TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
BY: Amber Shah, Parks & Public Works Director/City Engineer DATE: January 14, 2026
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE
PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
DUDEK FOR THE CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
EXTENDING THE TERM THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026
STRATEGIC PLAN CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Fiscally Responsible and Transparent City Government
Well-Maintained Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The combined local and regional stormwater system within the City limits consists of approximately 18 miles of lined and unlined open channels, drainage inlets, and pipe systems, including concrete and corrugated metal pipe culverts. Much of this infrastructure was designed and constructed between the 1930’s and mid-1950’s. Of the overall system, the City owns and is responsible for maintaining approximately seven (7) miles of the stormwater system.
In 2020, the City retained the engineering firm Dudek to perform a comprehensive condition assessment of the stormwater infrastructure under the City’s jurisdiction. The primary purpose of this assessment was to evaluate the structural integrity of the system, identify deficiencies, and develop a prioritized plan for capital improvements. The assessment utilized field surveys, closed circuit television (CCTV) inspections, and available historical data to determine the condition of the existing system.
As part of this effort, Dudek identified the existing box culvert beneath Lacy Tony Chou, Mayor
Calvin Lo, Vice Mayor
Hunter Chang, Council Member
John Chou, Council Member
Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Council Member
Park as the highest priority segment for replacement due to its age and deteriorated condition. Based on these findings, staff included the Culvert Replacement Program in the Capital Improvement Program beginning in FY 2021-22, with replacement of the Lacy Park box culvert identified as the first project.
DISCUSSION
On January 12, 2022, the City Council awarded a professional design services agreement to Dudek for the preparation of plans and specifications to replace the existing box culvert that traverses through Lacy Park and conveys upstream stormwater drainage and drainage from the park to the Los Angeles Flood Control District’s storm drain system. The project is intended to rehabilitate this aging infrastructure to ensure reliable stormwater conveyance and reduce the risk of system failure.
Consistent with staff direction at that time, the original scope evaluated reconstruction of the box culvert within its existing alignment through the center field of Lacy Park or relocation to an alternative alignment along the paved perimeter path. The construction of either option would have resulted in significant disruption to park use during the construction period.
To reduce impacts on Lacy Park, staff requested that Dudek evaluate the feasibility of rerouting the storm drain through adjacent public streets. This additional scope included a field survey, assessment of two alternative off-site alignments, and an infiltration feasibility assessment to evaluate opportunities to incorporate stormwater quality improvements eligible for funding through the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W).
This expanded scope of work was approved through Amendment No. 1 to the professional services on September 13, 2023, increasing the contract amount by $80,400 and extending the agreement term through December 31, 2024.
Subsequently in December 2024, the City Council approved Amendment No. 2, extending the agreement term by an additional 12 months to allow Dudek to complete the feasibility assessments and continue design development.
Dudek has now completed the infiltration feasibility assessment and identified a preferred alternative alignment for the storm drain. The recommended alignment avoids Lacy Park entirely by routing the storm drain south on Virginia Road to Monterey Road eastbound and connecting to the existing storm main line on Wembley Road. In addition to minimizing impacts to park operations and amenities, this alignment allows for the use of reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) rather than a box culvert, improving constructability and long-term maintenance considerations.
As part of the infiltration feasibility assessment, Dudek evaluated several stormwater capture and infiltration options that could meet Measure W program requirements. Of the options considered, installation of a drywell system in the staff yard at Lacy Park for stormwater capture is the most feasible and cost-effective solution for stormwater capture and infiltration.
Staff is currently evaluating this option for potential inclusion in a future phase of the program and anticipates bringing additional information to the City Council during development of the FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program budget, including refined scope and cost estimates.
FISCAL IMPACT & PROCUREMENT REVIEW
The City’s adopted FY 25-26 budget has re-appropriated a total of $205,574 for the Culvert Replacement Program, which includes the completion of design work. As this Amendment No. 3 is only an extension of the term, no new appropriation is required.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the City Council approve Amendment No. 3 with Dudek extending the term of the Professional Design Services Agreement through December 31, 2026. If the City Council concurs with staff’s recommendation, an appropriate motion would be:
“I move to approve Amendment No. 3 with Dudek extending the term of the Professional Design Services Agreement for the Culvert Replacement Program through December 31, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Amendment No.3 with Dudek
2. Amendment No.1, Amendment No.2, and Original Agreement
3. Exhibit of Storm Drain Route Alternative