COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Michelle Ruiz, Interim Director of Utilities
DATE: July 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Retroactively Approving Amendments to Agreement with Water Systems Consulting, Inc. for Hydraulic Model Updates
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution retroactively approving an agreement for professional services and subsequent amendments with Water Systems Consulting, Inc. for hydraulic model updates.
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.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution retroactively approving a mendments to Professional Services Agreement with Water Systems Consulting, Inc. for Hydraulic Model Updates; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria (City) entered into an agreement with Water Systems Consulting, Inc. (WSC) on June 26, 2023 , concerning hydraulic model updates (Agreement - Attachment B). That contract was subsequently extended twice, once on June 30, 2024 (Amendment No. 1 - Attachment C) and again on February 24, 2025 (Amendment No. 2 - Attachment D), to extend the term of the contract and to authorize additional work related to the original scope. The term of the contract is further proposed to be extended to December 31, 2026 (Amendment No. 3 - Attachment E).
The work performed includes updating the City’s water and sewer hydraulic models using the most current geographic information system (GIS) data, water consumption records, wastewater influent flow data, and field monitoring. This update work was required on a compressed schedule to support the analyses for the City’s General Plan Update.
Because WSC developed and maintained the City’s original hydraulic models, their continued involvement was cost-effective and ensured consistency, allowing the City to meet the necessary timelines without delay.
2 DISCUSSION:
Although the agreement received administrative approval from the City Manager, Finance Director, and City Attorney, the total cost exceeds the purchasing threshold permitted for administrative award. Timely authorization is important because the hydraulic model updates were required on an accelerated schedule to meet deadlines associated with the City’s General Plan Update.
WSC originally devel oped the City’s water and sewer hydraulic models and has maintained them since, making them uniquely positioned to perform the updates efficiently and without disrupting established methodologies. Their continued involvement ensured the work could proceed without delay, supporting the City’s broader planning timelines.
At the request of the Finance Department, the agreement is being presented to the City Council for retroactive approval to ensure full compliance with the City’s purchasing guidelines.
Alternative(s)
None.
Fiscal Considerations
The total contract cost is approximately $239,000, funded by the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds.
Impact on the Community
The updated hydraulic models provide essential data for the City’s General Plan Update, ensuring future growth is supported by reliable water and wastewater infrastructure.
Keeping these models current helps the City plan responsibly for housing, economic development, and long‑ term community needs.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. WSC Agreement dated 6/26/23 Signed
C. WSC Amendment No. 1 dated 6/30/24 Signed
D. WSC Amendment No. 2 dated 2/24/25 Signed
E. WSC Amendment No. 3 dated 12/31/25 Proposed