DATE: April 20 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the Foster City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Andrew Brozyna, Public Works Director
Laura Galli, Engineering Manager
Ryan Marquez, Senior Civil Engineer
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUBJECT: AWARD OF AN AGREEMENT WITH MOFFATT & NICHOL IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,007 FOR PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE LAGOON DREDGE
SURVEY AND APPROVAL OF A CONTINGENCY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $20,000
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing:
1. The Mayor to execute an agreement with Moffatt & Nichol in the amount of $130,007 for professional engineering services for the Lagoon Dredge Survey;
2. A contract contingency in the amount of $20,000, with authorization for the City Manager or his designee to execute contract amendments up to the approved contingency amount; and
3. A finding that the work is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 (Class 6 – Information Collection).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City maintains a 212-acre interior lagoon that serves both as a stormwater detention basin and recreational amenity. The Lagoon Dredge Survey will evaluate
accumulated sediment levels, identify shallow areas and sediment islands, and develop an updated existing-conditions base map to inform future maintenance and dredging planning efforts.
Staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional engineering services to conduct a comprehensive lagoon bathymetric survey (the measurement and mapping of the depth and shape of underwater terrain), sediment probing, and preparation of a technical report. Two (2) proposals were received and evaluated using a qualifications- based selection (QBS) process. Following evaluation and interviews, Moffatt & Nichol was identified as the most qualified firm. The proposed fees have been negotiated and determined to be fair and reasonable based on the scope of services.
Adequate funding is available in the Public Works – Lagoon & Levees Fund (001-0920), as adopted in the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget.
Approval of the resolution will allow the consultant to begin work, with completion anticipated by September 2026.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
The City’s lagoon was constructed in the 1960s as part of the original development of Foster City. The lagoon’s primary function is to provide stormwater detention for the entire City. Its secondary function is recreational, including boating, paddle sports, and aesthetic enjoyment for residents.
In the late 1990s, the City conducted a lagoon dredge survey that identified areas requiring dredging. Dredging was completed in 2004, restoring much of the lagoon to its original design depth of approximately six feet at summer water level. However, certain narrower channels were not dredged due to potential liability and may have experienced continued sediment accumulation.
More than 20 years have passed since the last comprehensive dredging effort. To support responsible asset management and inform planning for a future programmed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) dredging project, the City seeks to evaluate current sediment conditions. This survey will provide updated bathymetric data, identify priority areas for maintenance dredging, and assist the City in determining the timing and magnitude of future dredge work.
While dredging does not significantly increase the lagoon’s overall stormwater detention capacity, maintaining adequate depths supports recreational use, navigability, and long- term lagoon function.
The City issued an RFP seeking qualified firms to provide professional engineering services for the Lagoon Dredge Survey. Two (2) proposals were received on the due date of February 5, 2026.
Proposals were evaluated using QBS process in accordance with Government Code Section 4526 et seq. Fee proposals were not considered in ranking. An evaluation panel consisting of three (3) Engineering Division staff members reviewed the proposals based on project understanding, relevant experience, technical approach, and team qualifications.
Following evaluation, Moffatt & Nichol was determined to be the most qualified firm.
Moffatt & Nichol is currently providing dredging design services for the Marina Lagoon dredging project in the City of San Mateo. The proposed team for Foster City includes key personnel from that project, bringing relevant and current experience in lagoon bathymetric surveying and dredging planning.
Additionally, Moffatt & Nichol served as the design engineer for Foster City’s previous lagoon dredging project completed in the early 2000s. The firm is proposing to bring back two team members who worked on that prior project. This historical knowledge, combined with current regional dredging experience, provides valuable continuity and technical insight that will strengthen the quality and efficiency of the work.
Staff negotiated the final scope of services and fee and determined the proposed compensation to be fair and reasonable.
City Council approval will authorize commencement of the survey and analysis, with work completion anticipated by September 2026. The findings of the survey will be incorporated into a final report which will provide: (1) a comparative analysis of original and existing elevations; (2) maps and exhibits including a map of recommended potential dredging locations; (3) sediment testing guidance and discussion for disposal purposes; and (4) high level cost estimates. Any future project would need to factor in permitting and environmental documentation, private property policy considerations for work limits, and dredge disposal options.
CEQA
The proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 (Class 6 – Information Collection). The contract authorizes bathymetric surveying, sediment probing, and preparation of a technical report. These activities involve data collection, research, and evaluation will not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact of this resolution is $150,007 including proposed agreement amount of $130,007 and a contingency of $20,000. Adequate funding is available in the Public Works – Lagoon & Levees Fund (001-0920), as adopted in the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Infrastructure and Facilities
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – City Resolution
Attachment 2 – Agreement