REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Adam Gufarotti, Community Support Manager
Date:July 23, 2024
Subject:Agreement With American Lady Vet Services for Annual Lake Maintenance and Liquid Algaecide Treatment
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Contractor Services Agreement with American Lady Vet Services, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $443,125 in such final form as approved by the City Attorney and authorize the City Manager to execute change orders not to exceed a 10% contingency amount of $44,313 for uncertainties and adjustments.
Background
Lake Elsinore, the second-largest freshwater lake in Southern California, has faced ongoing water quality challenges. Located within the 780-square-mile San Jacinto watershed, the lake receives nutrient-rich sediment annually, which increases nitrogen and phosphorus levels, threatening the aquatic ecosystem.
Over the past two decades, the City and its partners have launched various initiatives to improve water quality. In 2008, the Lake Elsinore & San Jacinto Watershed Authority (LESJWA) implemented the Lake Elsinore Aeration and Mixing System (LEAMS) to enhance oxygen levels by aerating and mixing the water. Efforts have also focused on studying the fish population and managing harmful species like carp. In fall 2022, the City began a pilot study to explore sustainable long-term water quality improvement strategies.
On August 22, 2024, the City Council implemented the Lake Management Plan, which outlines specific short-term and long-term projects to enhance the water quality of Lake Elsinore.
Annual Lake Maintenance and Liquid Algaecide Treatment
Discussion
An annual maintenance program has been developed as part of the City's Lake Management plan. This includes applying a peroxide-based algaecide and maintenance of the shoreline.
On June 25, 2024, the City Council approved an agreement with American Lady Vet Services, Inc. to test a new liquid algaecide, replacing the previous pellet formulation. The liquid algaecide, applied on July 1, 2024, showed immediate and lasting results, proving more effective for shoreline application.
City staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on June 11, 2024, for the lake's annual maintenance. The RFP closed on July 1, 2024, with American Lady Vet Services as the sole bidder. Their responsiveness and test application work have been positively received by City staff.
Staff is recommending the approval of an annual lake maintenance agreement with American Lady Vet Services. This agreement will encompass the use of liquid algaecide, which has demonstrated superior effectiveness in controlling algae along the shoreline and comprehensive shoreline maintenance. The recommendation is based on the successful test application of the liquid algaecide, which showed immediate and lasting results, and the proven reliability and responsiveness of American Lady Vet Services. This agreement aims to ensure the continued health and quality of Lake Elsinore's waters and shoreline.
Fiscal Impact
Funding costs are included in the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Measure Z Budget.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Agreement
Exhibit A - Proposal
City Manager's Office