Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 8C
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: June 2, 2026
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: John Ferons, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: Rosalba Ramirez, Deputy Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Number 26-4416 approving the plans and specifications for the Recycled Water Transmission Main Repair project number WW-0042 and authorizing staff to solicit bids for the project and authorizing a contract for a professional service agreement with West Yost Engineering in the amount of $394,118 for bid and construction support services.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Town’s Wastewater Enterprise owns and operates a recycled water transmission main that delivers treated wastewater to vineyard pond customers located on both the east and west sides of the Napa River. The transmission main includes a 6-inch PVC pipeline extending from the treatment plant on the west side of the river to recycled water customers on the east side.
In early 2023, the transmission line was damaged during a winter storm event. The affected segment is located where the pipeline crosses beneath the Napa River in a direct-bury installation, without a casing pipe or protective concrete encasement. Following a series of significant atmospheric river storms, a leak was discovered in this portion of the line. Because of the line’s location beneath the river, a direct repair was not feasible. As a result, the Town initiated the design of a repair and replacement project for the section crossing beneath the Napa River.
In February 2023, the Town entered into a contract with West Yost Associates to prepare construction plans and specifications for the repair. Through the design process, it was determined that the preferred repair method would be to bore beneath the river and reconnect to the existing pipeline on either side. Geotechnical investigations were then completed to identify the most feasible and cost-effective alignment. Concurrently, the Town retained Prunuske Chatham, Inc. to assist with environmental permitting. Because both the existing and proposed pipeline alignments cross the Napa River, coordination with state and federal environmental resource agencies was required. In March 2026, the Town received final permit approval from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with conditions requiring continued wildlife surveys within the project area to identify any sensitive species or active nests.
The design plans are complete, and the project is ready for advertisement. Environmental permitting for the project has been completed, including agency coordination related to the Napa River crossing. Construction will be required to comply with all permit conditions, including continued wildlife surveys and any resource protection measures identified by the permitting agencies.
Permit conditions established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife require construction to be completed by October 15, 2026. If dry weather conditions continue and written agency approval is obtained, the work window may be extended to November 1, 2026, subject to weekly reporting and coordination with agency staff. Because work beyond October 15, 2026, would require additional coordination and would remain weather dependent, staff recommend completing the project before that date.
Staff are seeking authorization from the Town Council to begin advertising public bidding immediately. This will provide the required advertisement period to receive and open bids and award the construction contract in early July. It is anticipated that with this schedule, construction could be completed by the October 15, 2026, deadline.
With the complicated nature of the type and scale of the work, staff are also seeking approval to contract with West Yost Associates for bid and construction support services. As the Engineer of Record, the contract in the amount of $394,118 with West Yost Associates will allow them to review submittals, provide construction inspection and ensure the project is being constructed per their design plans.
The 6-inch PVC pipeline was and is currently listed as a Town asset and as such, the repairs and required design work is covered by our insurance. To date, the Town has received a total of $1,263,857.08 towards the project. A portion of this amount has been encumbered for the design and environmental review contracts.
Staff respectfully requests that the Town Council adopt Resolution Number 26-4416 approving the plans and specifications for the Recycled Water Transmission Main Repair project number WW-0042 and authorizing staff to solicit bids for the project and authorizing a professional service agreement with West Yost Engineering in the amount of $394,118 for bid and construction support services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Categorically Exempt per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guideline; Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction.
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? Yes
Is it Currently Budgeted? Yes
Where is it Budgeted? 63-4518-5100
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No 26-4416
2. Notice Inviting Bids and Contract Documents
3. Design Plans and Specifications
4. Professional Services Agreement