Item #03
Date: March 17, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jeramy Chapdelaine, Public Works Director
Jim Schaad, City Manager
Subject: Ellis Lake 2026 through 2028 Maintenance Contract with Solitude Lake Management Recommendation:
Pass a Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year Ellis Lake maintenance agreement with Solitude Lake Management in the amount of $134,540.00.
Rationale for Recommendation:
Professional management of Ellis Lake is essential to keep the water clear of algae and weeds.
Background:
In 2023, after extensive growth of weeds and algae in Ellis Lake, City Council approved a consulting agreement with IGService (Dan Bergmann) to develop a plan to clear up the lake. Various strategies were recommended, including selecting a professional lake management company.
Beginning November 2023 and continuing through summer 2024, Solitude Lake Management treated to the lake to keep the water clear. Following the 2025 RFP process, Solitude was again selected to treat the lake throughout the year and did so successfully.
Professional lake management has proven successful in keeping Ellis Lake clear and pleasant to visit. The annual service cost has been reasonable during the first two years of professional service. Staff has regulated maintenance cost by limiting treatment visits to April through October, when weed and algae growth are most active.
In December 2023, Yuba Water Agency awarded $300,000 to the City of Marysville for a grant to maintain Ellis Lake water quality. The remaining balance of the grant is $87,719.00.
Discussion & Analysis:
The RFP issued by IGService on January 15, 2026, is for three years of lake management service, 2026 through 2028. The reason for three years is to reduce the administrative burden of conducting the RFP process annually.
IGService issued the RFP directly to seven companies potentially qualified to maintain the lake. City administration also posted the RFP with Valley Contractors Exchange. Two companies responded:
Solitude Lake Management and Waterworks Aquatic Management. See the rating table below.
Solitude is recommended to continue providing services because its pricing is incrementally lower and because the company has consistently performed an outstanding job. References were not considered in the ranking because Solitude would have already received the highest score from its work with Maryville.
The service agreement allows the city to terminate if there is an issue with Solitude’s performance and they do not correct the situation. This is important considering the longer term of the agreement.
Solitude is also providing consulting advice from its corporate scientist regarding best practices for management of Ellis Lake.
Fiscal Analysis:
The annual costs for the Services Agreement are:
2026 $43,631
2027 $44,835
2028 $46,074
Total $134,540
Funding for lake management beyond remaining grant funding of $87,719.00 is proposed to come from 10-160-5103 and appropriated anticipated in subsequent budget cycles.
Alternative:
An alternative would be for Public Works staff to purchase and apply the necessary chemicals, and also comply with regulatory water testing and annual reporting. Public Works simply does not have the personnel capacity and training currently.
Attachments:
1) IGService’ Evaluation Summary of Service Provider Proposals 2) Solitude Lake Management 2026 through 2028 Services Agreement