City Council Agenda Report
May 26, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Albert Mendoza, P.E., Director of Public Services/City Engineer Jacqueline Koontz, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: CONFIRM EMERGENCY WORK PAYMENT FOR POTTER STREET STORM
DRAIN REPAIRS
Background:
On February 24, 2025, the City awarded a contract to Wright Construction Engineering for City Project No. 7606 – Potter Street Storm Drain Replacement, to replace and realign an existing section of storm drain pipes and associated catch basins on Potter Street.
On June 20, 2025, Public Services responded to a water main break that occurred during excavation activities. Based on field observations, it was determined that excavation likely disturbed the surrounding soil, leading to trench instability and failure, which ultimately caused the water main rupture. The rupture resulted in significant flooding, impacting an adjacent resident’s garage and backyard. To mitigate flooding during subsequent rain events, emergency pumping operations were implemented from November 13 through November 17, 2025. To prevent further delays and minimize continued impacts to the affected property, Public Services engaged Mike Bubalo Construction Co. Inc., on an emergency basis to complete the remaining scope of work, as Wright Construction Engineering was deemed non-responsive to make such emergency repairs.
From January 20 through April 3, 2026, mobilization and site preparation activities were completed. Crews delivered equipment, performed saw-cutting of asphalt and concrete at the Alburtis Avenue connection point, and excavated to expose the existing 24” storm drain.
Excavation areas and the adjacent block wall were properly shored. Concurrently, staff coordinated with the affected resident to clear the backyard, remove existing concrete, and perform survey work. Trenching operations progressed from catch basin to catch basin, extending into the backyard as necessary.
City Council May 26, 2026
Confirm Emergency Storm Drain Repairs Page No. 2
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Pipe installation was also completed. Crews installed 12” C900 pipe on properly prepared sand bedding, progressing toward the north catch basin. Backfilling was performed in controlled, compacted lifts with continuous soil compaction testing. A temporary connection to the existing 24” storm drain on Alburtis Avenue was established, representing a key project milestone. Work included installation of a 10” pipe across Potter Street with slurry backfill, construction of both south and north catch basins (including inverts, walls, and decks), and completion of surface restoration. Concrete flatwork and curbing in the backyard were installed, and the street trench was fully paved. Requested catch basin repairs and grouting work under the garage concrete pad were also completed. Restoration of the resident’s driveway, raising valve cans to grade, and final walkthrough with City staff were also finished in April. Emergency repair work for Potter Street is now complete.
Payment for work completed up through February 13, 2026, was approved by City Council on April 7, 2026, for $142,480.86. The second and final invoice was received from Bubalo on April 7, 2026, in the amount of $146,656.87 for work from February 19, 2026, to April 3, 2026, for a total project cost of $289,137.73.
Location Emergency Repairs Cost
11701 Potter Street,
14507 Alburtis Avenue,
and Potter Street
Water main
break
during
excavation
activities
Furnish all labor, equipment, and
materials necessary to complete
the storm drain repair and
replacement on Potter Street. Work
includes, but is not limited to,
mobilization, excavation, shoring,
survey and layout, furnishing and
installation of 12-inch C900 and 10-
inch storm drain pipe, construction
of catch basins, surface
restoration, and all associated site
work performed between February
19, 2026, to April 3, 2026.
$146,656.87
Total: $146,656.87
Fiscal Impact:
Invoices will be paid with eligible Measure W funds from the approved 2025/26 Fiscal Year Capital Improvement Project budget.
Citizens Advised:
N/A
City Council May 26, 2026
Confirm Emergency Storm Drain Repairs Page No. 3
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Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Staff recommend City Council confirm emergency repairs at 11701 Potter Street, 14507 Alburtis Avenue., and other associated work on Potter Street, and approve payment of the final invoice submitted by Mike Bubalo Construction Co. Inc., in the amount of $146,656.87 for the emergency work performed.
Attachments:
N/A