City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2025-72 Award WWTP Chief Plant Operator Contract
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-72, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Award of a Contract with Specialized Utility Service Program for Chief Plant Operator Services of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant.
BACKGROUND
The State of California classifies Wastewater Treatment Plants based on the treatment process and the amount of wastewater being treated. To ensure Wastewater Treatment Plants are operated and maintained by qualified personnel, the State requires Treatment Plant Operators to have the training and experience commensurate with the type of plant they operate.
The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is rated as a Class II plant and as such requires a minimum Grade 2 Wastewater Operator to oversee its operation. With the City Public Works Supervisor leaving City employment, the City must engage a contractor to perform those duties.
Several of the City’s Public Works employees are pursuing Wastewater Operator certifications but do not yet possess a Grade 2 Wastewater Operator certification.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
City staff prepared the Request for Proposals for Chief Plant Operator (CPO) Services. The RFP was issued on August 28, 2025 and staff held a preproposal meeting on September 10, 2025 that included a visit to the MWWTP. On September 24, 2025 staff received four proposals, and the following three firms were interviewed on October 7, 2025:
AGENDA
ITEM
11 • Bracewell Engineering
• Fluid Resource Management
• Specialized Utility Services Program
The interview panel scored Specialized Utility Services Program (SUSP) as the top ranked firm.
The City previously used SUSP for CPO services in 2016 and 2017 until the City Public Works Supervisor obtained their Grade 2 Wastewater Operator certification.
SUSP provided the lowest cost for providing CPO services at $4,080/month, while Bracewell Engineering quoted $8,575/month and Fluid Resource Management quoted $11,114/month.
This contract will be funded with Sewer Enterprise monies. With the new Public Works Supervisor joining the City at Salary Step 2 as compared to the outgoing Public Works Supervisor at Step 8, the City will realize a salary savings of $24,500/year that will fund approximately half the cost of the CPO contract.
It is recommended that the Council approve a contract with Specialized Utility Services Program to provide Chief Plant Operator duties for the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant for $4,080 per month. The services provided are summarized in Exhibit A of the attached agreement. The agreement has an initial two-year term with options for extending it. The Sewer Enterprise Fund has sufficient funds for the two years proposed in this contract after which City staff should evaluate the performance of this contractor and determine how to proceed.
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: Contracting for Chief Plant Operator for the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant, supports our Vision by ensuring the community is safe and sustainable.
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: Contracting for a State-Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator enhances the community's quality of life by providing for the continued treatment and safe disposal of the City's wastewater. Committing resources for this contract will provide excellent services.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure 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: Because City staff does not have the required certification, engaging SUSP to operate the wastewater treatment plant makes this contract as cost effective as possible.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No 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
Explain: This contract was developed using the City’s standard contract for services following adopted purchasing policies.
ALTERNATIVES
Direct staff to conduct another request for proposal process and select another vendor. This option is not supported by staff and would put the City in noncompliance with our permit to operate the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
BUDGET IMPACT
This contract will be funded through the Sewer Enterprise Fund (budget item 310-0000-52200).
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2025-72, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Award of a Contract with Specialized Utility Service Program for Chief Plant Operator Services of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Attachments:
1. Gonzales RFP for Contract WWTP Operator
2. Resolution No. 2025-72
3. Services Agreement with SUSP for WWTP CPO