COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: September 16, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolutions to Award Two Professional Services Agreement For On-Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services
Description:
The City Council will c onsider approving the award of On -Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services Agreements to Tetra Tech, Inc. and Trihydro.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Adopt a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Tetra Tech, Inc. for On-Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services in the amount of $500,000; and
2. Adopt a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Trihydro for On-Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services in the amount of $500,000; and
3. Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute agreements.
BACKGROUND:
Stormwater is precipitation that does not absorb into the ground and instead becomes runoff, which flows into waterways or storm drains. When this runoff picks up pollutants, such as automotive fluids, sediment, pesticides, and other contaminants, it can harm local water bodies like the Santa Maria River and the Pacific Ocean.
The City of Santa Maria actively manages stormwater within its limits. While early efforts focused on flood control, more recent State regulations now emphasize the quality of stormwater discharged from the City’s conveyance system.
The Public Works Department enforces State and Federal pollution prevention policies by ensuring required permits and plans are in place before construction begins. Staff assist applicants in identifying requirements and oversee the implementation of pollution controls.
2 Construction projects disturbing over one acre must comply with the California Construction General Permit. Smaller projects may also require coverage if part of a larger development. Projects under one acre that are not part of a common pl an must submit an erosion and sediment control plan.
Applicants must implement stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) throughout construction, year -round. Non -compliance may lead to correction notices, permit suspension, use of developer deposits for remediation, or stop work orders.
DISCUSSION:
On March 26, 2025, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued and advertised through the City’s e-Procurement Portal, PlanetBids. A total of four proposals were received on April 23, 2025.
Selection of the best-qualified firms was made in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Guidelines. A selection committee, consisting of Engineering Division staff, independently evaluated and ranked the proposals. After deliberations, the top two ranked firms chosen are as follows:
Firm and Location
1. Tetra Tech, Inc., Santa Maria, CA
2. Trihydro, San Luis Obispo, CA
The proposed Professional Services Agreements will be managed by the Engineering Division. On-Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services may also be used by other Departments for applicable funded projects.
Alternative(s)
City Council may choose not to award the Professional Services Agreements and instead direct staff to issue Requests for Proposals on a project-by-project basis.
Fiscal Considerations
There are no significant additional financial impacts anticipated from this action. Most stormwater inspection services are driven by land development. Costs incurred for inspections and reporting on each site’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) are recovered at the time of grading permit issuance.
Capital Improvement Projects may also require services under this agreement. If needed, project budgets will identify funding at the time of award. As this is an “on-call” agreement, there will be no cost to the City if services are not used.
3 Impact on the Community
This agreement enables the Public Works Department to continue providing stormwater inspection services and ensures compliance with State and Federal construction runoff regulations. Continued access to these services is necessary to maintain effective service delivery and environmental protection for the community.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution – Tetra Tech, Inc.
B. Resolution - Trihydro
C. Agreement - Tetra Tech, Inc.
D. Agreement - Trihydro