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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-193 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR DEVELOPING A TELEGRAPH CANYON CHANNEL NEXUS STUDY BETWEEN THE CITY AND ATKINS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
In 1990, the City established the Telegraph Canyon Drainage Development Impact Fee (DIF) by City Council Ordinance 2384 to fund the necessary improvements to the Telegraph Canyon Drainage Channel (Channel). Since that time, several improvements within the Channel have been completed. Currently, there is a Channel erosion repair project under construction. A new study is needed to determine the reasonable relationship between the use of the fee for the construction of the planned drainage facilities and the development of the property within the Telegraph Canyon Drainage DIF basin. As a result, staff recommends that a contract be awarded to Atkins North America, Inc. for developing a Telegraph Canyon Channel Nexus Study.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity, approving an agreement for developing a Telegraph Canyon Channel Nexus Study, for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378(b)(4) of the State CEQA Guidelines because preparation of a nexus report is a fiscal activity that does not involve a physical change to the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the actions proposed are not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
In 1990, the City established the Telegraph Canyon Drainage Development Impact Fee (DIF) by City Council Ordinance 2384 to fund the necessary improvements to the Telegraph Canyon Drainage Channel (Channel).
Since that time, several improvements within the Channel have been completed. Currently, there is a Channel erosion repair project under construction. In 1993, City staff presented a prioritized drainage deficiency list of corrective measures that would relieve flooding within the vicinity of the Channel. As part of the City’s 2004 Drainage Master Plan, the known existing flooding problems within the subject basin area were identified with a discussion of possible solutions. In 2007, City staff recommended an updated prioritization of identified drainage projects and provided an overview of storm drain needs within the Channel. A new study is needed to determine the reasonable relationship between the use of the fee for the construction of the planned drainage facilities and the development of the property within the DIF basin.
Consultant Selection Process
On July 6, 2015, City staff received proposals from 6 firms. The top two firms were invited to the interview process. The selection committee conducted interviews based on the following criteria:
• Summary of project staffing level for engineering services
• Discussion of the project schedule and major task components and the critical path through substantial completion
• Approach as it relates to the objectives of the project
• Other relevant information that might affect the project
The interviews were held on July 10, 2015. The results of the interview process are as follows:
Firm |
Final Rank |
Cost Proposal |
Atkins North America, Inc. (formerly PBS&J) |
1 |
$175,000 |
Rick Engineering Company |
2 |
$148,000 |
After an in-depth review of the finalists, the selection committee concluded that Atkins North America, Inc. (Atkins) should be ranked as the number one negotiation preference. Atkins has an excellent reputation in the industry and had done satisfactory work for the City in the past with the completion of the City’s 2004 Drainage Master Plan. Some of the team members are familiar with the scope of work for this project due to their previous work in the preparation of the City’s 2004 Drainage Master Plan. In addition, one of the team members also led the City’s 2014 Alternative Compliance Strategy Plan, which is one of the major tasks related to this project.
Atkins has extensive local and regional experience in the preparation of major water studies. Atkins has successfully completed more than 50 planning projects for over 25 public agencies and special districts. In 2006, Atkins was involved in the County of San Diego’s Hydrology Manual Calibration Study and served on the committee to update the County of San Diego’s Drainage Design Manual. Currently, Atkins is providing consultant services for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The cost is reasonable when compared with the other five proposals. Their presentation and responses demonstrated that they have a strong understanding of water financial and planning issues in the City of Chula Vista. The consultant team is expected to complete their project’s cost estimates by November 2015. These estimates are needed in the preparation of the Telegraph Canyon Drainage DIF Update that will be presented to Council in December 2015.
After completion of the project’s cost estimates, it is anticipated that the consultant will continue to work with the resource agencies addressing key environmental constraints likely to impact the feasibility of implementing the recommended improvements.
The consultant will provide preliminary drawings and a final report by August 2016 that will be needed in developing future CIP projects in the Channel.
Staff recommends that Council adopt the resolution awarding the contract to Atkins. The negotiated contract price was set at $175,000.
Wage Statement
The Contractor and its Subcontractors are required by City’s agreement to pay prevailing wage (“Prevailing Wage Rates”) to persons employed by them for work under this contract. In accordance with the provisions of Section 1773 of the Labor code of the State of California, the City of Chula Vista has ascertained the general prevailing wage scales applicable to the work to be done. The prevailing wage scales are those determined by the Director of Industrial Relations, State of California.
Disclosure Statement
Attachment 1 is a copy of the consultant’s Disclosure Statement
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and has found that Council Member John McCann has real property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. However, to the extent that any decision would have a reasonably foreseeable financial effect on the member’s real property, the effect would be nominal, inconsequential, or insignificant. Consequently, pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2, sections 18700 and 18702(b), this item does not present a real property-related conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. This project supports the Economic Vitality goal in the City’s Strategic Plan. It provides funding for planning drainage infrastructure of new development, which is a key City function in supporting new growth.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
All costs associated with this procurement and preparation of the nexus study will be borne by the Telegraph Canyon Drainage DIF fund. Approval of the resolution will result in no additional impact to the Telegraph Canyon Drainage DIF fund as sufficient funding is available for this project in DR203.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Based on the findings of the Telegraph Canyon Channel Nexus Study, future appropriations from the Telegraph Canyon Drainage DIF fund will be needed to fund future CIP projects required in the Channel.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Atkins’ Disclosure Statement
Attachment 2: Atkins Agreement
Staff Contact: Luis Pelayo, Acting Senior Civil Engineer