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25-87240
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Award Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Stearns, Conrad and Schmidt Engineers Inc, dba SCS Engineers (SCS Engineers), to conduct a study of the feasibility of opening the Scholl Canyon Landfill (SCLF) wasteshed, to prepare a CEQA Analysis in relation to opening the wasteshed, and to perform a cost analysis comparing the existing flexible membrane liner/geosynthetic clay liner composite cover to evapotranspirative cover systems
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a PSA with SCS Engineers, to conduct a study of the feasibility of opening the SCLF wasteshed, to prepare a CEQA Analysis in relation to opening the wasteshed, and to perform a cost analysis comparing the existing flexible membrane liner/geosynthetic clay liner composite cover to evapotranspirative cover systems in the not-to-exceed amount of $142,500.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for January 28, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The SCLF first opened in 1961 as an unrestricted regional landfill. In 1987, Glendale passed an ordinance establishing a restricted wasteshed for SCLF meaning only solid waste generated from the following areas would be accepted at the landfill: Glendale, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and portions of Los Angeles County. Recent decreases in daily disposal tonnage and the City Council’s direction to promptly close the site have compelled the city to examine opening the wasteshed to potentially increase daily tonnage.
On September 13, 2024, the Public Works Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the wasteshed analysis, CEQA Analysis and cover cost analysis for the SCLF.
The RFP was sent via email for 29 days that resulted in only one proposal from an incumbent consultant, SCS Engineers.
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve a motion authorizing a PSA with SCS Engineers for $142,500 to conduct a study of the feasibility of opening the SCLF wasteshed, to prepare a CEQA Analysis in relation to opening the wasteshed, and to perform a cost analysis comparing the existing flexible membrane liner/geosynthetic clay liner composite cover to evapotranspirative cover systems for the SCLF.
ANALYSIS
The Public Works Department has oversight of the city’s SCLF. As of September 30, 2024, the remaining capacity is approximately 1.1 million tons of refuse. SCLF is experiencing decreased incoming refuse tonnage down to 765 tons per day, which if stays unchanged, is pushing the estimated closure date to January 2029. SCLF has a wasteshed restriction that may be adversely impacting incoming tonnage. In March 2024 City Council directed staff to examine opening the wasteshed to close the landfill as soon as possible by reaching its full capacity.
SCS Engineers is qualified to undertake this project for a number of reasons:
1.Experience working with the city, including performing engineering at the SCLF, conducting a feasibility study for a material recovery facility at the site, evaluating potential development of an anaerobic digestion project at the site, and developing the commercial franchise zone system in the city.
2.Thirty years of working knowledge of the wasteshed and regional solid waste system, including previous experience conducting similar studies in Southern California.
3. Local office in Pasadena that is convenient to the city and the site, enabling SCS to meet with the City of Glendale, if necessary, on short notice.
Additionally, SCS Engineers, a current incumbent contractor at SCLF, is performing landfill maintenance, operation, installation of environmental controls systems and environmental compliance services for Scholl Canyon and Brand Park landfills. A five- year contract of $957,602 was awarded in late 2024 and will expire on August 31, 2029.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
This requirement is not applicable to this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed PSA for landfill consulting services will cost $142,500. The Public Works Department can absorb this cost and therefore no new appropriation is being requested at this time. The funding is outlined below:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$142,500 GL: 43110-5300-PWD-7522-P0000 Refuse Disposal Fund {{section.number}}f3
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
If the analysis conducted result in the city determining to move forward with opening the wasteshed, the City will need to conduct a CEQA analysis to identify any potential significant environmental impacts that would require mitigation. Because it is unknown at this time the results of the wasteshed analysis, the level of CEQA analysis is not yet known. Therefore, SCS will prepare the City’s Environmental Information Form (EIF) to determine what further CEQA analysis, if any, will be necessary.
The EIF will include the requirements as indicated in the City’s CEQA Guidelines, revised 11-1-2016. If a Traffic Study is required, that will be prepared by a traffic engineer. The Traffic Study is considered outside the scope of this project at this time.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
The names and business addresses of the members of the board of directors, the chairperson, CEO, COO, CFO, Subcontractors and any person or entity with more than 10% interest in the company proposed for contract in this Agenda Item Report are attached in Exhibit #1, in accordance with the City Campaign Finance Ordinance No. 5744.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Do not approve a motion authorizing a new PSA which will limit the wasteshed policy and not be able to perform an analysis on opening the wasteshed at SCLF for a quicker closure.
Alternative 2: The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Daniel Hernandez, Director of Public Works
Prepared by:
Luke Chen, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: Campaign Disclosure Form