City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: September 16, 2024
FROM: Marisol Gomez, Administrative Assistant II
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
BUILDINGS
Community Center Complex Project – Main efforts over last two months have been installation of the underground utilities and preparing for placement of the building foundation. The concrete slab for the building foundation was poured on 8/30/2024. Staff presented a progress report at the 7/22/2024 Council meeting and will provide an update at the 9/16/2024 Council meeting.
WASTEWATER
1. Industrial Wastewater (IW) System – The IW Pipeline Contract was issued for public bid on 6/27/2024 and staff opened five bids on 8/06/2024. Staff presented a report at the 9/03/2024 Council meeting recommending award of construction to Sierra Construction & Excavation. Staff and the City Attorney are finalizing the form of agreement. Staff and a real estate appraiser presented the temporary and permanent easements needed for the pipeline contract to the various property owners.
2. WWTP – Regional Board staff visited the WWTP on 8/22/2024. City staff provided the Regional Board staff with updates on the operations and maintenance efforts of the WWTP and our progress on constructing the IW System.
ROADS
1. Monterey Salinas Transit Circulator – Over the last three years, MST staff coordinated with City staff to replace the Dial-a-Ride Service with a fixed route bus service in Gonzales. MST staff issued the project for bid and Don Chapin Company was the low bidder. A Preconstruction meeting was held on 7/30/2024 and construction is expected to begin on 9/12/2024.
AGENDA
ITEM
14 SOLID WASTE
Quarterly Tri-Cities Franchise Agreements Meetings – Staff from the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, Tri-Cities Disposal and the cities of Gonzales, Soledad, and Greenfield meet on a quarterly basis to discuss the various waste collection programs (commercial accounts, food waste, organic waste), compliance with latest state regulations, public outreach and education, customer surveys, etc.
OTHER PROJECTS
1. Stormwater Permit – Maris Sidenstecker of Save The Whales prepared the attached report on the City’s Stormwater Public Education and Outreach efforts for FY2023/24.
2. GIS – City staff continues to work on a GIS mapping system by inputting field data for water, sewer and storm drainage systems. Staff hold monthly meetings with ProWest (GIS consultant). Current mapping efforts include assessing sidewalks to map uplifted or missing sidewalk panels and performing a street sign inspection.
PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
WASTEWATER
Staff perform testing and daily inspections of the influent and effluent at the wastewater treatment plant.
Staff have been discing the weeds at the existing and new treatment plant property. Staff perform maintenance at the lift stations.
On 8/14/2024 Percolation Pond A at the WTTP spilled approximately 1,000 gallons of treated wastewater. Staff responded immediately and observed the berm which was leaking due to squirrel holes.
The spill was on City property and has been repaired.
WATER
Staff continue to perform testing for chlorine residual daily, and maintenance on the water system. Staff repairs chlorine leaks and perform maintenance on the wells. Staff continue to actively map the water and sewer system for GIS.
There was a main leak at St. Theodores Church. Staff performed a shutdown, for West Valley Construction for the repair.
West Valley is performing a main repair.
Staff attempted to get a shut down on Belden Street to repair the leak at 224 Belden. Staff were unable to get a shut down, West valley was able to patch the leak, but a total shutdown is needed to completely repair the leak.
Jimmy and Intern Juan trying to get a shut down on Belden Street.
Staff performed repairs on several meter leaks.
Roverto repairing a water meter leak at residence
STORM WATER
Staff continue to clean and maintain the bioswales along Center Street. In preparation for winter, staff began annual maintenance of the stormwater perc ponds and outfalls.
PARKS
Staff mows parks regularly. Staff cleans restrooms, cleans trash, and makes repairs in parks regularly.
Staff repair and maintain irrigation in Central and Centennial Park.
Cadre was present at the Community Garden to prep for the pollinator garden. City Staff supported Cadre by providing compost and mulch.
Cadre working in the Community Garden.
GOVERNMENT BUILDING
Staff continue to maintain all City owned buildings. Staff clean the Vosti Center restrooms daily. Staff clean the Council Chambers weekly. Staff replaced flagpole ropes at Central Park.
STREETS
Staff continue to fill potholes. Staff continue to paint street markings including red zones. Staff took out the crosswalk on Fifth Street by painting over it.
EVENTS
Staff prepared the street closures and preparations for the National Night Out held along Fourth Street.
Staff also prepared for the Circus at Centennial Park and repaired several irrigation breaks.
TRAINING
Staff continue to train for various OSHA compliance and skills in Public Works. City Staff will host Confined Space training on 9/18/24.
Attachments:
1. Annual Report PEPO Gonzales FY2023/2024