Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 8D
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: September 16, 2025
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: John Ferons, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: Erica Rodgers, Management Analyst
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Number 25-4389 approving Amendment Number 5 to Professional Service Agreement 2024- 886 with Water Talent LLC to continue providing Interim Chief Plant Operator services, authorizing the Town Manager to execute the Amendment, and approving a corresponding budget adjustment.
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 regulates the treatment process and allows the Town to treat the effluent for redistribution 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) be designated as the Town’s “Chief Plant Operator.” Due to staffing changes and succession planning efforts, the Town does not currently employ an individual with the required certification. At present, the plant is currently operated by two Town staff members with Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s certificates on a daily basis, which is allowed per regulations. However, the Regional Board requires a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s certificate (or higher certification) to 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 Utility Staff is preparing for the NPDES permit renewal process.
Amendments 2 and 3 to the WaterTalent contract provided additional funding to retain consulting services from Grade III Chief Plant Operator Steve Dominguez, ensuring continuity of operations, support for succession planning, and progress on the NPDES permit renewal. These amendments addressed evolving project demands and immediate staffing needs through the end of the fiscal year.
Amendment 4 extended the contract term through December 31, 2025, allowing continued access to these critical services.
Amendment 5 to the WaterTalent contract is proposed to provide additional funding to extend the consulting services of Grade III Chief Plant Operator Steve Dominguez through the remainder of the calendar year. The Town is currently in the process of recruiting a Chief Plant Operator, and this amendment will ensure a sufficient transition period to maintain coverage, support a smooth succession, and preserve continuity in operations and regulatory compliance.
The value of Amendment 5 is $62,000, and staff is requesting a budget adjustment of $34,000 to cover the associated costs. This adjustment will ensure sufficient funding is available to continue the services provided under the amendment. With this change, the total value of the contract will increase from $173,250 to $235,250.
The contract is fully funded from the Wastewater Treatment Operations Budget, line item 62-4515-4210, and the requested adjustment will increase the current budget from $258,365 to $292,365 to accommodate this amendment. Fund 62 has sufficient available fund balance to support this request.
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 Recycles 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 fiscal policy.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No 25-4389
2. Draft Amendment 5 - WaterTalent