Agenda Item No: K.4
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: August 18, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 2026-178 PW Authorizing Amendment #1 to the Engineering Design Services Agreement for the Lopes Road Emergency Storm Damage Repair Project
Approving Amendment #1 to the Engineering Design Services Professional Services Agreement with Dewberry Engineers for the Lopes Road Emergency Storm Damage Repair Project (CPW090069) and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment #1 on Behalf of the City of Fairfield and Authorizing an Update to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget
Funding Source: $247,500 ($219,111.75 Federal Highway Administration; $7,097.05 City of Benicia; $21,291.20; Senate Bill 1)
Contact: Bryan Heinzelman, (707) 428-7034
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolution.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
During the winter storms in 2023, the hillside along Lopes Road became saturated and caused a landslide that significantly damaged a section of Lopes Road, a City of Fairfield 30 -inch potable water pipeline, and a 36 -inch City of Benicia raw water pipeline. The City is working collaboratively with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and the City of Benicia to reconstruct the damaged critical infrastructure. Adoption of the proposed resolution approves Amendment #1 to the Dewberry Engineers , Inc (Dewberry) Engineering Design Professional Services Agreement to include Geotechnical Quality Assurance during construction of the Lopes Road Emergency Storm Damage Repair Project (Project). The amendment also includes FEMA and FHWA required contract provisions for reimbursement.
DISCUSSION
During the winter storms, the hillside along Lopes Road became saturated and caused a landslide that significantly damaged a section of Lopes Road, a City of Fairfield 30 -inch potable water
pipeline, and a 36-inch City of Benicia raw water pipeline. Both Cities declared local emergencies to seek assistance from the State and Federal governments. In late March 2023, Governor Newsom announced that the White House approved the State’s request for federal assistance to support local response and recovery efforts. On June 9, 2023, Solano Cou nty was added to the list of counties eligible for disaster-related assistance from Cal OES and FEMA. In August 2024, it was determined that the roadway portion of the project is ineligible for FEMA reimbursement and may be reimbursable through FHWA. An application for the roadway portion was submitted to FHWA and has been awarded.
The Cities of Fairfield and Benicia experienced water pipeline and roadway damage and share the need to repair the infrastructure and stabilize the adjacent hillside slope. On February 4, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024 -20 executing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both Fairfield and Benica for efficient Project delivery. Through this process, Public Works staff from each City formed a Project delivery team that meets weekly to discuss project progress. FEMA and Cal OES staff regularly attend these meetings for assistance. The team developed the MOU to memorialize cost-sharing and delivery obligations.
Additionally, on February 4, 2024, the co uncil adopted Resolution No. 2024 -21, executing a Professional Services Agreement with Dewberry for engineering services related to the Project.
The Project includes stabilization of the slope above Lopes Road using Deep Soil Mixing (DSM), removal replacement of damaged 30-inch City of Fairfield water line and 36 -inch City of Benicia water line, reconstruction of Lopes Road, striping installation and guardrail replacement. The deep soil mixing techniques used to stabilize the slope above Lopes Road require specialized geotechnical oversight requiring a Geotechnical Engineer during construction.
The proposed amendment includes Geotechnical Quality Assurance and oversight during construction of the Project as well as FEMA and FHWA required contract provisions for reimbursement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The cost to amend the Eng ineering Design Services Agreement with Dewberry to include geotechnical quality assurance services for the Project is $247,500, consisting of a $225,000 cost proposal and a $22,500 contingency. Accordingly, a budget adjustment in the amount of $247,500 is requested. Funding for this work will be provided through $219,111.75 from the FHWA grant, $7,097.05 from the City of Benicia, and $21,291.20 from Senate Bill 1 (Fund 163).
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may choose not to approve Amendment No. 1; however this alternative is not recommended as it would delay construction of the Project and may potentially risk Federal grant funding for the repairs.
COORDINATED WITH
Finance Department
STAFF CONTACT
Bryan Heinzelman, Associate Engineer
(707) 428-7034
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution
Attachment 3: Proposed Amendment No. 1