STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of May 13, 2025
TO: The Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBMITTED BY: Nanda Gottiparthy, Acting City Engineer SUBJECT: Authorize City Manager to execute an amendment to the City’s October 22, 2024 Professional Services Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. (LSA) (Resolution No. 24-069) Increasing the Total Cost by $11,800 RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment LSA to provide additional services pursuant to the City’s October 22, 2024, Professional Services Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. (LSA) (Resolution No. 24-069), increasing the total cost by $11,800.
BACKGROUND:
On October 22, 2024, the city entered into an agreement in the amount of $132,101 for professional services with LSA (Resolution No. 24-069) to conduct a bathymetric survey, complete soils sampling/analysis, prepare sediment dredging plans, and prepare permit applications for the Refugio Valley Park Pond Dredging Project. LSA’s subconsultant, Terraphase, performed the sampling and analysis of the pond sediments for reuse or disposal on certain City-owned open space property. Their investigative sampling revealed concentrations of cadmium, copper, and vanadium above the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Environmental Screening Levels (ESLs) for terrestrial habitats. It is thus recommended that the City perform additional analysis to guide the city’s decision on the open space placement of the sediment. With the additional requested funding, Terraphase will analyze the City’s ability to use the open space site for disposal. A scope of work from Terraphase is included as Attachment 2.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT CONDITION OF LAKE REFUGIO:
Currently Refugio Lake is difficult to maintain. Sediment buildup has created shallow depths and warmer waters, resulting in higher levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus as well as fueling growth of algae and aquatic weeds. The City has hired an Aquatic Habitat Maintenance company that is working diligently to control the growth of these materials through nutrient remediation which controls the nutrients in the lake to keep algae growth at an expectable level. Algae is a sign of a healthy eco-system within the lake but in excessive amounts it may be unsightly and undesirable. Excessive algae growth also clogs the aerators (fountains) which provide both a pleasant appearance and beneficial oxygen to the waters. The City is working to obtain the necessary State permits to dredge the lake to restore depth, which will provide a more consistent healthy manageable lake.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
It can be seen with certainty that the preliminary testing of the lake soils/spoils will not have an impact on the environment and thus approval of this contract amendment to include those activities is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). Further, following results of the testing, the City will ultimately make a determination as to how to proceed with full implementation of the dredging project at which time additional CEQA review may be performed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The adopted FY 24-25 budget includes an allocation of $100,000 from the General Fund/Capital Reserves appropriated for Preliminary Engineering, Environmental Compliance and Permitting of the Dredging Project. This funding has covered the majority of LSA contract. To fully support additional services required for this project, staff request that the Council appropriate an additional $11,800 from General Fund/Capital Reserves. Once the project has advanced sufficiently to allow for a detailed estimate of the dredging costs, staff will provide the City Council with a comprehensive funding plan for consideration.
Financial ImpactDescription: Add service to Lake Refugio Dredging (Project #63039) Funding Source: General Fund Capital Reserve (300-6432-642.05-00)Budget Recap:Total Estimated cost: $11,800 New Revenue: NoneAmount Budgeted: Lost Revenue: N/ANew funding required: Yes New Personnel: N/ACouncil Policy Change: Yes No Council Policy Change: Yes No Financial ImpactDescription: Add service to Lake Refugio Dredging (Project #63039) Funding Source: General Fund Capital Reserve (300-6432-642.05-00)Budget Recap:Total Estimated cost: $11,800 New Revenue: NoneAmount Budgeted: Lost Revenue: N/ANew funding required: Yes New Personnel: N/ACouncil Policy Change: Yes No Council Policy Change: Yes No Financial Impact
Description: Add service to Lake Refugio Dredging (Project #63039) Funding Source: General Fund Capital Reserve (300-6432-642.05-00) Budget Recap:
Total Estimated cost: $11,800 New Revenue: None
Amount Budgeted: Lost Revenue: N/A
New funding required: Yes New Personnel: N/A
Council Policy Change: Yes No
Council Policy Change: Yes No
Financial Impact
Description: Add service to Lake Refugio Dredging (Project #63039) Funding Source: General Fund Capital Reserve (300-6432-642.05-00) Budget Recap:
Total Estimated cost: $11,800 New Revenue: None
Amount Budgeted: Lost Revenue: N/A
New funding required: Yes New Personnel: N/A
Council Policy Change: Yes No
Council Policy Change: Yes No
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – March 3, 2025, Terraphase Proposal Letter 2