City as it underwent a complex permit compliance process, prepared detailed project schedules, technical review of engineering documents, and interfaced with regulatory agencies. Currently managing compliance actions for the City’s WDR permit, which Client Details
City of Lathrop
390 Towne Centre Drive
Lathrop, CA 95330
Years: 2015 – Current
Reference
Greg Gibson, Senior Civil
Engineer
City of Lathrop
Ph: (209) 941-7220
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members:
Prime On-Call Consultant
Jonathan Sutter, PE
Dave Umezaki, PE
Chris Pittner, PE
Jordan Gans, PE
251
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 21
permits the discharge of recycled water from the City’s domestic wastewater treatment plant to parks, landscaping, and agricultural land.
EKI’s City of East Palo Alto Planning and Design Experience EKI has supported the City of East Palo Alto on multiple projects over the last several years related to water system planning and design. Specifically, EKI has completed the following projects within the past three years:
Water System Master Plan and CIP Development: EKI recently prepared the City’s 2022 Water System Master Plan, which will serve as the basis for the City’s 20-year capital improvement program. This effort included developing a new all-pipes hydraulic model, a spatial demand analysis, a storage and supply capacity assessment, and hydraulic model calibration and analysis. EKI developed capital improvement projects to address several areas with existing fire flow and supply deficiencies, developed opinions of probable costs, and risk-based 20- year CIP budgets and schedules in five-year increments. Development Project Review and As-Needed Engineering Support:
Over the last few years, EKI has assisted the City with review of tank and pipeline design plans prepared by developers, preparation of grant applications, and development of ordinances and
RFPs.
Engineering Design:
– Pad D Well: EKI performed design services for
the construction of a new municipal supply well
and above-ground disinfection and distribution
components at the Pad D well site. The system
is anticipated to be used primarily for
emergency purposes and will include a
submersible well pump, chemical
amendments, and a hydropneumatic tank. The
footprint for the system was optimized due to
the very small parcel and room must be
reserved for potential future treatment units.
– Gloria Way Well Facility: EKI provided planning,
design, permitting, and start up support for the
Gloria Way Iron and Manganese Groundwater Treatment System, which included the installation of new iron and manganese treatment chloramination systems, blending with high-quality SFPUC Hetch-Hetchy water to address high chloride and total dissolved solids levels, and a new high service pumping and surge tank. EKI also conducted a hydrogeologic investigation and installation of a test well at the Pad D site, which included test well design and construction, aquifer testing, water quality sampling, groundwater modeling, preliminary design, and cost estimation. To support these groundwater projects, EKI assisted the City to secure $3 million in Prop 84 grant funding.
Urban Water Management Planning: EKI prepared the City’s 2015 and 2020 UWMPs in accordance with the California Department of Water Resources UWMP Guidebook requirements. EKI presented the findings from the UWMPs to the City Council. EKI also prepared the City’s 2022, 2023, and 2024 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessments.
Client Details
City of East Palo Alto
2415 University Avenue
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Years: 2014-Ongoing
Reference
Humza Javed, City Engineer
(650)853-3179
[email protected]
EKI Role & Team Members:
Prime On-Call Consultant
Tyler Colyer, PE – Project
Manager
Jonathan Sutter, PE
Yuqing Gao, EIT
Subconsultant:
Electrical and Structural
252
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 22
Water Supply Support: EKI facilitated the first ever transfer of Individual Supply Guarantee (ISG) between wholesale customers on the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) system when the City purchased a portion of ISG from the Cities of Palo Alto and Mountain View in 2017.
The table below illustrates key EKI staff members and relevant project experience.
EKI’s Services for Capital
Improvement Projects and Utility
and Facility Operations Engineering
Key Staff Selected Experience
Dave Umezaki, PETyler Colyer, PEJonathan Sutter, PE City of Daly CityNorth Coast County WDCoastside County WDCity of Brisbane Valley of the Moon WDCity of PiedmontTown of HillsboroughCity of East Palo Alto General and Specialized Engineering Support
Services for Utilities Systems (Sewers and
Stormwater only)
General and Specialized Engineering Support
Services for Utilities (Potable Water and Recycled
Water)
Utilities Services Evaluation for Development
Projects (All Utilities)
Management Services (Utilities)
Design, Bid Support, and Engineering Services
During Construction
Construction Management and Inspection
Capital Project Planning, Programming, and
Management
Condition Assessments and Asset Management Preparation of Staff Reports and Presentations to
Board of Directors/City Councils
Hydraulic Modeling
GIS System Support
Permitting Support
Grant Funding Support
On-Call Services
253
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 23
6. REFERENCES
EKI has provided similar engineering services to municipal clients in California. Our clients trust our teams for the high quality of our work, our attention to detail, and our responsiveness. The references below can attest to our team’s relevant experience providing a full range of civil engineering services and support for municipal water, sewer, and stormwater projects.
References
Coastside County Water District. Under a professional services agreement for Capital Project Management, EKI is providing district engineering, planning, design, bid support and construction support services for a variety of pipeline, tank, booster pump station, and miscellaneous water system facility projects.
Contact Name: Mary Rogren | P: (650) 726-4405 | E: [email protected] City of Daly City. EKI has been assisting the City of Daly City with sanitary sewer and water main CIP project design and construction services for a variety of pipeline projects, including the Evergreen/Winchester/Templeton Sewer Replacement Project, the I-280 Sewer Crossing Project, and the Callan Boulevard Water Main.
Contact Name: Jeff Bastian | P: (650) 742-4592 | E: [email protected] North Coast County Water District. EKI has worked closely with the North Coast County Water District (NCCWD) staff and management over the last four plus years to provide On-Call and District Engineering services, including construction, maintenance, and analysis of a new hydraulic model.
Contact Name: Adrianne Carr, Ph.D. | P: (650) 355-3462 | E: [email protected] Town of Hillsborough. EKI has been assisting the Town of Hillsborough with its Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation and Replacement Program, providing design and construction support services for replacing or rehabilitating over 35,000 LF of sanitary sewer pipe and its appurtenances using pipe bursting, pipe reaming, and open trench methods in the public right-of-way and within easement areas. EKI has also assisted the Town with the following projects: (1) Sandra Hayne Storm Drain Replacement; (2) Forest View Avenue/Newhall Road Sewer Main Replacement; (3) Roblar Avenue/Santa Inez Avenue Sanitary Sewer Study; and (4) Ralston Avenue Pepper Avenue Water Main Replacement.
Contact Name: Natalie Gribben | P: (650) 375-7444 | E: [email protected] City of Brisbane. EKI has assisted the City plan, manage, and implement its water and sewer CIPs. Specifically, EKI (1) prepared the City’s 2017 Water and Sewer Systems Master Plan Updates, (2) helped the City develop a 10-year CIP implementation schedule and budget that covered two $5 million utility bonds, (3) performed engineering design for the Annis Road PRV Station and Fire Main Replacement Project, Glen Park Pump Station Upgrades, and the Humboldt PRV Station Preliminary Design, and (4) prepared the City’s 2014 and 2023 Water Shortage Contingency Plans. EKI is currently managing the City’s SCADA Upgrades Project, which will replace the City’s existing out-of-date SCADA system at all of its water and wastewater facilities.
Contact Name: Jerry Flanagan, PE | P: (415) 508-2137 | E: [email protected] Valley of the Moon Water District. EKI has supported the Valley of the Moon Water District in several different capacities. EKI prepared the District’s Water Master Plan, prepared its 2015 and 2020 Urban Water Management Plans (UWMP), and assisted on a variety of planning, design, and construction management projects for its water system. EKI provided engineering design and construction management services for the Well 5A Production Well Project and is currently performing feasibility analysis, engineering design and construction management for the District’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery project. Additionally, EKI has performed On-Call hydraulic modeling evaluations to support operational decisions and evaluate alternative improvement projects.
Contact Name: Matthew Fullner | P: (707) 966-1037 | E: [email protected] 254
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 24
7. SCHEDULE
For each task order, EKI will develop a detailed schedule with durations and interdependencies. EKI will work with the District to meet schedule expectations and track the schedule throughout the project to identify any schedule variances. If schedule variances are identified, mitigation plans will be developed in conjunction with the District staff to help ensure that corrective measures are implemented within the framework of the overall project schedule. Included below is a sample schedule from a “typical” pipeline replacement project; however actual schedules will depend on the scope of each task order.
Sample Schedule for a Pipeline Replacement and Rehabilitation Project 2025 2026
255
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 25
8. COST
SCHEDULE OF CHARGES FOR EKI ENVIRONMENT & WATER, INC. 1 January 2025 Personnel Classification Hourly Rate
2025
Officer and Chief Engineer-Scientist 355
Principal Engineer-Scientist 343
Supervising I, Engineer-Scientist 333
Supervising II, Engineer-Scientist 319
Senior I, Engineer-Scientist 306
Senior II, Engineer-Scientist 295
Associate I, Engineer-Scientist 283
Associate II, Engineer-Scientist 267
Engineer-Scientist, Grade 1 248
Engineer-Scientist, Grade 2 234
Engineer-Scientist, Grade 3 215
Engineer-Scientist, Grade 4 193
Engineer-Scientist, Grade 5 170
Engineer-Scientist, Grade 6 148
Project Assistant 139
Technician 133
Senior GIS / Database Analyst 175
CADD Operator / GIS Analyst 152
Senior Administrative Assistant 167
Administrative Assistant 132
Secretary 111
Direct Expenses
Reimbursement for direct expenses, as listed below, incurred in connection with the work will be at cost plus fifteen percent (15%) for items such as:
a) Maps, photographs, reproductions, printing, equipment rental, and special supplies related to the work. b) Consultants, soils engineers, surveyors, drillers, laboratories, and contractors. c) Rented vehicles, local public transportation and taxis, travel, and subsistence. d) Special fees, insurance, permits, and licenses applicable to the work. e) Outside computer processing, computation, and proprietary programs purchased for the work.
A Communication charge for e-mail access, web conferencing, cellphone calls, messaging and data access, file sharing, local and longdistance telephone calls and conferences, facsimile transmittals, standard delivery U.S. postage, and incidental in-house copying will be charged at a rate of 4% of labor charges. Large volume copying of project documents, e.g., bound reports for distribution or project-specific reference files, will be charged as a project expense as described above.
Reimbursement for company-owned automobiles, except trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles, used in connection with the work will be at the rate of sixty cents ($0.60) per mile. The rate for company-owned trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles will be seventy-five cents ($0.75) per mile. There will be an additional charge of thirty dollars ($30.00) per day for vehicles used for field work. Reimbursement for the use of personal vehicles will be at the federally allowed rate plus fifteen percent (15%).
CADD and other specialized software computer time will be charged at twenty dollars ($20.00) per hour. In-house material and equipment charges will be in accordance with the current rate schedule or special quotation. Excise taxes, if any, will be added as a direct expense.
Rate for professional staff for legal proceedings or as expert witnesses will be at a rate of one and one-half times the Hourly Rates specified above.
The foregoing Schedule of Charges is incorporated into the Agreement for the Services of EKI Environment & Water, Inc. and may be updated annually.
256
East Palo Alto Sanitary District
On-Call General Engineering Services 26
APPENDIX A – RESUMES OF KEY PERSONNEL
257
1-2
Tyler F. Colyer, PE
Supervising Engineer - Project Manager
Mr. Colyer is a Professional Civil Engineer with over fifteen (15) years of experience in design, planning, and construction management of potable water, wastewater, stormwater and recycled water infrastructure, as well as experience in water quality and water resources planning. He has developed and managed all phases of design, project management, construction management, budgeting, scheduling, permitting, and coordinating with and on behalf of private clients and municipalities.
Relevant Experience
• City of East Palo Alto. Water System Master Plan. East Palo Alto, CA.
Project Manager. Mr. Colyer oversaw the preparation of the City of East Palo Alto’s Water System Master Plan Update. The project included construction of a new all-pipe hydraulic model, water demand projections, a risk-based capital improvement plan and a recycled water feasibility evaluation. Cost estimates and schedules were prepared for each recommended capital improvement project. • City of Daly City. Callan Boulevard Water Main Replacement. Daly City, CA. Project Manager. Mr. Colyer is currently overseeing the design for replacing approximately 1,750 LF of the existing 6-inch diameter water main with 12-inch ductile iron pipe along a busy thoroughfare within the City. The project also includes relocating an existing pressure reducing valve station out of the roadway. • City of Daly City. I-280 Sewer Crossing. Daly City, CA. Project Manager.
Mr. Colyer is currently overseeing the design of a new sanitary sewer crossing underneath Interstate 280 to augment an existing crossing that is undersized and a single point of failure in the City’s sanitary sewer system. The crossing is anticipated to be approximately 1,000 LF of 30-inch pipeline installed within a 48-inch casing that will be installed using trenchless techniques (e.g., tunnel boring machine). The project includes evaluation of several potential alignments, coordinating and permitting with Caltrans and adjacent municipalities, and significant pre-design investigations (geotechnical, aerial and ground survey, etc.). The project is currently in its preliminary design phase.
• City of Daly City. Evergreen/Winchester/Templeton Sewer Replacement. Daly City, CA. Project Manager.
Mr. Colyer is currently overseeing the design for replacement and upsizing of approximately 2,200 LF of 14-inch through 21-inch terracotta combined storm and sanitary sewer pipelines and brick manholes. The project also includes reconnection of laterals and storm drain catch basin fly lines. Pipelines will be replaced via open-trench construction due to the pipeline sizes and proximity of other utilities within the roadways.
• City of Piedmont. Phase 7 Sewer Replacement and Rehabilitation Project, Piedmont, CA. Project Manager.
Mr. Colyer is working with the City of Piedmont to replace or rehabilitate approximately 23,000 linear feet of sewer line and 170 sewer manholes. The project includes preparing a Basis of Design memo, CEQA and other Environmental Documentation, preparation of an SRF Loan application, preparation of contract Education
• M.S., Civil and
Environmental
Engineering, University of
California, Berkeley, 2010
• B.S., Environmental
Engineering, University of
California, Riverside, 2009
Registrations/Certifications
• Professional Engineer, CA
(C #80141)
• Professional Civil Engineer
AZ (#64179)
• 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER
Training Course
258
Tyler Colyer, PE
2-2
design documents, bid support, and construction support. This project will leverage Mr. Colyer’s experience working in challenging site conditions, including limited equipment access during construction, steep and heavily vegetated terrain, work within easements on private property, and extensive homeowner coordination.
• Town of Hillsborough. Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Projects, Hillsborough, CA. Project Engineer. Mr.
Colyer has provided oversight for the design and construction of a series of sanitary sewer replacement projects since 2020. Two phases of the project have been constructed, two phases a under construction, and the next phase is in design. In total, these projects account for the replacement or rehabilitation of over 35,000 LF of sanitary sewer lines, generally 6-in to 8-in in diameter. • Town of Hillsborough. Sandra/Hayne Storm Drain Replacement Project, Hillsborough, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Colyer evaluated alternatives and developed the design for replacement of the Cherry Creek storm drainage structures and pipes at Hayne Road and Sandra Road. The selected final alternative included replacement of a concrete headwall structure, replacement and consolidation of four failing corrugated metal pipelines with high-density polyethylene pipes (24-in to 60-in) of large diameters. • Town of Hillsborough. Roblar Avenue/Santa Inez Avenue Sanitary Sewer Study, Hillsborough, CA. Project Manager. Mr. Colyer prepared an alternatives analysis for replacement and upsizing of approximately 6,440 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe (2,500 linear feet of which is a parallel sewer pipe) with the intent of reducing the overall length of piping and eliminating sanitary sewer overflows. Mr. Colyer reviewed sanitary sewer video for pipe and manhole condition, prepared a desktop model of the sewer alignment, and developed conceptual-level cost estimates for two alternative improvement projects. • Town of Hillsborough. Forestview Avenue/Newhall Road Sewer Main Replacement Project, Hillsborough, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Colyer prepared an evaluation of various sanitary sewer improvements and alignments within a residential neighborhood and provided recommendations for the most appropriate improvements. Based on the recommendation of improvements, Mr. Colyer prepared engineering plans and specifications for the construction of a 2,300-linear foot sanitary sewer upsize and replacement. The design included replacement of a flume (Palmer-Bowlus), flow sensor, and metering manhole. Mr. Colyer also provided engineering services during construction for this successful project. • Coastside County Water District. Installation of Pressure Reducing Valve Stations. Half Moon Bay, CA.
Project Engineer. Mr. Colyer oversaw the preparation of the design documents for this project. This project involved installation of (1) two new pressure reducing valve (PRV) stations, at Wave Avenue and Frontage Road and at Casa Del Mar Drive and Frontage Road, and approximately 520 linear feet (LF) of new 8-inch ductile iron pipe (DIP) between Beach Avenue and Casa Del Mar Drive to create a new pressure zone in the Casa Del Mar neighborhood and (2) installation of a new PRV station on at Grand Boulevard and approximately 140 LF of new 6-inch DIP along Grand Boulevard to add a new connection from the District’s main transmission main to downtown Half Moon Bay.
• Valley of the Moon Water District. Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project, El Verano, CA. Project Manager.
Mr. Colyer is overseeing the implementation of the District’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project at two well sites. The project includes studies to determine the feasibility of ASR at the two sites, performing pilot studies at each site, and the design and construction of ASR infrastructure including a new ASR well, conversion of another existing supply well to an ASR Well, and construction of monitoring wells at each site. Additionally, EKI assisted the District in obtaining approximately $3 million of drought-relief funding from the Department of Water Resources to support the ASR project. 259
1-2
C. David Umezaki, PE
Principal Engineer - Principal in Charge
Mr. Umezaki has performed water, wastewater and recycled water program management for a number of cities in Northern California. In this role, he has managed several permitting, design, and construction efforts for major improvements to water and wastewater treatment plants. As part of his program management efforts, he has prepared technical evaluations, interfaced with regulatory agencies, and managed the efforts of numerous consultant teams and stakeholders on behalf of cities.
For twenty-nine years (29), Mr. Umezaki has held key roles on several engineering projects, including engineering design and design review, construction review, and operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and groundwater treatment systems. He has provided construction observation services for soil and groundwater remediation and is experienced with construction management and contract administration. Mr. Umezaki has prepared engineering documents for submittal to regulatory agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency and several California Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Mr. Umezaki evaluates technologies as part of feasibility studies, preparing cost estimates, and designing groundwater treatment systems.
Relevant Experience
• City of Daly City. On-Call Engineering Services, Daly City, CA. PrincipalIn-Charge. Mr. Umezaki performed on-call engineering services related to sanitary sewer and storm drain systems. He managed oncall work including evaluation of proposal for a new discharge to sanitary sewer or storm drain system at a site located at the Serramonte Center. The project involved the evaluation of potential impacts to the wastewater treatment plant if hydrocarbon containing groundwater were discharged to the plant, and later an evaluation of potential options for discharge to the storm drain under existing General Permits. He also is currently the Principal-In-Charge for a series of pipeline design projects, including the Callan Boulevard Water Main, the Evergreen/Winchester/Templeton Sewer Main, and the I-280 Sewer Crossing projects.
• City of Pacifica. On-Call Wastewater Projects, Pacifica, CA. Project Manager. Mr. Umezaki served as project manager for a series of on-call services contract projects at the City’s Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant (CCWRP). For the CCWRP ultraviolet disinfection system replacement project, He prepared the request for proposal (RFP) and related RFP addenda for engineering design services and assisted with the management and coordination of the associated pre-bid site meeting. He assisted with the planning and initial design of the upcoming headworks channel corrosion improvement project, including developing a workplan outlining the steps for the installation of new coatings in the concrete channel and vertical concrete box downstream of the Parshall flume and upstream of the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) influent pipeline.
Mr. Umezaki’s work included the initial preliminary design services and cost estimation on bypass components such as an inflatable plug, FRP bypass piping, and a sluice gate, and preliminary work Education
• M.S., Civil (Environmental)
Engineering, Stanford
University, 1995
• B.S., Civil Engineering,
Stanford University, 1994
Registrations/Certifications
• Professional Civil Engineer,
CA (#57697)
• Forty-hour OSHA
HAZWOPER Training
Course
• 8-hour Health and Safety
Training Course for
Supervisors
260
C. David Umezaki, PE
2-2
sequencing. He prepared an RFP for design services for the Arc Flash Study and Electrical Condition Assessment Project.
• City of South San Francisco. WQCP Wet Weather and Digester Improvements Project, South San Francisco, CA. Deputy Program Manager. Mr. Umezaki provided program management services for the design and construction of a $50 million improvement project at the City’s Water Quality Control Plant, acting as the City representative through the design and construction phases, facilitating project decision making throughout the bidding and construction phases. As part of his program management responsibilities, assisted the City and design engineer in formulating an approach to bidding a proprietary digester equipment/process which includes a process warranty from the manufacturer. Mr. Umezaki also acted as the City’s liaison to the State Water Resources Control Board and its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program staff during the construction phase.
• City of Foster City. Clean Water Program, Foster City, CA. Mr. Umezaki is serving as Foster City's representative in its participation with the City of San Mateo in their Clean Water Program. The Clean Water Program is a comprehensive plan to upgrade the aging wastewater collection and treatment system with advanced infrastructure that will provide reliable services for years to come. The Wastewater Treatment Plant components of the Clean Water Program are a joint effort between the City of San Mateo and City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID). The goals of the Clean Water Program are to: replace aging infrastructure and facilities, build wet weather sewer system capacity assurance, and meet current and future regulatory requirements, align with the City of San Mateo and Foster City's sustainability goals. As Foster City's representative, Mr. Umezaki participates in the selection of consultants and contractors, review of technical reports, assisting with the evaluation of Foster City's share of the cost for the Clean Water Program, as well making presentations to the Foster City Council regarding the progress of the program.
• City of Lathrop. Consolidated Treatment Facility, Lathrop, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Umezaki performed performing program management for the City of Lathrop’s wastewater and recycled water programs for over a decade. He was the Project Engineer responsible for management of the permitting and design of the Phase 2 expansion of City of Lathrop’s Consolidated Treatment Facility, which has a capacity of approximately 2.5 million gallons per day. His work on this project has included preparation and maintenance of detailed project schedules, technical review of engineering documents, and oversight of numerous permit-related strategic, managerial, and technical tasks for the City. He was the Project Engineer responsible for management and coordination of efforts of eight consulting firms and fifteen developers as the City underwent a complex Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) permit compliance process for its newly constructed wastewater and recycled water facilities. For this project, Mr. Umezaki successfully coordinated efforts among many parties to meet an extremely aggressive compliance schedule. In addition, Mr. Umezaki performed a detailed evaluation of the sources of high salinity detected in the City’s wastewater collection system, including a mass balance for all major sources of salinity. Based on the findings of this evaluation, he developed a salt control implementation plan that included a ban on self-regenerating water softeners and measures to control infiltration of high-salinity groundwater into the wastewater collection system.
261
1-2
Jonathan P. N. Sutter, PE
Principal Engineer - QA/QC Manager
Mr. Sutter has over 16 years of experience in managing all phases of planning, design, and construction management for new and existing potable water, recycled water, wastewater, stormwater, utility infrastructure. Mr. Sutter is experienced in the management of complex projects requiring coordination of multi-discipline design teams, as well as CEQA and multi-agency permitting processes for projects in highly sensitive areas. Mr. Sutter has led the development of master plans and capital improvement plans with risk-based prioritization for several utility systems. Mr. Sutter currently serves in the capacity of consulting District Engineer for two public water agencies.
Relevant Experience
• Coastside County Water District. Capital Improvement Program Management and Various Engineering Projects. Half Moon Bay, CA.
District Engineer/Project Manager. Assisted in programming, managing, and designing the District’s 10-year CIP budget and prepared near-term cash flows. Managed the design and construction of water main capital projects and managed consultants for the welded-steel water storage tank seismic evaluation and Carter Hill Tank Project. Led efforts to update hydraulic model and support alternative analysis. Project manager for the 13 water main improvement projects totaling approximately 30,000 linear feet of pipe ranging in size from 6-inch to 20-inch in diameter. As District Engineer, Mr. Sutter provides plan reviews for mainline extensions.
• North Coast County Water District. District Engineering Services. Pacifica, CA. District Engineer. Managed the development of a new hydraulic model including construction, calibration, and analysis to identify recommended improvements and development of a storage evaluation. Led the design of four water main improvement projects and other emergency repairs. Among other roles, provided owner’s assistance during design and construction of a new prestressed concrete tank, helped develop CIP budgets since 2020, managed development of Urban Water Management Plan, and is managing the current Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project.
• City of Brisbane. Annis Fire Main Replacement, Glen Park Pump Station, and Other As-Needed Projects.
Brisbane, CA. Project Manager/Construction Manager for the replacement of approx. 6,500 linear ft of water main and install a new pressure reducing valve station. Also managed the Glen Park Pump Station Upgrades Project, Water and Sewer System Master Plan Update and SCADA Upgrades Project for the City. • City of Lathrop. Integrated Water Resources Master Plan and On-Call Hydraulic Modeling. Lathrop, CA.
Project Manager. Mr. Sutter served as Project Manager for the preparation of the City’s Integrated Water Resources Master Plan, which included comprehensive updates to the Water System, Wastewater System, and Recycled Water System Master Plans. Mr. Sutter led efforts to update the City's infrastructure and land use GIS databases to develop new GIS-integrated hydraulic models, evaluate the City's potable and recycled Education
• M.S., Civil and
Environmental
Engineering, Stanford
University, 2012
• B.S., Civil Engineering,
Columbia University, 2008
Registrations/Certifications
• Professional Civil Engineer,
CA (#81606)
• 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER
Training Course
262
Jonathan P. N. Sutter, PE
2-2
water demands and wastewater flows projections, evaluate the City's future water supply and reliability, and develop recommended Capital Improvement Programs for each utility. Mr. Sutter led coordination efforts with the City staff and participated in the outreach efforts with the project stakeholders, including the City's development community. Mr. Sutter has managed hydraulic modeling analyses to evaluate the required water, sewer, and recycled water infrastructure needed to support new major developments.
Potable water system analysis included fire flow and storage evaluations and modeling of developmental phasing to identify required infrastructure construction trigger points. Recycled water hydraulic analyses were conducted on multiple recycled water transmission main improvement alternatives to identify the most cost-effective solution for meeting City design requirements. • Valley of the Moon Water District. Water Master Plan and On-Call Hydraulic Modeling. El Verano, CA.
Project Manager. EKI prepared the District's Water Master Plan, which will serve as the basis for the District's 25-year capital improvement program. Mr. Sutter managed the development of a zone analysis of demands; storage and supply capacity assessment; construction, calibration, and analysis of a new hydraulic model; the development of a recommended capital improvement program; and preparation of the Final Master Plan Report. Mr. Sutter presented to Board of Directors to present findings during the development of the Water Master Plan. Mr. Sutter also managed the evaluation of a potential site on Richards Boulevard for a new storage tank, including a hydraulic modeling evaluation and preparation of a conceptual site plan, constructability review, and opinion of costs. Mr. Sutter is currently managing on-call hydraulic modeling tasks.
• City of East Palo Alto. Water System Master Plan, Hydraulic Model Construction and Analysis. East Palo Alto, CA. Project Manager. Mr. Sutter served as Technical Lead for the preparation of the Water System Master Plan Update, which will guide the next 20 years of water system reliability and related capital improvement program projects that will support the City to improve the current system and plan for the anticipated development. Mr. Sutter led the construction of a new hydraulic model, water demand projections, and a recycled water feasibility evaluation. He also led the development of a risk-based capital improvement plan.
• City of Brisbane, Water and Sewer System Master Plan Update and On-Call Hydraulic Modeling. Brisbane, CA. Project Engineer/Deputy Project Manager. Mr. Sutter developed a new baseline and projected future water demands and sanitary flows to reflect changes since the prior master plans. Based on his analysis of the City’s sewer system infrastructure and condition assessment, EKI refined the City’s sewer system capital improvement program. He also assisted in updating the water system capital improvement program, reducing pipeline projects by recommending efficient use of interties and PRVs between pressure zones. As Project Manager for on-call hydraulic modeling, Mr. Sutter managed the analysis of a new Humboldt Road PRV and recommended PRV sizing to improve fire flow in a lower pressure zone. 263
1-2
Sam Cronin, PE
Project Engineer
Mr. Cronin has provided support in a variety of engineering and environmental service applications since joining EKI in June of 2016.
Specifically, Mr. Cronin has practiced within the fields of municipal utility rehabilitation, process wastewater management, groundwater and soil remediation, municipal wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation, and construction oversight. His educational background includes water treatment, wastewater treatment, water resources, air quality engineering, and geotechnical engineering.
Relevant Experience
• City of Daly City. Evergreen/Templeton/Winchester Sanitary Sewer Replacement, Daly City, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Cronin is providing services at all levels to complete design documents for the replacement and upsizing of approximately 2,200 LF of 14-inch through 21-inch terracotta combined storm and sanitary sewer pipelines and brick manholes. The Project also includes reconnection of laterals and storm drain catch basin fly lines. Mr. Cronin coordinated with survey and potholing contractors, and has led efforts to complete 100% design drawings, specifications, and the engineer’s opinion of probable cost.
• City of Daly City. Callan Boulevard Water Main Replacement, Daly City, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Cronin is providing services at all levels to complete contract design documents for replacing approximately 1,750 LF of existing 6-inch diameter water main with 12-inch PVC pipe along a busy thoroughfare within the City.
The project also includes relocating an existing pressure reducing valve station out of the roadway. • City of Daly City. I-280 Sewer Crossing, Daly City, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Cronin is providing design services for the proposed installation of 1,000 feet of 30-inch sewer main to be installed under the Interstate 280 highway via microtunneling. The Project is intended to capture all upstream future flows currently being served by an existing pipeline designated as an extreme risk due to likelihood of failure and consequence of failure. Mr. Cronin is currently preparing the preliminary design report that includes a feasibility assessment, cost estimate, and 30% design drawings. Mr. Cronin will assist in the preparation of permits, construction design drawings, specifications, and opinion of probable cost for the duration of the project. The current estimate of construction cost is approximately $4.5M. • City of Hillsborough. Sanitary Sewer Line Rehabilitation and Replacement, Hillsborough, CA. Design Engineer. Mr. Cronin has prepared design drawings used for the replacement or rehabilitation of over 35,000 LF of sanitary sewer pipe. The since-replaced vitrified clay pipe had been experiencing high extraneous inflow and infiltration flows that were increasing wastewater treatment plant usage fees. Mr.
Cronin incorporated accurate locations for all utility lines along the sewer line alignment to be replaced using a high-precision GPS unit to collect data for all surface utility features and 811 markings. The updated utility line locations were imported into AutoCAD Civil 3D along with high-definition aerial imagery to create basemaps that were augmented with design notes to communicate important construction Education
• M.S., Environmental
Engineering, UC Berkeley,
2016
• B.S., Environmental
Engineering, Cal Poly SLO,
2015
Registrations/Certifications
• Professional Engineer, CA
(#92190)
264
Sam Cronin, PE
2-2
information. Mr. Cronin coordinated potholing efforts to inform comprehensive plan and profile design sheets. Techniques for the replacement of each section of sanitary sewer line were decided based on cost, constructability, and avoiding vicinity conflicts with other utility lines. • City of Piedmont. Phase 7 Sewer Replacement and Rehabilitation Project, Piedmont, CA. Design Engineer.
Mr. Cronin is working with the City of Piedmont to replace or rehabilitate approximately 23,000 linear feet of sewer line and 170 sewer manholes. Mr. Cronin is currently coordinating the utility survey effort that spans most of the city’s sewer subbasins. Mr. Cronin will also be leading efforts to provide a Basis of Design Memo, CEQA and other Environmental Documentation, SRF Loan Coordination, and all contract design documents. This project will provide experience working in challenging site conditions, including limited equipment access during construction, steep and heavily vegetated terrain, and extensive homeowner coordination. The city’s projected total project budget is $8.4M. • City of Pacifica. Sewer Main Replacement Design, Pacifica, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Cronin worked with the City of Pacifica to develop design plan drawings to be included in an application to receive approximately $25 million in loan funding to replace approximately 25,000 LF of sewer main lines in their Vallemar neighborhood. Mr. Cronin created design drawings in AutoCAD Civil 3D that featured highdefinition aerial imagery, City-provided sewer utility line locations, North Coast County Water District (NCCWD)-provided water line locations, gas and electric line locations available through the CivilGrid online platform, and high-level design details. The drawings provided justification for the requested loan amount by displaying the project’s extent and level of effort. • Coastside County Water District. Water Utility Main Design, Half Moon Bay, CA. Design Engineer. Mr.
Cronin has provided design engineering services for the replacement of complex sections of water utility main lines and associated appurtenances. Specifically, he has drafted field mapping of existing conditions using a high precision GPS unit and created plan and profile drawings using AutoCAD Civil 3D software to show existing project site conditions. Mr. Cronin has proposed new system components and estimations of probable cost using the data.
• City of South San Francisco. South San Francisco Water Quality Control Plant Coatings Project, South San Francisco, CA. Design Engineer. High moisture content and vicinity to the saline San Francisco Bay caused corrodible surfaces of the South San Francisco Water Quality Treatment Plant and associated pumping stations to sustain corrosion damage that required rehabilitation. Mr. Cronin worked in a project management role to coordinate with coatings experts and City personnel to design rehabilitation plans for the replacement or recoating of all deficient components of the plant and pump stations while maintaining typical plant operations during construction.
265
1-2
Jordan Gans, PE
Environmental Engineer
Mr. Gans is a multidisciplinary engineer providing technical support on a broad range of projects. He has experience with computer-aided design software, hydraulic modeling, data processing and analysis, technical report writing, and project management. His experiences combined with his educational background in civil and environmental engineering and management make him a valuable team member on projects. At EKI, he has worked on design, modeling, construction services, and project management for several municipal water projects. Additionally, he has used data processing and analysis to create technical reports for potable water, wastewater, recycled water planning, and environmental compliance permitting.
Relevant Experience
• City of Redwood City. Recycled Water Main Downtown Extension Project Redwood City, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Gans is the lead project engineer in the design of 1,550 linear feet of 30-inch high density polyethylene (HDPE) recycled water main installed underneath Caltrains Railroad right-of-way and in the heavily congested downtown area. The project is designed using a combination of open-cut and trenchless construction methods. Mr.
Gans is leading the design, permitting, and project management. • Coastside County Water District. Miramontes Point Road Water Main Replacement, Half Moon Bay, CA. Design Engineer. Mr. Gans is the design engineer for the replacement of approximately 5,800 linear feet of ductile iron pipes that have experienced multiple premature failures in recent years with the suspected cause of corrosive soil coupled with the lack of any corrosion protection.
In addition to design drawings, he developed a comprehensive project budget and schedule. Mr. Gans also prepared a technical memorandum that analyzed the use of alternative pipe materials that were novel to the district, due to the failures in the existing district standard material pipes. The analysis also looked at various construction methods and upsized a section of the pipeline after modeling. • North Coast County Water District. Loop at Everglades Drive Project, Pacifica, CA. Design Engineer. Mr.
Gans is the design engineer for the multi-phase project that will install approximately 5,500 linear feet of ductile iron pipe to create a loop in the District’s pressure zone while simultaneously addressing fire flow deficiencies identified in the system. The design of the project includes identifying the optimal tie-in locations and obtaining Title 22 clearance exemptions for the Department of Drinking Water (DDW). In addition to design, Mr. Gans created a budget, schedule, and report which evaluated the project in a single or multi-phased approach.
• Valley of the Moon Water District. Altimira Fire Flow Improvements Design. El Verano, CA. Mr. Gans is serving as the Project Engineer and preparing plans, specifications, and cost estimates to replace approximately 5,000 LF of existing 6-inch and 8-inch water mains with new 12-inch PVC water mains to Education
• M.E., Systems Engineering
and Technology
Management, Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, 2019
• B.S., Environmental
Engineering, Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, 2018
Registrations/Certifications
• CA, Professional Civil
Engineer (#97423)
266
Jordan Gans, PE
2-2
improve fire flows. The project includes relocating portions of the water main along with a pressure reducing valve.
• Coastside County Water District. Poplar Street Water Main Replacement Project. Half Moon Bay, CA. Mr.
Gans designed the replacement of approximately 1,000 linear feet of 6-inch ductile iron pipe. In addition to design, he developed a comprehensive project budget and schedule for the project. • Placer County Water Agency. Hayford Siphon Replacement Project. Auburn, CA. Engineer. Mr. Gans is providing engineering services during construction for the replacement and upsizing of approximately 2,900 linear feet of riveted steel pipe with a diameter of 30”-36” with a 42” diameter pipe made of ductile iron pipe for below ground and coated welded steel pipe for above ground. His duties include reviewing and responding to RFIs and submittals and producing contract drawing amendments. • North Coast County Water District. Recycled and Potable Water Consumption Analysis. Pacifica, CA. Water Resources Engineer. Mr. Gans used present and historical SCADA data to analyze the historical recycled water use across the district and identify when supplemental potable water was used. This analysis was used in conversations with San Francisco Public Utilities District to plan future recycled water expansion projects.
• City of Lathrop. Integrated Waste Resources Master Plan Amendment. Lathrop, CA. Lead Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler. Mr. Gans is the lead Hydraulic Modeler in the project to model wastewater flow and characteristics in the rapidly expanding City of Lathrop. This effort includes updating wastewater flow factors, wastewater generation events, and major storm events. Additionally, Mr. Gans is designing a study to determine flow and characteristics of the City’s wastewater and using hydraulic modeling software to develop projects to optimize wastewater flow and treatment and support the City’s recycled water initiatives.
• Tejon Ranch Company. Tejon Recharge Facility. Lebec, CA. Design Engineer. Mr. Gans leads the technical design efforts for the feasibility of developing a recharge facility within the 1,300-acre Tejon Ranch site.
His responsibilities included preliminary calculations, design, and costs for flows, mechanical infrastructure, site development, and recharge facilities. • Valley of the Moon Water District. Park Avenue Well and Chestnut New Supply Well. El Verano, CA. Mr.
Gans prepared the mechanical and well design, budgeting, and bid documents for the construction of a new municipal supply well, which included a new submersible well pump, piping, and appurtenances.
Additionally, he prepared the design, budgeting, and documents for a new exploratory borehole to evaluate future production well on the site.
267
Christopher Pittner, PE, QISP
Project Engineer
Mr. Pittner has 7 years of experience in potable water, recycled water and wastewater systems design. Specifically, distribution hydraulic modeling, design CIP cost estimation, master planning of water supplies and distribution system improvements. He is efficient at identifying system deficiencies and recommending improvements to improve system capacities, simplify operations, and improve system resiliency and redundancy. Mr. Pittner is presently engaged in the Daly City I-280 Crossing project.
Relevant Experience
• North Coast County Water District. Park Pacific Tank Recoating and Pump Station Upgrades Design, Pacifica, CA. Project Engineer. The tank requires several improvements as identified in previous assessments to remain in service. The District will be upgrading the upper zone Fassler Tank. This project included a pre-design analysis which determined the Park Pacifica Pump Station needed new variable frequency drive pumps to service the upper zone during the construction of the Fassler Tank. Initial testing of coating materials found high concentrations of PCBs and lead, thus re-coating operations will occur in an enclosed tent around the tank. Currently, EKI is preparing the 90% design submittal.
• Coastside County Water District. El Granada No. 1 Tank Demo & Booster Pump Station Upgrades, El Granada, CA. Project Engineer.
The District’s EG-1 tank will be removed from service due to seismic concerns and thus, the EG-1 booster pump station will need to be modified to pump directly from the former tank feed line. The District is currently reviewing the draft pre-design study which includes recommendations for tank and pump station demolition, pump selection (standard above grade or below grade pitless boosters), conceptual site layouts, construction sequencing, and opinion of probable cost. • North Coast County Water District. Water System Hydraulic Modeling, Pacifica, CA. Project Engineer. Mr.
Pittner is providing as-needed engineering services including planning and hydraulic modeling of specific capital improvement projects. Mr. Pittner was the Project Engineer for feasibility study for rehabilitation or replacement of the District’s main 21-inch transmission line that cross under Interstate 280. • City of Brisbane. On-Call Water and Recycled Water System Hydraulic Modeling, Brisbane, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Pittner has provided hydraulic analysis of new or alternative operational scenarios, evaluation of various fire flow demand conditions, and analysis of potential hydraulic impacts on the City's distribution system. Mr. Pittner has assisted the City with an analysis of a new Humboldt Road PRV and has identified recommended PRV sizing and settings to increase fire flow availability at a local school. • Valley of the Moon Water District. Water Master Plan, El Verano, CA. Project Engineer. EKI has prepared the Valley of the Moon Water District's Water Master Plan which will serve as the basis for the District's Education
• M.S.c., Civil and
Environmental Engineering,
California Polytechnic State
University San Luis Obispo,
2018
• B.S., Environmental
Engineering, California
Polytechnic State
University San Luis Obispo,
2018
Registrations/Certifications
• Professional Civil Engineer,
California No. 93576
• Qualified Industrial
Stormwater Practitioner
1-2
268
Christopher Pittner, PE, QISP
2-2
25-year capital improvement program. Completed work on the Master Plan includes a zone analysis of demands; a storage and supply capacity assessment; construction, calibration, and analysis of a new hydraulic model; and development of a recommended capital improvement program. Based on these efforts, Mr. Pittner has identified system deficiencies and recommended improvements to improve system capacities, simplify operations, and improve system resiliency and redundancy. • City of Lathrop. Integrated Water Resources Master Plan, Lathrop, CA. Project Engineer. This project includes comprehensive updates to the City’s Water System, Wastewater System and Recycled Water System Master Plans and associated CIPs. Mr. Pittner has updated the City's infrastructure and land use GIS databases to develop new GIS-integrated water and recycled water hydraulic models, calibrated hydraulic models with fire hydrant flow data. Additionally, he evaluated the City's potable and recycled water demands, wastewater flows projections, as well as the City's future water supply and reliability. Mr.
Pittner also assisted in updating the City's 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, which includes an evaluation of the City's future water supply and reliability, as well as conservation efforts. Based on the successful completion of the IWRMP in 2015, Mr. Pittner is currently assisting with the 2023 update to the City’s IWRMP.
• City of Brisbane. Glen Park Pump Station Upgrades Project, Brisbane, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Pittner is currently designing the replacement of the Glen Park Pump Station, a critical component of the City's potable water distribution system, pumping to fill the 500,000-gallon Margaret Tank and serve residents located in the highest-pressure zones in the City's system. Mr. Pittner began by updating the existing hydrant model to better represent current operations and size the new pumps. During this process, EKI conducted pump tests that indicated a discrepancy between the modeled system and observed results and identified a hydraulic restriction in the City's distribution system that was limiting flow from the pump station. Through this analysis EKI recommended a short intertie to that will provide significant cost savings in pump sizing and operational energy costs for the City. • Placer County Water Agency. Hayford Siphon Replacement Project, Colfax, CA. Project Engineer. EKI is providing engineering design services to the Placer County Water Agency to support the replacement of approximately 2,100 LF of 36-in diameter transmission pipelines and appurtenances. Project challenges include the design, permitting and installation by auger boring under a Union Pacific Railroad. • Golden Oak Real Estate. Sewer Planning for New Development, Hayward, CA. Project Engineer. Mr. Pittner is performing a sanitary sewer study to support the construction of a 40-town home development. The study shall assess the impact of the proposed project on the existing sewer and determine if any improvements are required to support the project.
269
1-2
Yuqing Gao, EIT
Project Engineer
Ms. Gao provides technical support for a broad range of civil engineering and water resource planning projects. She has extensive experience with wet utility design, master planning, data processing, data visualization, technical writing, and project management. Her educational background in civil and environmental engineering combined with her skills in hydrological and hydraulic modeling with various software (InfoSewer, InfoWater Pro, PCSWMM, Flo-2D, InfoSWMM, InfoMaster, and AquaTwin), wet infrastructure condition assessment, all phases of civil design via AutoCAD make Ms. Gao a strong asset on civil engineering and planning projects including Water System Master Plans, Urban Water Management Plans, on-call hydraulic modeling, Water Supply Assessments, and CIP budgeting for various agencies.
Relevant Experience
• Hydraulic Modeling for Tank and Pump Station Replacements.
Multiple Locations, CA. As Project Engineer, Ms. Gao worked with the City of Millbrae and North Coast County Water District to assist the replacement of their storage tanks and pump stations. Her responsibilities included reviewing the planning documents and current water usage, conducting storage evaluations, pumping test results, and determining the appropriate capacity for the new storage tank and booster pumps under multiple scenarios. She updated the hydraulic models to reflect current operational settings and revised demand sets, performed hydraulic analyses to assess system performance with and without the new facilities, and recommended interim and long-term infrastructure and operational improvements to address identified performance deficiencies. • Water/Recycled Water Distribution System Hydraulic Modeling. Multiple Locations, CA. Ms. Gao works with the Cities of Bakersfield, Lathrop, Woodlake and Soledad, as well as Alco Water Service and Cal Water Service Group for developing their water/recycled water system hydraulic models. Her responsibilities include coordinating with local agencies; constructing, validating, and calibrating new hydraulic models using GIS and asset management data; developing water demand projections and peaking factors; calculating water balance; evaluating facility capacities under various operational scenarios; identifying hydraulic capacity improvements to address system deficiencies; recommending and prioritizing capital improvement projects; and preparing engineer’s opinions of probable cost for each project. • On-Call Water/Sewer/Recycled Water System Hydraulic Modeling. Multiple locations, CA. Ms. Gao worked with cities and agencies in Northern and Southern California, including the LA County Waterworks District, North Coast County Water District, Coachella Valley Water District, Crescenta Valley Water District, Cities of Brisbane, Lathrop, East Palo Alto, Mogan Hill, Beaumont and Whittier. Her tasks include utilizing the existing hydraulic models to perform feasibility studies for new developments/improvements in various fields and provide immediate modeling responses to emergency service disruptions. Ms. Gao is highly proficient in performing fire flow analyses and water/sewer/recycled water main capacity evaluation, and providing improvement alternative recommendations to ensure service reliability.
Education
• M.S., Civil Engineering,
University of Florida, 2021
• B.S., Environmental
Engineering, Dalian
University of Technology,
2018
Registrations/Certifications
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT),
CA, (#173972)
270
Yuqing Gao, EIT
2-2
• Sewer System Master Plan. Multiple Locations, CA and WA. Ms. Gao is the Project Engineer for development Sewer System Master Plan (or Wastewater System Master Plan) for multiple agencies including Cities of South San Francisco, Lathrop, Whittier, Gilroy, and Morgan Hill. Her responsibilities include analyzing the historical wastewater flow and developing future effluent projections, evaluating existing infrastructure capacities based on tabular analyses and hydraulic modeling, conducting condition assessment based on PACP/CCTV scoring system, and development capital improvement projects and priorities for identified system deficiencies.
• Wet Infrastructure Condition Scoring and Prioritizing. Multiple locations, CA and WA. Project Engineer.
Ms. Gao conducted scoring-based condition assessment for the water system for the City of Pittsburg and sewer system for the Cities of South San Francisco and Yakima. Her responsibilities include using field inspection data, asset information, and task order records to determine pipeline risk, developing specific risk and decision matrix, prioritizing identified extreme and high-risk pipes, and estimating rehab costs. • Water Supply Assessments. Multiple locations, CA and WA. Project Engineer. Ms. Gao helped prepare SB610-compliant Water Supply Assessment (WSA) for agencies including Cities of Gonzales, Morgan Hill, and Lancaster, Los Angeles County Waterworks District. She helped develop water demand projections for new mixed-use development and evaluated the sufficiency of the available water supplies to meet the total project and existing system water demands, including in normal year, dry year, and multiple dry year conditions.
• City of Corcoran. Urban Water Management Plan. Corcoran, CA. Tasks included providing support to compile historical water use information, project future demands based on population growth and water conservation assumptions and assessing the water loss. Ms. Gao evaluated their progress in reaching their targeted reductions as per Senate Bill X7-7 and their State Water Resources Control Board mandated water conservation target, water supply reliability, as well as demand management measures as they relate to supply reliability and demographic projections going forward. • Diablo Water District and Ironhouse Sanitary District. Recycled Water Feasibility Study. CA. As Project Engineer, Ms. Gao helped identify the permitting requirements and develop cost estimates along with 30- year cash flow projections for the Indirect Potable Reuse alternative and Direct Potable Reuse alternative.
Ms. Gao prepared the total present value and revenue projections under multiple scenarios, i.e., different combinations of founding sources, to quantify the cost per hundred cubic feet of potable water served by the alternative that the client elected to proceed.
• Water System Master Plan. Multiple Water Suppliers, CA. Ms. Gao worked with various cities and agencies to develop their WSMPs, including Cities of East Palo Alto, Lathrop, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Pittsburg, and Hanford. Her responsibilities include analyzing existing water supply data and billed water usage and projecting future water demand, identifying service area wide land use and resolving GIS data discrepancies, constructing or updating and validating legacy hydraulic model, water system capacity evaluation for existing condition and anticipated future expansions, developing capital improvement projects to address the deficiencies of the Cities’ current system or to accommodate future growth, preparing the reports.
271
2001 Junipero Serra Blvd., Suite 300 | Daly City, CA 94014 (650) 292-9100 | Fax (650) 552-9012 | Ekiconsult.com
Front page pictures courtesy:
EKI Project pictures
https://epasun.org/
272
EPASD CONSENT ITEM 7.2
EAST PALO ALTO
SANITARY DISTRICT
STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Members of the City of East Palo Alto City Council, Governing Board to the East Palo Sanitary District, a Subsidiary of the City of East Palo Alto VIA: Melvin E. Gaines, General Manager
BY: Tomohito Oku, District Treasurer
Jessica Y Caballero, Financial Services Manager
SUBJECT: Cash Disbursement Report for October 2025
Recommendation
Accept the cash disbursement report required pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 6794.
Alignment with City Council Strategic Plan
This recommendation is primarily aligned with:
Priority: Governance, Organizational Strength, and Fiscal Sustainability Priority: Public Health, Safety, and Quality of Life
Background
On November 15, 2023, the San Mateo Local Area Formation Commission (“LAFCo”) unanimously approved the City of East Palo Alto’s application requesting that the East Palo Alto Sanitary District (“District” or “EPASD”) be made a subsidiary of the City of East Palo Alto.
On October 1, 2024, the reorganization of the District as a subsidiary of the City of East Palo Alto (“City”), and the City Council its governing board, became effective. Prior to and since that time, staff has worked diligently toward a peaceful and smooth transition. To that end, one aspect of that transition has required staff to review local rules and regulations of EPASD that may require amendment in light of the reorganization.
California Health and Safety Code (H&S) Section 6794 allows the Board to adopt a procedure 273
EPASD CONSENT ITEM 7.2
that provides for checks or warrants to pay claims and demands without approval by the Board of Directors before payment if the District Treasurer determines that the demands are payable within the District’s approved budget.
On December 3, 2024, the Board adopted an ordinance amending various provisions of the Sanitary District Code including Section 303 Appointed Positions, which authorizes District Treasurers to perform duties including the deposit and withdrawal of funds of the District, issuance of checks or warrants to pay claims and demands without approval by the Board before payment if the District Treasurer determines that the demands are payable within the District’s approved budget.
Furthermore, H&S Section 6794 requires staff to present cash disbursements to the Board at the next regular Board meeting and seek Board approval if demands exceed the District’s approved budget.
This staff report is provided for informational purposes and details all cash disbursements for the month ending October 31, 2025, as approved by the District Treasurer. As of October 31, 2025, actual expenses remain within the District’s approved budget. Year-to-date expenditures total $1.6 million, compared to the adopted budget of $6.6 million, representing 24% of the budget spent to date.
Analysis
The following cash disbursements have been approved by the District Treasurer pursuant to the District Code Section 303, and are hereby reported to the Board:
EPASD Cash Disbursement Reports
For Period Ending October 31, 2025
Vendor Name Invoice Number Description Check Amount Check Number ADP H826 - 10/03/25 EPASD PAYROLL FEES $ 52.85 826
ADP H826 - 10/31/25 EPASD PAYROLL FEES $ 52.85 826
AppleOne, Inc 01-7170111 Staffing Services $ 1,521.60 73229 AppleOne, Inc 01-7174279 Staffing Services $ 1,521.60 73272 AppleOne, Inc 01-7177893 Staffing Services $ 1,521.60 73327 AppleOne, Inc 01-7181834 Staffing Services $ 1,517.28 73369 ARIAS F ELECTRIC INC 1377 Electrical work at EPASD $ 2,317.00 73179 AT&T 287239974171X10092025 Monthly phone services charges Oct 2 - Nov 1 EPASD $ 248.69 73274 CALIF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' H82 7 - 09/15/25 HEALTH PREMIUM $ 9,456.63 827 CALIF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' H827 - 10/14/25 HEALTH PREMIUM $ 9,456.63 827 California Special Districts Associaton 2026 2026 CSDA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL $ 1,872.00 73373 Caltronics Business Systems 4462422-CAL Equipment base charge and Usage $ 129.00 73279 COMCAST 252830139 Reoccurring charges for ACC#905067630 EPASD OCT 2025 $ 409.45 73283 COMCAST 5362 1025 Recurring charges for ACCT#8155 20 007 0165362 for Oct 2025 EPASD $ 449.89 73282 Everon, LLC 159497384 Service at EPASD for 9/18/25-10/17/25 $ 1,169.13 73297 Everon, LLC 159708198 Service at EPASD for 10/18/25-11/17/25 $ 1,169.13 73244 FREYER & LAURETA INC. 25-663 Summary of work for Sep 2025 $ 5,381.50 73337 HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVCIES 3282968 Plants and other irrigation material for EPASD $ 555.97 73343 HORIZON 1N647461 Irrigation repairs $ 26.25 73201
*Manual Checks have three-digit check numbers.
274
EPASD CONSENT ITEM 7.2
EPASD Cash Disbursement Reports
For Period Ending October 31, 2025
(Continued)
Fiscal Impact
There is no budget impact by this action as the year-to-date cash disbursements did not exceed the District’s approved budget.
Public Notice
The public was provided notice by making the agenda and report available on the City’s website and on a bulletin board located at City Hall: 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Environmental
The proposed action is not a “project” under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378(b)(4) because it is a fiscal activity which does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant impact on the environment.
Government Code § 84308
Applicability of Levine Act: No, as the proposed action involves no entitlement.
Analysis of Levine Act Compliance: Not applicable.
Attachments: None.
Vendor Name Invoice Number Description Check Amount Check Number Marquee Pest Management, Inc. 206717 R&M Ants/Roach /GP $ 77.00 73257 Marquee Pest Management, Inc. 206718 SERVICE FOR E.B.S $ 125.00 73257 Marquee Pest Management, Inc. 207377 SERVICE FOR E.B.S $ 125.00 73387 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 2164215266-0 09/25 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC $ 217.17 73258 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 2205881930-5 1025 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC EPASD 2205881930-5 FOR 9/4/25-10/14/25 $ 18.03 73391 Recology San Mateo County 730936203 9/25 Waste for month of SEP 2025 EPASD $ 206.80 73260 Recology San Mateo County 730936203 2/5 Waste for month of Sep 2025 $ 206.80 73260 U.S.BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT SYSTEM Aug-25 Tim Hortons Dark Roast Coffee $ 11.98 73218 U.S.BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT SYSTEM Aug-25 Water, Staples, Batteries, Air Freshener $ 49.83 73218 U.S.BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT SYSTEM Aug-25 General Office Supplies $ 40.99 73218 U.S.BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT SYSTEM Aug-25 Fuel - Operating Supplies $ 50.00 73218 U.S.BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT SYSTEM Aug-25 General Office Supplies $ 11.44 73218 U.S.BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT SYSTEM Aug-25 General Office Supplies $ 64.82 73218 U.S.BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT SYSTEM Aug-25 Permit for SCVWD Filing $ 500.00 73218 VEOLIA WATER NORTH AMERIC 385576 1025 WATER BILL FOR EPASD FOR 9/6/25-10/5/25 acct#385576 $ 396.44 73321 VEOLIA WATER NORTH AMERIC 386303 1025 Charges for account 386303 9/6/25-10/5/25 EPASD $ 152.96 73321 VEOLIA WATER NORTH AMERIC 415720 1025 WATER BILL FOR EPASD FOR 9/6/25-10/5/25 acct#415720 $ 31.13 73321 VEOLIA WATER NORTH AMERIC 501630 0925 WATER BILL FOR EPASD FOR ACCT#501630 FOR 8/24/25-9/24/25 $ 279.95 73220 VEOLIA WATER NORTH AMERIC 501630 1025 EPASD WATER BILL 09/24/2025 - 10/24/2025 (Acct#501630) $ 645.56 73396 WEST BAY SANITARY DISTRIC 2025/26-047 Maintenance services agreement 9/2025 $ 183,943.21 73323 *Manual Checks have three-digit check numbers.
275
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 9.2
EAST PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Melvin E. Gaines, City Manager
BY: Diana Tran, Environmental Services Aide
Humza Javed, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Street Sweeping Signage Audit Project – Informational Report Recommendation
Receive an informational report and presentation from staff concerning the Street Sweeping Signage Audit project.
Alignment with City Council Strategic Plan
This recommendation is primarily aligned with:
Priority: Public Health, Safety, and Quality of Life
Priority: Public Infrastructure and Utilities
Background
Function of Street Sweeping Programs
As stormwater runoff collects and mobilizes pollutants from roads and paved surfaces, it flows through storm drain inlets and enters local creeks and the San Francisco Bay untreated.
Federal regulations outlined in the Clean Water Act (1972) and the ensuing National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) require municipalities to prevent pollution from entering U.S. waters. One method of prevention is the City’s street sweeping program. Street sweeping improves water quality and protects aquatic ecosystems by removing pollutants from streets before they can enter waterways. Street sweeping is particularly important along curb and gutters because they are designed to quickly direct stormwater runoff to a storm drain without allowing for infiltration or pollutant removal. Street sweeping also enhances the 276
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 9.2
appearance of streets and neighborhoods, and clears drain inlets entrances, promoting flood prevention, proper drainage, and improved air quality.
Existing Program
The City of East Palo Alto began utilizing street sweeping services in 1992 to keep streets clean of debris and meet federal, state, and regional stormwater regulatory requirements. The City has had an active agreement with Sweeping Corporation of America (SCA) since 2016 for services that include the collection, transportation, and disposal of sweeping debris. SCA services residential and light commercial streets five (5) days a week, Monday through Friday, and covers approximately ninety-five (95) miles each month. Street sweeping occurs on Mondays and Wednesdays for heavy traffic areas, Thursdays and Fridays for major arterials, and a minimum of once a month for neighborhood streets. For streets that lack curb and gutter, the street sweeping contractor sweeps to the edge of all roadways, without expressing dust or debris from unfinished shoulders of the roadways. In 2021, the City started a Street Sweeping Signage Project to install poles and signs in seven sections of the City on streets that previously did not have street sweeping signs. The project was completed in 2022.
Signage Audit
In order to make improvements to the street sweeping program and fill any gaps from the 2021 Street Sweeping Signage Pr, the Environmental Services Division conducted an internal street sweeping signage audit from May through August 2025. The purpose of this project was to verify the accuracy of signage against the service schedule and Master map, assess if streets have adequate signage, and identify where new signage is needed, or if the existing signage requires repair or maintenance. During the audit, Environmental Services verified signs against the established schedule in the City’s agreement with SCA and the Master Street Sweeping Map to check for inconsistencies. The audit was conducted neighborhood by neighborhood and each sign was inspected, logged on Google Earth, then transferred to a spreadsheet for categorization. Some common issues identified with street sweeping signage included:
signs with graffiti or stickers
broken or faded signs
signs missing from poles
signs that are inconsistent with the street sweeping schedule or Master Map signs obstructed by vegetation
streets without sufficient signage
streets without curb and gutter
277
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 9.2
Analysis
Part of an effective street sweeping program includes the installation and maintenance of adequate signage to inform residents of the street sweeping schedule and temporarily restrict parking for that time. Enforceable streets have curb, gutter, street parking, and signage indicating sweeping routes and times, and therefore restrict parking during scheduled street sweeping hours and days. Non-enforceable streets do not have parking restrictions and street sweeping signage because they either do not have a curb and gutter or street parking.
Following the completion of the audit, the Maintenance, Engineering, and Code Enforcement Divisions were notified of the project findings and will address each issue based on urgency.
High priority action items include replacing signs that do not match the Master Street Sweeping Map and street sweeping schedule; trimming public trees that block signage; installing signs that are missing from poles; and replacing signs that are bent or faded. In total, the audit found that there were ten (10) faded signs, two (2) bent signs, two (2) signs that were inconsistent with the street sweeping schedule, eleven (11) signs missing from poles, seven (7) signs that were blocked by vegetation, and sixty-six (66) signs with stickers or graffiti. So far, the Code Enforcement Division has notified three (3) residents with trees on private property that are blocking signs to trim back vegetation, the Maintenance Division has trimmed five (5) public trees that were blocking signs and replaced one (1) sign that did not reflect the sweeping schedule, and the Engineering Division has made changes to the Master Street Sweeping map to correct inaccuracies.
Next Steps
Streets that require new installation of poles, signage, curb, and gutter were inventoried and will be addressed in the next phase of this project.
The next steps for this project are as follows:
August 2026: Identify the need to consider changes to the street sweeping schedule January 2026: Take inventory and order new signs
Ongoing: Work with the Maintenance division to order new signs to replace inaccurate or damaged signs
Tentative: Identify future projects to install new curb, gutter, and signage.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact for this item. Future projects for the installation of curb, gutter, and other street improvements will be identified and budgeted through the Capital Improvement program. 278
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 9.2
Public Notice
The public was provided notice by making the agenda and report available on the City’s website and on a bulletin board located at City Hall: 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Environmental
The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it may entail the implementation of management operations programs and plans to enhance and protect the environment by facilitating the street sweeping. (CEQA Guideline section 15308).
Government Code § 84308
Applicability of Levine Act: No.
Analysis of Levine Act Compliance: Not applicable.
279
PUBLIC HEARING 11.1
EAST PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Melvin E. Gaines, City Manager
BY: Denise J. Garcia, Assistant to the City Manager
Shiri Klima, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Introduction of Chapter 5.76 – Sidewalk Vendors Ordinance Recommendation
By motion:
1. Waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance adding a new Chapter 5.76, Sidewalk Vendors, to update and clarify regulations governing sidewalk vending in the City of East Palo Alto, repeal the prior Chapter 5.76, Vending, make various other conforming amendments to the East Palo Alto Municipal Code as noted in the ordinance, and any amendments proposed by Council; and
2. Direct staff to return with a fee resolution setting the costs associated with the sidewalk vending pilot program; and
3. Find that the proposed action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it is not a “project” pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), or alternatively, it is exempt pursuant to Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities); 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) (e) for minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effect on the environment; 15305 (Class 5 –Minor Alterations to Land Use Limitations), or 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection).
Executive Summary
In alignment with Senate Bill 946 (Safe Sidewalk Vending Act) and other state laws, including SB 635 (Street Vendor Business Protection Act) the proposed ordinance establishes clear, objective standards to guide sidewalk vending in East Palo Alto. The intent is to both expand 280
PUBLIC HEARING 11.1
lawful economic opportunities for small and microenterprise vendors and ensure that vending activities occur safely and respectfully within shared public spaces.
This ordinance reflects extensive collaboration between City staff, San Mateo County Environmental Health, and local partners such as the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center (REN Center). It also incorporates feedback gathered from sidewalk vendors themselves and from the City Council’s study sessions earlier this year.
The resulting framework is designed to be practical and adaptable. It introduces clear expectations for vendors, including permit requirements and operating standards, while creating space for ongoing community dialogue, bilingual education, and fair enforcement to ensure compliance.
Alignment with City Council Strategic Plan
This recommendation is primarily aligned with:
Priority: Land Use, Economic and Workforce Development Background
Sidewalk vending plays a visible role in California’s local economies, supporting entrepreneurship and cultural diversity, particularly among immigrant and low-income communities. In East Palo Alto, vending activity has increased in recent years, generating both community support and calls for clearer oversight regarding health, safety, and accessibility.
The City’s existing ordinance, Chapter 5.76 VENDING, was adopted before Senate Bill 946 took effect in 2019. State law now limits how cities may regulate vending and requires that local rules be objective, nondiscriminatory, and tied to genuine health, safety, or welfare concerns.
Following the State’s definition of a sidewalk vendor, the ordinance before the Council defines a sidewalk vendor as a person who sells food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance, or from one's person, upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path. This ordinance applies specifically to vendors operating under this definition. This ordinance does not apply to food trucks.
On April 15, 2025, staff presented an analysis of sidewalk vending activities to the City Council, including current issues related to safety, ADA accessibility, environmental impacts, and potential connections to human trafficking. On September 23, 2025, the Council provided direction on several key provisions, including insurance requirements, trash receptable requirements, minimum distances from sensitive areas, and hours of operation, that staff refined for consideration in a formal draft ordinance.
Analysis
Following the September 23, 2025, City Council meeting, staff incorporated Council feedback and insights from additional outreach, research, and field review. To provide better insights on 281
PUBLIC HEARING 11.1
the draft ordinance, staff conducted two follow-up site visits:
October 21, 2025 – Field Review: Public Works and Code Enforcement staff inspected a few vending areas to assess sidewalk width, pedestrian safety, and ADA access.
Vending areas included portions of the east side of the U.S. 101, including Manhattan Avenue, O’Connor Street, and Newell Road, and on the west side of the U.S. 101, including Pulgas Avenue and Bay Road. While no clear “prohibited” or “preferred” zones emerged, the findings support a pilot approach, which is to evaluate each vendor location on a case-by-case basis during the program’s first year. November 6, 2025 – Vendor Outreach: Staff met with six vendors to discuss proposed requirements and to understand their current challenges. Vendors were generally supportive of operating legally and expressed appreciation for the City’s efforts to include them in the process. Some, however, raised concerns about financial barriers, specifically regarding insurance costs and potential reductions in operating hours that might affect their income. Staff also identified a notable compliance gap: three of the six vendors were operating without the required City and/or County permits, and one new unpermitted vendor was discovered during this effort operating on City property.
In addition, staff coordinated with the REN Center and County Health to ensure consistency and alignment with broader business support and health compliance programs. The REN Center reported that many of its clients are pursuing alternative vending models such as food trucks or Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO), which operate under separate health and permitting frameworks. If Council provides such direction, staff can return with policy recommendations on those related programs in the future.
Key Provisions of the Draft Ordinance
The draft ordinance incorporates lessons learned from other jurisdictions, City Council direction, and local vendor feedback. It provides clear expectations for the vendors that are grounded in fairness, public safety and accountability.
1. General Liability Insurance:
The ordinance proposes that sidewalk vendors maintain commercial general liability insurance, consistent with neighboring cities’ requirements. This protects both the vendor and the public in the event of accidents or injuries. Staff’s research found there is range of insurance options, and depending on the type of coverage, costs can range from $30 to $90 per month. Many existing vendors who already hold City or County permits carry insurance; for others, this may represent a new cost. Staff consulted with the insurance risk pool for other opportunities to make compliance more accessible, but as of now there are no other creative solutions than to continue to provide education to our vendors about how to obtain insurance and potentially partner with San Mateo County’s Chamber of Commerce for support and guidance.
2. Hours of Operation:
282
PUBLIC HEARING 11.1
To balance neighborhood quality of life for residents with vendors’ economic needs, the ordinance recommends allowing vending in residential areas from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., while allowing vendors in commercial areas to mirror operating hours of other businesses on the same street. During outreach, many vendors expressed that they often operate past 10:00 p.m. Staff proposes that the City evaluate these impacts during the first year and return to Council with any recommended adjustments once data and feedback are available.
3. Residential Zone Restrictions:
Recognizing that most of East Palo Alto’s land is residential, the ordinance does not prohibit vending in residential areas outright. Instead, it provides flexibility for vendors to operate unless specific health, safety, or welfare concerns arise. This approach ensures that the City retains the ability to address localized issues through individual permit conditions or, if necessary, broader adjustments to the program in the future.
4. Trash Receptacle Requirement:
The ordinance requires vendors to provide trash receptacles for customer use and to clean the surrounding area after operating, including appropriate disposal of any trash. This standard mirrors practices already followed by many vendors and helps maintain clean, welcoming public spaces for all users.
5. Restrictions Near Sensitive Areas:
To promote pedestrian and traffic safety, the ordinance establishes minimum distances from emergency facilities, intersections, hydrants, and special events and farmers’ markets. These restrictions align with those in neighboring jurisdictions while ensuring vendors can still access viable, high-foot-traffic locations. Additionally, the ordinance states sidewalk vendors are prohibited from constricting passageways for pedestrians or any ADA-required accessible routes below the minimum required width as determined by the Public Works Director.
6. Alignment with County Health
The draft ordinance also requires vendors selling food to maintain a valid San Mateo County Health permit and comply with all operational standards, including requirements for handwashing sinks, refrigeration, and commissary access. The use of open flames remains prohibited per County regulations.
Permit Process:
Requiring permits is the first step in creating consistent rules for vendors. The process will be administered through the Public Works Department and supported by trained bilingual staff who can assist vendors with applications, documentation, and compliance questions.
Permit applications will be processed through the City’s existing permit tracking system and issued at the City’s permit counter. Vendors will also be required to obtain a City business 283
PUBLIC HEARING 11.1
license, as is standard for all businesses operating within the City’s boundaries. Each approved vendor will receive a visible permit card to display, similar to the County Health food permit system, to help code enforcement officers verify the vendor is in compliance and reduce unnecessary enforcement interactions.
The City Council previously approved $18,000 for program implementation, which will support materials, outreach, and initial administrative setup.
Enforcement and Education:
Following the City Council’s prior guidance, enforcement during the first year will emphasize education and voluntary compliance. Staff’s approach will prioritize relationship building, equitable treatment, and transparency in enforcement actions.
Administrative citations will follow the limits established under SB 946, with fines beginning at $100 for a first violation and increasing for repeat offenses. For unpermitted vending, fines range from $250 for a first violation to $1,000 for subsequent ones. The ordinance authorizes the City Manager (or designee) to deny, suspend, or revoke a permit for any reason, including violations under Chapter 5.76. The ordinance also authorizes an ability-to-pay process for vendors who demonstrate financial hardship, ensuring penalties do not create undue economic strain.
While impoundment authority exists under State law, when staff brought this recommendation to Council at the last study session, the majority of Council were not in favor of impoundment.
Thus, staff has excluded this option from the City’s ordinance at this time. Instead, the City will focus on outreach, education, and progressive enforcement. Additionally, impoundment remains a remedy that County officials can wield as necessary. Staff will evaluate the effectiveness of this approach after one year and may return to Council with recommendations if additional enforcement tools become necessary.
Fees and Cost Structure:
All vendors operating within East Palo Alto are required to obtain a City business license. The initial business license fee is $89 for the first year, after which renewal fees are determined by annual gross income, consistent with the City’s existing business license schedule.
In addition to a business license, a sidewalk vending application fee will apply to recover the cost of staff review and processing. This fee is based on the City’s Staff Augmentation and Technical Review hourly rate of $252 per hour. However, to minimize financial burden on small vendors and encourage early compliance, staff recommends the City charge half the full rate ($126) for the first year of implementation. This reduced rate would remain in effect until the next update to the City’s Master Fee Schedule, when it can be reevaluated based on actual program experience and cost recovery.
Food vendors are also required to obtain a permit from the San Mateo County Environmental Health Division, which regulates compact mobile food operators (the County’s classification for sidewalk food vendors). The County’s plan review fee is currently $841, and the annual 284
PUBLIC HEARING 11.1
operating permit fee ranges from $335 to $892, depending on the type and complexity of food operation.
Next Steps:
If the City Council introduces the ordinance, staff will incorporate any feedback received during this first hearing and return for final adoption in early January 2026. Following adoption, the City will launch a bilingual education campaign to help vendors understand the new requirements, assist with permitting, and promote compliance.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact on this item at this time.
Public Notice
The public was provided notice by making the agenda and report available on the City’s website and on a bulletin board located at City Hall: 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Environmental
The proposed action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it is not a “project” as it can be seen with certainty that it would not have a direct physical change or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change on the environment pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). Even if it were a project subject to CEQA review, the proposed action is exempt pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) (e) for minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effect on the environment; 15305 (Class 5 –Minor Alterations to Land Use Limitations), and that it is further exempt pursuant to Section 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment), as it will not result directly or indirectly in significant environmental impacts.
Government Code § 84308
Applicability of Levine Act: No, as the proposed action does not involve an entitlement.
Analysis of Levine Act Compliance: Not applicable.
Attachments
1. Draft Ordinance
285
ORDINANCE NO. _________
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO
ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 5.76 (SIDEWALK VENDORS) TO GOVERNING SIDEWALK VENDING IN THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO; REPEALING VARIOUS PARTS OF THE EAST PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE, INCLUDING CHAPTER 5.76 (VENDING), AND MAKING VARIOUS OTHER CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO THE
EAST PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE AS NOTED HEREIN
WHEREAS, on September 17, 2018, California Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 946 (“SB 946”) into law, which added Chapter 6.2 (commencing with Section 51036) to Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Government Code to regulate sidewalk vendors throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, SB 946 establishes requirements for local regulation of sidewalk vendors and authorizes such regulations to be adopted by resolution or ordinance; and WHEREAS, on September 23, 2022, California Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 972 (“SB 972”) into law, which amended Sections 113818, 113831, and 113868 of, and added Chapter 11.7 (commencing with Section 114368) to, Part 7 of Division 104 of, the Health and Safety Code, relating to retail food throughout the State, and amended the California Retail Code (regulates sale of food) to accommodate sidewalk/mobile vendors; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to implement sidewalk vending regulations to provide a permitting process and impose operational and locational requirements for sidewalk vendors in the City to comply with applicable law, including SB 946 and SB 972, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community; and WHEREAS, on April 15, 2025, staff presented a sidewalk vending analysis to the City Council. Staff shared findings related to prominent issues related to sidewalk vending, such as trash and ADA accessibility, and areas of improvement to mitigate these issues, which included updating the vending ordinance. City Council provided staff with direction to return to City Council with proposed key provisions and some optional regulatory requirements for Council consideration; and
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2025, the Council provided direction on several key provisions, including insurance requirements, trash receptable requirements, minimum distances from sensitive areas, and hours of operation, that staff refined for consideration in a formal draft ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
286
SECTION 1. INCORPORATION OF RECITALS. The City Council finds that all the foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT. Chapter 5.76 of Title V of the City of East Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
CHAPTER 5.76 SIDEWALK VENDORS
SEC. 5.76.010. TITLE.
This Chapter shall be known as the “Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance”.
SEC. 5.76.020. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
The City Council of the City of East Palo Alto finds and declares:
A. Article XI, § 7 of the California Constitution confers local governments the authority to adopt ordinances and regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of their communities. This Chapter is adopted consistent with the applicable law, including provisions of Government Code § 51036 et seq. and Health & Safety Code §§ 114368 and 114368.8.
B. If properly regulated, sidewalk vending can foster vibrant public spaces, promote a diverse and inclusive local economy, and create economic opportunities for lowincome and immigrant communities.
C. At the same time, inadequately regulated sidewalk vending has presented unintended negative consequences for the city. For example, sidewalk vending has caused or been associated with unsafe overcrowding; decreased accessibility for persons with disabilities; a lack of adequate access for first responder and emergency personnel; the monopolization of public spaces for private commercial use; traffic safety concerns for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians; diversion of pedestrians into bike lanes or vehicular lanes; parking congestion; accumulation of trash and pollution (and the harms that flow from them, e.g., contamination, pests, and rodents) in public spaces, including public parks and open space amenities, including Bay-adjacent ecosystems; violent altercations arising from vending “turf wars”; foodborne illnesses; the sale of counterfeit goods; and a lack of sales tax being collected by sidewalk vendors.
D. Since the City, and the surrounding area, is densely populated by residents and visitors, its public spaces often become extremely crowded. Many of the city’s parks, open space amenities, and its side streets, and pedestrian paths are heavily trafficked by the public, and heavy congestion in these places can be constant.
E. Sidewalk vending must be regulated to address the concerns discussed above.
F. The purpose of this Chapter is, therefore, to promote the public peace, safety, health, and welfare by, among other outcomes, ensuring rapid access for first responder and emergency personnel; improving sidewalk accessibility for persons with disabilities; facilitating ingress into and egress from vehicles, rights-of-way, 287
buildings, and public spaces; maximizing use and promoting maintenance of public rights-of-way, parks, open space amenities, and other public spaces; and reducing the city’s exposure to civil liability.
G. The City desires to accomplish all of the foregoing public health, safety, and welfare policy objectives while simultaneously providing ample public access to desired goods, including culturally significant food and merchandise, and providing ample opportunity for underrepresented community members, including lowincome and immigrant communities, to access the formal economy through entrepreneurial sidewalk vending.
SEC. 5.76.030. DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this Chapter, certain words and phrases are defined, and certain provisions shall be construed as herein set out, unless it shall be apparent from their content that a different meaning is intended:
“Roaming sidewalk vendor” means a sidewalk vendor who moves from place to place and stops only to complete a transaction.
“Sidewalk” means a path along the side of the road or street designed primarily for pedestrian use.
“Sidewalk vendor” means a person who sells food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance, or from one's person, upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path. “Stationary sidewalk vendor” means a sidewalk vendor who vends from a fixed location.
“Vending display device” means a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, nonmotorized conveyance (including trailers), freestanding table, rack, chair, box, stand, or any container, structure, or other object used or capable of being used for holding, selling, advertising, or displaying tangible things, together with any associated seating facilities. “Vending display device” does not include any street furniture such as benches or planters, any other structure permanently installed by the City of East Palo Alto or with the consent of the City, or newsracks placed in conformity with the East Palo Alto Municipal Code.
SEC. 5.76.040. PERMIT REQUIRED.
A. Only sidewalk vendors with valid sidewalk vending permit issued by the City Manager, or his or her designee, and who are in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, may vend within the City’s public right-of-way.
B. A sidewalk vending permit shall only permit the operation of one vending display device at any one time.
C. No permit granted pursuant to this chapter shall be transferable.
D. To apply for a sidewalk vending permit, the applicant must file an application, on a form prescribed by the City Manager (or designee), accompanied by an application 288
fee in an amount established by resolution of the city council. Applications shall include information required by the City including, but not limited to the following:
1. The name, phone number, mailing address and email address of the applicant.
2. Description of the merchandise and/or food offered for sale.
3. A description of, along with the dimensions of, the vending display device that will be used.
4. If the sidewalk vendor is an agent of an individual, company, partnership, or corporation, the name and business address of the principal and any owners of the company, partnership, corporation, or other entity.
5. Whether the vendor intends to operate as a stationary sidewalk vendor or a roaming sidewalk vendor.
6. The hours per day and the days per week during which the applicant sidewalk vendor proposes to operate.
7. The location(s) in the City where the sidewalk vendor intends to operate. If the sidewalk vendor proposes to be a stationary sidewalk vendor, a description or site plan/map of the proposed location(s) where vending will take place; and
8. A copy of a valid California Department of Tax and Fee Administration seller’s permit, if applicable.
9. A copy of all valid permits required by the San Mateo County Health, Division of Environmental Health Services, if required.
10.Proof of a policy or policies of comprehensive general liability insurance, in an amount as approved by the City Attorney, against any injury, death, loss, or damage because of wrongful or negligent acts or omissions by the permittee, with an endorsement naming the City as an additional insured.
11.Payment of a nonrefundable processing fee, if required, in an amount established by resolution of the City Council.
12.Certification under penalty of perjury that all information provided to the City to process the application is true to his or her knowledge and belief.
13.An acknowledgement of having read and an agreement to abide by this Chapter and other relevant provisions of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code.
14.An acknowledgement of having read and an agreement to abide by the Sidewalk Vending Stormwater Best Management Practices Guide, to be provided by the City.
15.Execution of a release, indemnification, and acknowledgment, in a form prescribed by the City Attorney, including the following:
i. An agreement by the applicant to waive and release the city and its officers, agents, employees, contractors, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, costs, liabilities, expenses, or judgments (including attorneys’ fees and court costs) related to or arising out of the applicant’s sidewalk vending activities.
289
ii. An agreement by the applicant to, to the greatest extent allowed by law, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the city, its officers, agents, employees, contractors, and volunteers from and against any and all claims related to or arising out of the applicant’s sidewalk vending activities. iii. An acknowledgement and agreement that the applicant’s use of the sidewalk or other city facilities is at the applicant’s own risk, and it is not the city’s responsibility to ensure that the vending location is safe or conducive to the vending activities.
16.All sidewalk vendors are required to have a business license pursuant to Chapter 5.04 (Business Licenses Generally), Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code. All applicants must provide copy of a valid business license issued pursuant to Chapter 5.04 prior to issuance of a sidewalk vending permit. Each separate concurrently operating vending location requires its own business license and sidewalk vending permit.
E. A sidewalk vending permit shall expire on December 31st of each calendar year, irrespective of whether a twelve-month period has elapsed since the original issuance of the permit. A city sidewalk vending permit shall also be deemed null and void upon the revocation or expiration of: (a) the related city-issued business license, (b) a required permit from the San Mateo County Health, Division of Environmental Health Services, and/or (c) the California seller’s permit pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Section 6067.
SEC. 5.76.050. OPERATIONAL REGULATIONS.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate as a sidewalk vendor or to engage in sidewalk vending activities in the City without first obtaining a sidewalk vending permit pursuant to Section 5.76.040 of this Chapter, a business license pursuant to Section 5.04.030 of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code, a sidewalk vending permit, if applicable, and any other regulatory approval or permit required by applicable law, including administrative policies and regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 5.76.090 of this Chapter.
B. Sidewalk vendors shall comply with the following to prevent unreasonable pedestrian and vehicular traffic; improper disposal of trash; provide access to Bay adjacent wetlands, trails, and open space amenities; assure that pedestrians (including pedestrians with disabilities) have adequate and accessible thoroughfares; minimize trip and fall hazards; address visibility concerns; prevent glare for drivers; and address other public health, safety, and welfare concerns:
1. All sidewalk vendors must display their City-issued sidewalk vending permit and any other licenses issued by other agencies on the street-side portion of their pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance when operating in the public right-of-way. A properly permitted sidewalk vendor must remain on site for all vending activities.
290
2. Vending display devices shall not be chained, fastened, or affixed at any time to any building or structure, including, but not limited to, lampposts, parking meters, traffic signals, fire hydrants, benches, bus shelters, trash cans, street signs, trees, or other objects within the public right-of-way. No vending display device shall become a permanent fixture on the vending site or be considered an improvement to real property.
3. Vending display devices shall not be left or stored unattended on public property or within the public right-of-way.
4. Sidewalk vending activities in residential zoning districts may occur only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Sidewalk vendors must remove all equipment and other vending facilities from the site immediately after operations.
5. Sidewalk vending activities in nonresidential zones will be as restrictive as general limitations on hours of operation imposed on other businesses or uses on the same street, excluding those permitted to operate 24 hours by a separate permit.
6. If applicable, sidewalk vendors who sell food in the City shall obtain and maintain a valid permit from the San Mateo County Health, Division of Environmental Health Services and abide by the County’s structural and operational requirements, including but not limited to requirements of sinks, commissaries, and mechanical refrigeration. Sidewalk vendors shall display the appropriate County Health permit during food vending operations and shall be made available to the City as part of the permit application or renewal process.
7. Each sidewalk vendor selling food shall provide a trash receptacle for use by its customers and shall ensure proper disposal of customer trash. The trash receptacle must be large enough to accommodate customer trash so that public trash receptacles for use by the general public do not have to be used by customers.
8. All sidewalk vendors are responsible for ensuring that the surrounding sidewalk is kept clean and free of trash and debris associated with their vending operation. Prior to leaving any vending location, the sidewalk vendor shall pick up, remove, and dispose of all trash generated by the vending operations and/or the vendor’s customers within a fifteen-foot radius of the vending location. Sidewalk vendors are responsible for disposing of the trash associated with their business and may not use city receptacles for this purpose. Sidewalk vendors shall not dispose of customer or sidewalk vendor’s trash in trash receptacles for public use.
9. All sidewalk food vendors shall immediately clean up any food, grease, or other fluid or item related to their sidewalk vending activities that are spilled or discharged on public property in a manner that applicable law, including the Chapters 13.08 (Sanitary Sewers) and 13.12 (Stormwater Management and Discharge) of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code and the East Palo Alto 291
Sanitary District Code. Disposal of trash, food, grease or other materials to any storm drain, creek, or waterway is prohibited. Vendors shall not dump, drain, or discard any fouled, spoiled, or unused product, which includes draining ice coolers, drink containers and/or miscellaneous containers on the ground.
10.Except for the brief duration of time for a roaming sidewalk vendor to conduct sale, to maintain accessibility standards, sidewalk vendors shall not place or allow any obstruction to be placed on the sidewalk that would reduce the width of the sidewalk or pedestrian areas to a minimum of forty-eight inches, excluding the curb and excluding any sidewalk areas that are made non passable due to any obstructions such as posts, parking meters, street trees, planters, or signs that are located on the sidewalk. Sidewalk vendors shall maintain their vending display devices at all times in a manner that provides sufficient access to the sidewalk and avoids impeding the flow of pedestrian traffic. At no time may a sidewalk vendor operate in such a way that would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act or state law on accessibility, or cause the sidewalk to narrow in a way that violates the accessible path of travel for persons with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
11.Sidewalk vendors shall not vend to occupants of motorized vehicles in operation, and may only vend to customers whose vehicles are legally parked.
12.Sidewalk vendors may not engage in vending in such a manner as to cause onlookers, customers, or others to obstruct the accessible path of travel for persons with disabilities, or the free flow or view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, including impeding entry to and exit from a business or residence or access to a public facility. Sidewalk vendors are therefore responsible for managing customer queuing, ensuring pedestrian accessibility is maintained, and ensuring customers do not loiter after receiving their purchased food or goods.
13.Consistent with Chapter 18.32 (Signs) of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code and to maintain the free movement of pedestrians and/or vehicles, sidewalk vendors may not use signs in connection with the sale, display, or offering for sale of items, except for those signs affixed to or painted on a vending display device.
C. Sidewalk vending of the following is prohibited:
1. Alcoholic beverages;
2. Tobacco, tobacco products, or electronic smoking devices;
3. Cannabis or cannabis products;
4. Dangerous weapons, including knives, firearms, or fireworks, as those terms are defined in the East Palo Alto Municipal Code;
5. Items that are not for immediate sale;
6. Selling or offer to sell services, or engage in or offer to engage in any type of rental activity, including the rental of any goods or services; 292
7. Pharmaceuticals; and
8. Any other merchandise prohibited by federal, state, or local law from being vended.
D. Sidewalk vendors who choose to use, play, or employ any amplifier, loudspeaker or any other device for sound production when parked or standing at any location, and shall comply with the noise standards provided in Chapter 8.52, of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code, as it is most currently in effect and as may be amended.
E. Consistent with the San Mateo County Department of Environmental Health limitations, no pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance used for sidewalk vending shall not use an open flame on or within any pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance used for sidewalk vending.
F. Any electrical, flashing, wind-powered, or animated freestanding signs are prohibited. Vending equipment may have signs attached to or painted on the vending equipment. The total sign area shall not exceed four square feet.
G. Sidewalk vendors shall be responsible for their own compliance with all generally applicable federal, state, and local laws, including without limitation state food preparation, handling, and labeling requirements; fire codes and regulations (Chapter 15.58); noise standards (Chapter 8.52); alcoholic beverages (Chapter
9.04), tobacco products (Chapter 5.80), cannabis (Chapter 9.32), electronic cigarette (Chapter 5.80), smoking devices and controlled substances regulations; sanitation and health standards, environmental regulations (Chapters 13.08, Sanitary Sewers, and 13.12, Stormwater Management and Discharge), ); and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other disability access standards (both state and federal).
SEC. 5.76.060. LOCATION-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS.
A. The location-based restrictions set forth in this section are intended to comply with and implement the requirements of state law (SB 946), which may be amended from time to time. Unless specifically permitted by another provision of this East Palo Alto Municipal Code, to ensure rapid access by first responder and emergency personnel; to improve sidewalk accessibility for persons with disabilities; to facilitate ingress into and egress from vehicles, rights-of-way, buildings, and public spaces; to maximize use and promote maintenance of public rights-of-way, parks, the Bay, and other public spaces; to help preserve and protect sensitive habitats, community landmarks, natural and scenic areas, including Dumbarton Bridge Vista Point Trail, the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, and Cooley Landing Park and Education Center, Faber-Laumeister Trail, Faber Marsh Fishing Area, and Don Edwards Wildlife Preserve; and to reduce the city’s exposure to civil liability, sidewalk vending is restricted as follows:
1. Prohibited on any public property that does not meet the definition of a sidewalk, including, but not limited to, any street, roadway median, pedestrian islands, or bicycle lanes;
293
2. Prohibited on City-owned property including, but not limited to, parking structures and parking lots, unless otherwise authorized by the City;
3. Prohibited in any area that constricts passageway for pedestrians or any ADArequired accessible route below the minimum required width, or vehicles to less than minimum required or obstructs traffic signals or regulatory signs, as determined by the Public Works Director (or designee);
4. Prohibited on any median strip or dividing section within public right-of-way areas;
5. Prohibited within 18 inches from the edge of a curb;
6. Prohibited within 15 feet from any fire hydrant, driveway or alleyway, or door/emergency exit;
7. Prohibited within 20 feet of any mid-block crosswalk or storm drain;
8. Prohibited within 25 feet of any bus stop, street corner, or street intersection;
9. Prohibited within 100 feet of any emergency facility (fire station, police station, hospital) or public or private school on days when school is in session;
10.Prohibited within a certain distance of certified farmer's market or special event for the duration of the event, as prescribed by state law, as amended from time to time;
11.Prohibited within 200 feet of any freeway entrance or exit;
12.Stationary sidewalk vendors shall not vend within a park if the City has signed an agreement for concessions that exclusively permits the sale of food or merchandise by a concessionaire;
13.Unless permitted via a temporary use permit or another entitlement, sidewalk vendors are prohibited from entering or encroaching onto private property while engaged in sidewalk vending activities.
B. The city council, by resolution, may from time to time designate no vending or limited vending zones due to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns. In designating a no vending or limited vending zone, the city council shall first determine that vending without limitation in the area would impede or interfere with public health, safety, or welfare.
C. This section shall not be construed as prohibiting events that are conducted pursuant to, and in accordance with, Chapter 12.08 (Special Events), Major Public Special Events, and 10.65, Public Gathering and Expression Events.
SEC. 5.76.070. PENALTIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS.
A. Persons found in violation of this Chapter shall be subject to the Administrative Citation procedures found in Chapter 1.14 of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code, except as to fine amounts, which are noted below:
i. Persons that violate local regulations, other than operating without a permit, are punishable by an administrative fine not to exceed:
294
a. One hundred dollars ($100.00) for a first violation; or b. Two hundred dollars ($200.00) for a second violation within one year of the first violation; or
c. Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each additional violation within one year of the first violation.
ii. Persons vending without a sidewalk vending permit are punishable by an administrative fine not to exceed:
a. Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for the first violation; or b. Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a second violation within one year of the first violation; or
c. One thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for each additional violation within one year of the first violation.
iii. All administrative citations will be accompanied by a notice advising the person of their right to request an ability-to-pay determination and the process for requesting an ability-to-pay determination.
B. Revocation of Permit. Any permit issued under this Chapter may be denied, suspended or revoked for any reason established by the City Manager (or designee), including any violations under this Chapter and any administrative policies or regulations adopted pursuant to Section 5.76.090.
C. Appeals. The appeals process contained in Chapter 1.14 of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code shall apply to citations issued under this Chapter as well as requests for an ability-to-pay determination. An administrative fine imposed pursuant to this Chapter need not be paid as a pre-requisite to requesting an appeal hearing or a hearing to determine ability-to-pay an administrative fine.
SEC. 5.76.090. CITY MANAGER AUTHORITY.
The City Manager, or their Designee, shall have the authority to establish administrative policies and regulations that may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Chapter.
SECTION 3. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 5.08
Chapter 5.08 (Business Taxes) of the City of East Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (edits in redline; deletion in strikethrough; otherwise, no change):
SEC. 5.08.160
As used in this chapter:
“Peddler” means any person not having a regularly established place of business, who travels or goes from house to house, or from place to place, or who has a stand or other temporary structure upon or along any public street, alley or other public place, doorway of any building, unenclosed or vacant lot, or parcel of land, and who sells and makes immediate delivery, or offers for sale and immediate delivery, any services, goods, 295
wares or merchandise in his/her possession. “Peddler,” as used in this Chapter, defined to exclude a “sidewalk vendor,” which shall be governed by Chapter 5.76 of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code.
“Solicitor” means any person who travels or goes from house to house, or from place to place, or in or along the streets taking orders for, or endeavoring to take orders for the sale, exchange or delivery of any services, goods, wares or merchandise not in his immediate possession.
SECTION 4. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 8.12
Chapter 8.12 (Environmental Health) of the City of East Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (edits in redline; deletion in strikethrough; otherwise, no change):
8.12.090 - Mobile food vendors.
“Mobile food vendor” means and includes all persons, corporations or entities which sell food or food products at retail to the public either from vehicles or from manually mobile containers. The term includes, but is not limited to the following:
A. Industrial catering vehicles;
B. Bakery product vehicles; and
C. Mobile food preparation units.
The term does not include the following:
D. Distributors of milk, delivering products to regular customers; E. Distributors of food or food products, delivering such products to either retail or wholesale establishments for resale;
F. Distributors of produce or shell eggs; and
G. Operators of restaurants, itinerant restaurants, sidewalk vendors, and caterers.
SECTION 5. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 12.04
Chapter 12.04 (Park Regulations) of the City of East Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (edits in redline; deletion in strikethrough; otherwise, no change):
12.04.060 - Itinerant vendors near approaches to parks[RESERVED.].
No itinerant vendor shall sell, or offer to sell, merchandise in or along a street adjoining or approaching a park, within two hundred (200) feet of an entrance. 296
SECTION 6. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 18.94
18.94.040 - Exempt Temporary Uses
The following minor and limited duration temporary uses are exempt from the requirement for a Temporary Use Permit. Uses that do not fall within the categories defined below shall comply with provisions related to allowed temporary uses:
A. Construction Sites – On-Site.
1. On-site contractors' construction/storage uses, in conjunction with an approved construction project on the same parcel. One adult caretaker may be present during non-construction hours.
2. The construction and/or storage use shall be removed immediately upon completion of the construction project, or the expiration of the companion building permit authorizing the construction project, whichever first occurs.
B. Emergency Facilities. Emergency public health and safety needs/land use activities, as determined by the Director.
C. Publicly Owned Property. Events conducted on publicly owned property, subject to the approval of a Special Event Permit under the Municipal Code.
D. Sidewalk Vending. Sidewalk vending uses that are approved by the City and comply with applicable state and local law.
SECTION 7. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 5.44
5.44.020 - License required.
Unless otherwise permitted under municipal code, no person shall peddle any services, goods, wares, or merchandise without first obtaining a license and paying the license fee therefore. Licenses shall be required of all persons soliciting goods shipped by interstate commerce. All veterans shall be required to obtain licenses, provided however, that veterans not employed by a corporation shall be exempt from any fees set forth in Section
5.44.110.
SECTION __. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
This Ordinance is not subject to CEQA because it is not a “project” because it can be seen with certainty that it would have a direct physical change or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change on the environment pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). Even if it were a project subject to CEQA review, the proposed action is exempt pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) (e) for minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effect on the environment; 15305 (Class 5 –Minor Alterations to Land Use Limitations), and that it is further exempt pursuant to Section 297
15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment), as it will not result directly or indirectly in significant environmental impacts.
SECTION __. IMPLIED REPEAL.
Any provision of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code inconsistent with this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to effectuate this Ordinance.
SECTION __. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares it would have passed and adopted this Ordinance, and each and all provisions hereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more provisions may be declared invalid.
SECTION __. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force thirty (30 days after the date of its adoption.
SECTION __. PUBLICATION.
The City Clerk is hereby directed to cause publication of this Ordinance as required by Government Code Section 36933.
This Ordinance was introduced at the______________ meeting of the City Council of the City of East Palo Alto.
[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.] 298
PASSED AND ADOPTED this _____ day of ______________, 2025 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Martha Barragan, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
James Colin, City Clerk John D. Lê, City Attorney
299
POLICY AND ACTION 12.1
EAST PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Melvin E. Gaines, City Manager
BY: Jeff Liu, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Continued use of Automated License Plate Recognition Systems for Enhanced Public Safety
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a five-year agreement with Flock Group Inc. (Flock Safety) for the continued provision of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) services in an amount not to exceed $453,250.00;
2. Finding that awarding of the proposed agreement is exempt pursuant to East Palo Alto Municipal Code, which exempts certain purchases under applicable state, federal or local law, including “sole source”; and
3. Finding that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as not a “project” pursuant to sections 15378(b)(2) and 15378(b)(4) because it is a governmental administrative or fiscal activity which does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant impact on the environment.
Executive Summary
On September 27, 2024, the City Council approved a one-year pilot program to deploy Flock Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras to enhance public safety in East Palo Alto. The system went live in December 2024 and has since proven effective, assisting the Police Department in solving numerous investigations. Based on these positive results, staff is recommending a five-year contract extension with Flock Safety. Approval will ensure continued access to this valuable technology to support crime prevention and investigations. 300
POLICY AND ACTION 12.1
On November 4, 2025, during a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, Council expressed concerns about ALRP data security and the concern that East Palo Alto ALPR data would be used by Federal authorities for immigration enforcement. Council directed staff to return at a future meeting with Flock representatives to speak about data security.
Alignment with City Council Strategic Plan
This recommendation is primarily aligned with:
Priority: Public Health, Safety, and Quality of Life
Background
In 2024, the City Council authorized a one-year pilot program with Flock Safety to assess the feasibility and benefits of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology. As part of the pilot, the City finalized Policy 428, launched a transparency portal, and committed to quarterly updates to the Council. The pilot was completed successfully, and staff is now recommending entering into a long-term sole source agreement with Flock.
Analysis
MORE ABOUT FLOCK TECHNOLOGY
Flock Safety began operations in 2017 as a modern, lower-cost alternative to legacy ALPR systems. It has rapidly evolved into a dominant provider of ALPR technology in the Bay Area, with a closed network accessible only to customer agencies. Participation in this closed network is exclusive to Flock clients—providing a unique, non-duplicable capability that would be unavailable through other vendors.
Flock’s ALPR system has been instrumental in assisting regional agencies in locating wanted vehicles and suspects connected to crimes that occurred in East Palo Alto. Because agencies input BOLO (Be-On-The-Lookout) information into the shared network, Flock cameras have enabled arrests well outside the City’s boundaries when wanted vehicles were located by external partners.
Key Features of Flock Technology:
Fixed Cameras photograph vehicles as they pass, capturing license plates, time, date, and general vehicle characteristics.
The system stores captured images on Flock’s encrypted servers for 30 days, after which the data is automatically and permanently deleted. In addition to plate reading, Flock uses vehicle fingerprinting—identifying distinguishing features like roof racks or bumper stickers—to track vehicles even when the license plate is obscured.
Flock cannot access DMV data. Investigators must use CLETS to run plate queries 301
POLICY AND ACTION 12.1
separately.
Each system user has an individual login. Every query requires an associated case number, and usage is logged and auditable.
Investigative data can be downloaded as evidence and attached to case reports. Agencies can share data only on a case-by-case basis and must follow the same access and audit rules. Misuse may lead to account suspension.
Flock provides a public-facing transparency portal, accessible via the East Palo Alto Police Department’s website. The portal displays:
Number of vehicle scans
Number of BOLO hits
Number of user-generated searches
Flock is compliant with California law:
Prohibits use for immigration enforcement
Disallows sharing with out-of-state agencies
Ensures data ownership resides with the client, and data is never sold
THE UTILITY OF ALPR TECHNOLOGY
ALPR systems are valuable investigative tools, especially in communities like East Palo Alto where law enforcement resources are limited. Flock enhances the Police Department’s ability to solve serious crimes.
ADDRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT ALPR TECHNOLOGY
Concern Mitigation
Privacy
Infringement
Use is strictly for criminal investigations. Every access is logged and tied to a case number.
Abuse Potential Built-in audit trails. Misuse triggers disciplinary action and can result in account suspension.
Data Security All data is encrypted and stored in AWS GovCloud. No breaches have been reported.
Chilling Effect Public education and policy transparency reduce fear of surveillance.
Overreach Governed by Policy 428, with monthly audits and Council oversight.
Bias Concerns ALPRs are objective and do not capture driver or pedestrian identities. 302
POLICY AND ACTION 12.1
Concern Mitigation
Loss of
Anonymity
Vehicle data is stored temporarily and used only for investigating serious crimes.
REPORTED BREACHES OF ALPR DATA SHARING
Recent media reports have raised concerns about instances where Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) data collected by Flock Safety had been shared with federal and out of state agencies, in violation of California law. Subsequent reviews indicate these breaches were not the result of system vulnerabilities. The common cause was that personnel working for Flock Safety customers granted access to agencies not authorized under California law.
The East Palo Alto Police Department conducts monthly Flock Safety audits, which are posted on our ALPR transparency webpage for public access. Our monthly audits have confirmed that every search has complied with established regulations and only California agencies have accessed our ALPR data. The only personnel who have been authorized to approve agency requests to access East Palo Alto Police ALPR data are our designated administrator and the Chief of Police, which contribute to our existing high level of control over our data.
In response to the reports of data breaches, Flock Safety implemented additional tools to assist agencies with auditing the use of their data. The department has turned on the new option of requiring a case number in addition to a valid search reason, prior to searching our database.
On November 4, 2025, staff presented to the City Council on the Flock Safety platorm. During the discussion, Council members raised questions regarding the platform’s security precautions. The meeting was continued to December 2, 2025, to allow representatives from the ALPR provider to be present and address the Council’s concerns.
Identified Need for Expanded Community Coverage
During the course of the City’s pilot program with Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, staff conducted a review of current camera placements and investigative outcomes. This review identified several areas within the community where additional ALPR coverage would enhance our ability to investigate criminal activity, improve response times, and support ongoing public safety initiatives.
Proposal to Add Up to 5 Additional Cameras
To address these identified coverage gaps and further strengthen our community’s safety infrastructure, staff recommends that the City Council authorize the ability to add up to five (5) additional Flock Safety cameras as part of the contract renewal. This flexibility will allow the Police Department to strategically deploy new cameras in locations where data and 303
POLICY AND ACTION 12.1
investigations demonstrate the greatest need for enhanced monitoring and deterrence.
Sole Source Acquisition of Flock Technology
During the City’s one-year pilot program with Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, staff learned that there is tremendous value in participating in the Flock Safety network of cameras. The ability to locate suspect vehicles within the Flock Safety network has proven to be critical to many investigations. Flock’s closed network, which includes over 80 Bay Area law enforcement agencies, creates a robust database of shared information that significantly expands each agency’s investigative capacity. This network is only accessible to Flock Safety clients and is comprised solely of Flock Safety client databases—meaning only agencies and private entities that are Flock customers can access and contribute to this shared resource. Staff has found no comparable vendor offering a system that provides the City access to such a vast network with similar or better software functionality. The City can only access this closed database through the use of Flock technology, and access is strictly limited to Flock customers. This unique capability allows the City to receive and share information with other jurisdictions, greatly enhancing the ability to locate and apprehend wanted vehicles and subjects connected to criminal investigations, including violent crimes that have occurred in East Palo Alto when vehicles have been entered into the wanted vehicle system. The network’s effectiveness is further supported by the fact that Flock technology is consistently used by other agencies throughout the Bay Area to successfully locate suspect vehicles and aid in investigations. The Flock Safety network does not include any personally identifiable information beyond license plate data, and investigators must use separate, controlled law enforcement databases to obtain registered owner information. All data is owned by the client agency and is never sold or shared by Flock to private entities. The Flock Safety network is, therefore, a secure, client-only database that has proven to be a vital investigative tool during the City’s trial period with the technology.
Fiscal Impact
The total cost of the contract over the five-year term beginning November 1, 2025, is $453,250, summarized as follows:
Because the contract period does not align with the City’s fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), the budgetary impact is distributed as follows:
The cost for FY2025-26 is included in the adopted budget, and no additional appropriation is required. Staff will incorporate the ongoing costs into the respective fiscal year budgets.
Public Notice
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total
$ 93,250 $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 453,250
FY2025-26 FY2026-27 FY2027-28 FY2028-29 FY2029-30 FY2030-31 Total $ 62,167 $ 91,083 $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 90,000 $ 30,000 $ 453,250 304 POLICY AND ACTION 12.1
The public was provided notice by making the agenda and report available on the City’s website and on a bulletin board located at City Hall: 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Environmental
The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” pursuant to 15378(b)(4) because it is a fiscal activity which does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant impact on the environment.
Government Code § 84308
Applicability of Levine Act: Yes.
Analysis of Levine Act Compliance: The signatory for the agreements is Dan Haley of Flock Safety. Staff is unaware of any other parties or participants relevant to the Council’s consideration of this item.
Attachments
1. Resolution
2. Flock quote
305
RESOLUTION NO. XX – 2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH FLOCK
SAFETY FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER (ALPR)
TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORK FOR ENHANCED PUBLIC SAFETY
WHEREAS, the City of East Palo Alto has successfully been engaged in a pilot program with Flock Safety ALPR technology, which has proven to be a vital investigative tool for solving crimes and enhancing public safety; and
WHEREAS, the City has implemented robust data privacy, security, and compliance measures, including monthly audits, strict access controls, and adherence to California law prohibiting the sharing of ALPR data with unauthorized agencies; and
WHEREAS, Flock Safety has implemented additional auditing tools and security measures in response to concerns about data breaches, further enhancing the City’s ability to control and monitor access to ALPR data; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that entering into a five-year contract with Flock Safety will provide continuity of service, maintain high standards of data security and privacy, and support the City’s public safety objectives;
WHEREAS, The City’s Municipal Code permits the waiver of formal bid procedures in special circumstances requiring immediate action to protect public health and safety, with City Manager recommendation and Council approval; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO HEREBY:
1. Finds the foregoing recitals are true and correct, and are incorporated by this reference into this action;
2. Authorizes the City Manager to negotiate, award, and execute a five-year contract with Flock Safety, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the continued use of ALPR technology and network;
3. Directs staff to continue monthly audits, maintain the ALPR transparency portal, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies.
306
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of December 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Martha Barragan, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
James Colin, City Clerk John D. Lê, City Attorney
307