DATE:
December 3, 2024
TO:
Mayor and City Council Members
Chair and Board Members, Hesperia Water District
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Cassandra Sanchez, Director of Public Works / City Engineer Jeremy McDonald, Water Operations Manager
SUBJECT:
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Service Line Replacement Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council and Board of Directors of the Hesperia Water District authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Big Ben Inc. for the replacement of water service lines in the not-to-exceed amount of $1,782,000, which includes a 10% contingency.
BACKGROUND
The City’s water distribution system contains over twenty-nine thousand (29,000) service lines. A water service line is the pipe that connects the water main to the water meter. The diameter of these pipes ranges between one (1) and eight (8) inches in diameter, depending on the volumetric needs of the consumer. Approximately 95% of the service lines in the City’s service area are one (1) inch in diameter.
Due to a significant rise in service line leaks, in 2018 the City revised its Approved Materials List by no longer allowing polyethylene pipe as an approved material type for water service lines. Due to several factors, including ultra-violet resistance, impact and abrasion resistance, and affordability compared to copper, the City only accepts MUNICIPEX pipe for its water service lines up to two (2) inches in diameter.
The proposed service line replacement project will allow for the replacement of three hundred three (303) water service lines that will remove polyethylene pipe from service. The areas identified for replacement include tract developments where high-density housing is found and Cottonwood Avenue from Main Street to Eucalyptus Street. These areas were prioritized based on work order history and the tendency of the trench lines failing due to moisture intrusion.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The Water Service Line Replacement project was advertised for bids beginning on October 30, 2024. The project was posted on Public Purchase, the City’s online bidding platform where sixty-six (66) contractors were notified of the project. On November 18, 2024, eight (8) bids were received, opened, and publicly read.
Staff recommends entering into the agreement with Big Ben Inc., which has been determined to be the lowest responsive/responsible bidder. The total bid amount is $1,620,000, with a 10% contingency of $162,000.
The City has identified available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant funds that are an eligible funding source for the program.
CITY GOAL
Public Safety: Ensure public safety resources adequately protect our community.
Financial Health: Maintain a balanced budget and adequate reserves.
FISCAL IMPACT
ARPA Grant funding in the amount of $1,782,000 has been identified for the proposed project. If approved, an amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Budget will be presented at the Mid-Year Budget Review to appropriate the necessary funds.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
1. Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Bid Comparison
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and Board of the Hesperia Water District American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Service Line Replacement Project December 3, 2024