Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: {{section.number}}G
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: January 7, 2025
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: John Ferons, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: John Ferons, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Number 25-4335 approving Amendment 2 to Professional Service Agreement #2024-886 with WaterTalent LLC. to continue providing Interim Chief Plant Operator services and authorizing the Town Manager to execute the Amendment.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Town owns and operates the Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF) under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit CA003812 issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board Order No, R2-2020-0026. This permit order regulates the treatment process and allows the Town to treat the effluent such that it can be redistributed as recycled water. The level of treatment in place at the plant to meet recycled water quality requires that the Town have an operator with a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s certificate (or higher certification) be designated as the Town’s “Chief Plant Operator.” Due to staffing changes and succession planning the Town does not currently employ an individual with that level of certification. At present the plant is currently operated by two Town Staff with Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s certificates on a daily basis, which is allowed per regulations. However, the Regional Board requires that we have a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s certificate (or higher certification) be designated as the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) to oversee day to day operations to ensure regulatory compliance.
Amendment 1 to the WaterTalent contract extended the budget in support of the Town staffing succession plan.
Now in addition to the succession plan, the Town’s NPDES permit is valid through the end of November 2025 and the Utility Staff is preparing for the NPDES permit renewal process. The renewal application is due March 1 which will be followed by consultation and interaction with the Waterboard while negotiating a new permit for the future 5-year period.
Amendment 2 of the WaterTalent contract will provide adequate budget to retain WaterTalent’s services to the end of the fiscal year providing access to our consulting Grade 3 Chief Plant Operator, Steve Dominguez. Mr.
Dominguez has proven a valuable resource with the operation of the Town’s wastewater treatment plant and his experience and expertise will be a valuable contribution to the succession planning and permit application process with the Waterboard.
The value of Amendment 2 is $51,000 which is fully funded by the current Wastewater Treatment Operations Budget line item: 62-4525-4210.
Staff respectfully requests the Town Council adopt Resolution Number 25-____ approving Amendment 2 to Professional Service Agreement #2024-886 with WaterTalent LLC. to continue providing Interim Chief Plant Operator Services and authorizing the Town Manager to execute the Amendment.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Exempt per California Environmental Act (CEQA) Guideline, Section 15061(b)(3)
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? No
Is it Currently Budgeted? Yes
Where is it Budgeted? Wastewater Treatment Operations; 62-4515-4210 Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Mandatory
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? Yes
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. Exceptional Town Services and Staff: The Town supports its talented staff who deliver high quality municipal programs and services while maintaining public infrastructure for the benefit of the community. Responsible Fiscal Policy: The Town maintains its fiscal health through policies designed to maximize economic opportunities, manage expenses, and ensure prudent reserves.
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. The Town’s Recycled Water Program is critical infrastructure for the benefit of the community. Providing a qualified Chief Plant Operator ensures regulatory compliance with the water reclamation permit maintaining infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
Managing the contract to provide this need and bringing it forward for approval above the Town Manager’s authority is maintaining responsible fiscal policy.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 25-3335
2. Draft WaterTalent Amendment 2