Agenda Item: 9
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: July 11, 2023
SUBJECT: DRAINAGE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT AREAS 3 AND 24
GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTING CONTRACTS
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Darin Seegmiller
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Award a contract to Applied Earth Sciences in the amount of $55,000 for geotechnical consulting in DBAA 3 and authorize the one-time appropriation of funds in the amount of $55,000 from DBAA Fund Balance (Fund 351) to expenditure account 3517209-516113.
2. Award a contract to Geosyntec Consultants in the amount of $46,000 for geotechnical consulting in DBAA 24 and authorize the one-time appropriation of funds in the amount of $46,000 from DBAA Fund Balance (Fund 351) to expenditure account 3517213-516113.
3. 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) administers 15 Drainage Benefit Assessment Areas (DBAA) throughout the City. Each DBAA prevents groundwater from rising to maintain slope stability or provides flooding control within a specific area. The DBAA are funded through assessments generated by property owners who benefit directly from the drainage infrastructure, and the funds are used for the operation and maintenance of equipment and fixtures that remove groundwater to maintain slope stability.
DBAA 3
The DBAA 3 is located on Whites Canyon Road and Nadal Street. A recent geologic assessment report by Applied Earth Sciences (AES) established that 16 hydraugers are in various states of
disrepair, with only three actively draining the landmass.
However, the report also established that all of the hydraugers are currently well above the local groundwater level and are not actively dewatering the landmass as initially designed and intended. It is recommended that the site be re-evaluated using additional field exploration and laboratory and field testing of soil and bedrock samples to provide recommendations as needed to drain the landmass.
On May 22, AES submitted a proposal in the amount of $55,000 for the above evaluation and repair services. AES is being recommended, as allowable under public contract code and purchasing policy as a single source firm for DBAA 3 services due to their exhaustive, historical knowledge specific to the project. Furthermore, staff is also requesting a one-time appropriation of $55,000 in DBAA reserves to support the award of contract.
DBAA 24
The DBAA 24 is located on Plum Canyon Road and Via Joyce Drive. A recent technical memorandum by Geosyntec Consultants (Geosyntec) recommended video surveys of a selection of wells to confirm current conditions. The videos would be reviewed to determine well integrity and, if necessary, repairs required to ensure their proper function.
On March 17, Geosyntec submitted a scope of work proposal in the amount of $46,000 for the above evaluation services, including the creation of technical specifications for the redevelopment of the wells for future project bidding. Because Geosyntec has provided the City with DBAA engineering, permit, and report consulting for over 15 years, and because their most recent contract was specific to DBAA 24 consulting services, purchasing staff recognized them as a single source firm for this project in accordance with the public contract code and the City’s purchasing policy. As a result, staff recommends awarding Geosyntec a contract in the amount of $46,000. Furthermore, staff is also requesting a one-time appropriation of $46,000 in DBAA reserves to support the award of contract.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. There are sufficient reserves in DBAA Fund Balance (Fund 351) to support the recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
Applied Earth Sciences Scope of Work
Geosyntec Scope of Work