Agenda Item: 8
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: May 10, 2022
SUBJECT: BACKFLOW INSPECTION AND REPAIR CONTRACT
EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY INCREASE
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Kevin Tonoian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Authorize an ongoing expenditure authority increase to the City’s existing contract with Backflow Prevention Device Testing in the amount of $65,000, for a total annual contract amount not to exceed $237,000.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clarita (City) maintains nearly 800 cross-contamination prevention systems, commonly referred to as backflow devices, throughout multiple LMD Zones, our 36 park sites, and all City-owned facilities. The devices are designed to protect the potable water supply by preventing water used for purposes such as irrigation, aquatics, and fire prevention systems from reversing its flow, backing into the local water supply, and causing contamination.
By law, the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health require annual testing of all backflow devices operated by the organization. The City is required to submit an annual test report to the respective water supplier, demonstrating the results of every backflow device test performed.
The certification and re-certification of City-owned backflow devices, including a database of all such devices and test results, are necessary to guarantee the safety of the public water systems. In lieu of maintaining full-time employees to administer testing, the City contracts for this specialized service.
The organization maintains an existing contract, with renewals through 2024, with Backflow Prevention Device Testing for an annual amount not to exceed $172,000. The City averages approximately $20,000 in monthly expenditures associated with backflow testing, repairs, and replacements of the current inventory of devices. Additional devices within the Skyline Ranch, Needham Ranch, and Vista Canyon areas are anticipated to be implemented in the next 12 to 24 months.
Staff recommends authorizing an ongoing increase to the expenditure authority of the existing contract with Backflow Prevention Device Testing in the amount of $65,000, for a total annual contract expenditure authority not to exceed $237,000.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. Sufficient monies are available in LMD Fund 357 and Areawide Fund 367 to support the recommended contract expenditure authority increase.