City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: July 21, 2025
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-48 Industrial Wastewater Pipeline Project Notice of Completion
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider and adopt Resolution No. 2025-48, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales accepting the Industrial Wastewater Pipeline Project as complete and directing staff to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder.
BACKGROUND
The City is expanding the wastewater system by constructing an Industrial Wastewater (IW) System to treat and dispose of ag-wash water discharged from the three large processing facilities in the Business Park. The IW System is being delivered under two contracts:
1. Construct the IW Pipeline beginning in the Business Park and along Fermin Lane.
2. Construct the IW Treatment Facility on City-owned property abutting the existing WWTP.
The construction documents (plans, technical specifications, and cost estimate) for the IW Pipeline Project were prepared by Dudek Consulting. The IW Pipeline consists of 8,500 feet of 27-inch PVC pipe and 2,300 feet of 24-inch PVC pipe. Lateral connections were installed at Taylor Farms, Del Monte and Braga Fresh, and 21 new manholes were installed to support maintenance and inspections.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The project was issued for bid on June 27, 2024. On August 6, 2024 five bids were received and opened, and Sierra Construction & Excavation submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid and was AGENDA
ITEM
13 awarded the construction contract at the September 3, 2024 City Council meeting. The contractor began field operations on November 4, 2024 and completed the project on June 30, 2025.
The following consultants provided professional engineering services during construction:
• MNS Engineers provided Construction Management and Inspection services • Dudek Consulting provided Design Support during Construction (reviewed submittals, Requests for Information and prepared the Record Drawings based on the contractor’s red-lined plan set) • Pacific Crest Geotechnical performed the compaction testing for the trench backfill MNS provided close monitoring of construction and modified the contract based on actual conditions and efforts by the contractor. During construction, eight change orders were executed that resulted in a total Project cost below the original awarded bid amount.
The overall contract deduct was achieved via removal of unused bid items such as dewatering, pipe zone backfill, over-excavation, re-alignment of water pipeline, and AC pipe removal, all of which were not required during construction. As well as deduction in price based on the actual unit quantities of pipeline and asphalt installed versus assumed during bid. While unexpected issues did arise on the project, including re-routing pipelines and laterals, demolition of an unknown holding tank, and addition of a lateral connection to Braga Fresh. Additions in scope were negotiated and fairly paid for the effort required.
The project team’s close construction observation, documentation, and management resulted in a quality project completed on-time and under-budget. The following table provides a breakdown of the bid price versus the final project cost.
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: This project supports our vision by making improvements to the wastewater system to increase its capacity for residential and industrial development.
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: Maintaining and improving the wastewater treatment plant enhances the community’s quality of life by providing for treatment and safe disposal of the City’s wastewater.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure the safety and wellbeing 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 X Yes No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
• Amend or modify staff recommendation
BUDGET IMPACT
This contract was funded by the $29M State Revolving Fund loan that is repaid with Sewer Rates and Sewer Impact funds.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider and adopt Resolution No. 2025-48, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales accepting the Industrial Wastewater Pipeline Project as complete and directing staff to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder.
Attachments:
1. Project Photos
2. Resolution No. 2025-48
3. Notice Of Completion