REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Shannon Buckley, Assistant City Manager
Date:March 25, 2025
Subject:On-Call Professional Services Agreements with GEI Consultants, Inc., for Lake Water Testing and Blankinship & Associates, Inc. for Water Quality Permit Management.
Recommendation
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an On-Call Professional Services Agreement with GEI Consultants Inc. in an amount not to exceed $70,000 per fiscal year, in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Blankinship & Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $35,000 per fiscal year, in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
Background
Lake Elsinore is a vital resource for both wildlife and recreation. Situated at the bottom of the San Jacinto Watershed, the lake has long faced challenges from recurring algae blooms and water quality issues. The San Jacinto River Watershed, which feeds into Lake Elsinore, spans 780 square miles across western Riverside County. Originating in the San Jacinto Mountains, it flows westward through Canyon Lake before reaching Lake Elsinore. This natural water flow brings nutrient-rich sediment each year, carrying elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus that degrade water quality and pose risks to aquatic life in Lake Elsinore.
In August 2023, the City Council approved a comprehensive Lake Management Plan to enhance the lake's water quality. Since then, the City has made significant progress, including installing three nanobubble barges that inject oxygen directly into the water, helping combat algae growth and improve overall water health. Additionally, the lake benefits from a robust maintenance program that utilizes a hydrogen peroxide-based algaecide and ongoing shoreline upkeep to preserve water quality and support a balanced ecosystem.
Lake On-Call Contract Services
Discussion
The City has contracted with WSP since 2020 for monthly water sampling and cyanotoxin monitoring to maintain safe water quality for public swimming and recreation. Cyanotoxins, produced by certain cyanobacteria associated with algal blooms, pose potential health risks, making regular monitoring essential. In October 2024, two senior scientists left WSP to join GEI Consultants, leading to a noticeable decline in WSP's service quality and technical expertise.
To support the ongoing implementation of the 2023 Lake Management Plan, additional permits from the Santa Ana Water Quality Control Board will be required, along with monitoring and reporting that require expertise with the local and state water board. It's recommended that an On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Blankinship & Associates, Inc.
Fiscal Impact
Funding costs are included in the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Measure Z Budget.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Agreement with GEI Consultants
Exhibit A - GEI Consultants Proposal
Attachment 2 - Agreement with Blankinship & Associates
Exhibit A - Blankinship & Associates Proposal
City Manager's Office