DATE: OCTOBER 24, 2023
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BY: BRIAN FRUS, SENIOR ENGINEER
TITLE: AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SALINAS AND HARRIS AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE SALINAS CREEKS MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT PLAN RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the agreement with Harris and Associates for the Salinas Creeks Maintenance and Enhancement Plan project to increase the total compensation by $278,139, for a maximum not to exceed $363,868.
BACKGROUND:
The 2017 winter storms caused heavy erosion and large amounts of silts to be deposited at Gabilan Creek, Natividad Creek, Santa Rita Creek, the Natividad Creek Detention Basin and the Salinas River Outfall. In the process of making emergency repairs as a result of the storm damage, staff discovered that permits required for repair or maintenance work within these locations had expired.
The City applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for relief funding to cover the damages. To date, neither agency has confirmed reimbursement for the majority of the repairs, which are estimated at over $2 million.
The primary purpose of these essential drainage facilities is to convey flood water in order to protect property, human health and safety; however, opportunities exist which could enhance the ecological health of the creeks’ riparian zones. Adding an ecological element to any restoration project would not only improve habitat along the drainage facility but also could have added benefits such as increasing flood water capacity, water quality, infiltration and percolation, cost effectiveness of maintenance, climate resiliency and recreational opportunities. Both the Gabilan and Natividad Creeks offer a chance to create a nexus for these benefits.
On November 19, 2019, the City authorized the initial scope of work under the Master Services Agreement for $260,314 with Harris and Associates to perform the Salinas Creeks Maintenance and Enhancement Plan (Resolution No. 21745). A portion of the scope of work totaling $85,729 was continued under a Professional Service Agreement since the Master Service Agreement had expired and had not yet been renewed. The scope of work included the following:
Initiate the permitting process for ongoing maintenance activities Identify ecological enhancement opportunities
Draft a conceptual plan that improves flood capacity, water quality, habitat and infiltration of surface flows Field evaluation of existing conditions to better understand the level of investigation and analysis required to successfully complete an engineered design During the permitting process, the Regional Water Quality Control Board has indicated the requirement of mitigation areas such that the ongoing maintenance does not continually require disturbance of the flora and fauna within the stream bed. In cooperation with Harris and their subconsultants, staff has discussed various mitigation scenarios, evaluated alternatives, and considered the constraints along with need to remove silt deposits from streams and to conduct regular maintenance activities.
The Salinas Creeks Maintenance and Enhancement Plan project has now advanced to the next phase which involves preparation of design plans and completion of the permitting process based on information acquired during the feasibility study. This includes elements now required by the permitting agencies that were not considered in the original scope of work. Collectively the scope includes:
Project Management and Project Description
Technical Studies to Support Project Permitting
CEQA Compliance/Documentation
Regulatory Compliance/Permitting
Natividad Creek and Gabilan Creek Maintenance Plan and Conceptual Mitigation Plan Concept Level, 65%, and 100% Design Plans.
The additional scope represents a net increase of $278,139 to the original agreement.
The preparation of the design plans is timely and central to the removal of the silt from both the Gabilan and Natividad Creeks. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding was adopted by Council on September 14, 2021 (Resolution No. 22175). Of the total $15.465 million pledged for “Investments in Water and Sewer,” $500,000 was allocated for the Gabilan Creek and $1,545,000 for the Natividad Creek silt removal efforts. Hence, completion of this next phase in the project will enable the ARPA funds to be utilized as intended.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
The proposed scope of work includes making a determination as to the extent if any, the project has the potential for causing a “significant effect on the environment”. This will be examined during the CEQA process along with any relevant information compiled and submitted. In and of itself however, the amendment of an agreement which include such a CEQA determination does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The proposed project and agreement meet the City Council’s goal of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability (City of Salinas Strategic Plan 2022-2025) by improving City facilities.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
Public Works will advance this project through coordination with Engineering and Maintenance Services with additional input from the Department of Library and Community Services given that two of the streams are located within City parks.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The current year fiscal impact of $278,139 for this amendment is available and appropriated in the below referenced capital improvement projects. Available budgets include carry over from prior year and allocations for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Description and CIP Number
Available Budget
Natividad Creek Silt Removal – 5800.50.9086
$75,000
Salinas River Outfall Repairs - 5800.50.9114
$128,138
Silt Removal Gabilan Creek - 5800.50.9127
$75,000
Santa Rita Storm Channel - 5800.50.9175
$63,759
Totals
$341,897
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Professional Services for Environmental Consultants/Contractors, City of Salinas and Harris and Associates for the Salinas Creeks Maintenance and Enhancement Plan project Page | 3
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