City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: December 5, 2022
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2022-87
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution 2022-87, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales authorizing the Interim City Manager or Public Works Director to submit a Financial Assistance Application to the State Water Resources Control Board for the Planning and Design of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project.
BACKGROUND
The City’s approach to expanding the wastewater system beyond the current 1.3 million gallons/day (MGD) permitted capacity is:
1. Construct Phase 1 of the Industrial Wastewater System (IW System) Project that will add 1.0 million gallons/day (MGD) for total wastewater system capacity of 2.3 MGD. The construction documents for this project are complete and the city applied for a $27M State Revolving Fund loan. When the loan is approved the project will be issued for public bid.
2. Upon completion of Phase 1 of the IW System, the city will rehabilitate the city’s existing wastewater treatment plant. This effort will be called the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project which entails replacement of aging treatment infrastructure and ponds with new facilities allowing for the WWTP to expand from 1.3 MGD capacity to 1.8 MGD capacity and meet new more stringent effluent water quality limits for nutrients under a forthcoming Waste Discharge Permit from the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
3. As additional IW capacity is needed due to new processing facilities in the Business Park, construct Phase 2 of the Industrial Wastewater System (IW System) Project which will provide AGENDA
ITEM
10 up to an additional 2.0 MGD of capacity to the plant for total wastewater system capacity of 3.8 MGD.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project is estimated to cost approximately $60 million (hard and soft costs). Staff and our wastewater consultants coordinated with the State Water Resources Control Board and learned of a grant opportunity to fund the planning and design of Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project (above #2).
The planning and design grant application for $5M is attached, and staff recommends adoption of the attached resolution.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: Rehabilitating the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant supports our vision to expand the city’s wastewater system capacity and support economic development that will provide additional employment opportunities for City residents.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: Rehabilitating the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant will enhance the community’s quality of life by providing for the continued treatment and safe disposal of wastewater.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to insure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No X N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could direct staff to seek other funding for the planning and design but that isn’t recommended as the application is for $5M in grant funding.
BUDGET IMPACT
There is no budget impact to this evening’s presentation.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution 2022-87, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales authorizing the Interim City Manager or Public Works Director to submit a Financial Assistance Application to the State Water Resources Control Board for the Planning and Design of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2022-87
2. Planning and Design Grant Application