City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: March 7, 2023
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Andrew Eguia, Assistant Engineer
Subject
Professional Services Agreement with Fleming Environmental, Inc. for Underground Storage Tank Removal
Recommendation
A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, because the project consists of the removal of existing structures and equipment and involves no expansion of an existing use; and
B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Fleming Environmental, Inc., in substantially the same form as submitted, for underground storage tank removal for a total amount not-to-exceed $135,600, for a forty-five (45) calendar day term.
Background
Underground Storage Tanks currently located at 2800 South Soto Street and 4530 Bandini Boulevard, Vernon, CA 90058 require removal under the oversight of the City of Vernon Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). A highly qualified contractor has been selected to complete the removal of two (2) Underground Storage Tanks and associated piping, preparation of necessary correspondence and reports to various agencies, obtaining required permits, investigation of the vertical and lateral extent of any hydrocarbons in the soil as directed, and reconstruction of excavation. Backfill and final resurfacing will be inspected by the Public Works Department and a formal closure application and letter for each Underground Storage Tank removal will be submitted to DHEC.
Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.070, the Engineering Division publicized the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Underground Storage Tank Removals, as the cost for the service was anticipated to exceed $50,000 and required competitive selection pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.080. Because the RFP involves the procurement of environmental services, price was not a factor in the determination of the most qualified proposer pursuant to VMC Section
3.32.090. Proposals were rated on demonstrated competence, professional qualifications, and responsiveness to the RFP. The Engineering Division received seven (7) proposals by the due date from qualified firms in response to the RFP posted on or about January 31, 2023.
A panel comprised of internal staff evaluated the seven (7) proposals received in order to determine the firm best suited to provide the services requested. A comprehensive, fair and impartial evaluation of the proposals was conducted in accordance with the specifications set forth within the RFP document. Established criteria were used in reviewing and comparing the proposals to determine the most suitable firm. At the conclusion of the assessment, it was determined that Fleming Environmental, Inc. will best meet the City’s needs. Fleming’s proposal established a complete understanding of the scope of work and expected timeline, and demonstrated capability in similar underground storage tank removal and reconstruction projects of comparable size. Staff recommends that the City enter into a services agreement with Fleming Environmental, Inc..
The proposed Services Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is estimated at $135,600. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, Public Works, Facilities Maintenance, Capital Outlays Account No. 011-040-415-660000 for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
1. Services Agreement – Fleming Environmental, Inc.