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ITEM: |
CONSENT CALENDAR |
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13. |
CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF
BUDGETED FUNDS TO AMEND CONTRACT WITH |
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Meeting
Date: |
July 18,
2011 |
Budgeted: |
Yes |
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From: |
Darby Fuerst, |
Program/ |
WDS
Permitting |
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General Manager |
Line Item
No.: |
2-8-2 and 2-8-4 |
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Prepared
By: |
Henrietta Stern |
Cost
Estimate: |
$14,000 |
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General
Counsel Review: N/A |
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Committee
Recommendation: The Administrative
Committee reviewed this item on July 11, 2011 and recommended approval. |
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CEQA Compliance: N/A |
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SUMMARY: The Board will consider authorizing the General Manager to amend an existing contract with Pueblo Water Resources, Inc. (Pueblo) to authorize a maximum of $14,000 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-2012 (July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012) to continue to help District staff carry out MPWMD Rules and Regulations governing Water Distribution Systems (WDS), specifically in regards to hydrogeologic review of well pumping test reports and related tasks. The $14,000 limit would be allocated in two parts, which would be tracked separately in each monthly invoice as follows:
Ø Program 2-8-2, “Hydrologic Impact Review,” with up to $12,000 as 100% reimbursable from applicants; and
Ø Program 2-8-4, “Technical Procedures Update,” with up to $2,000 as non-reimbursable.
Exhibit 13-A is the proposed scope of work and cost estimate from Pueblo for FY 2011-2012. It is noted that the $14,000 limit is a 12.5% reduction from the $16,000 maximum last year. The funding priority focused on reimbursable work on applications that might be received, and reduced non-reimbursable work on technical procedures refinements. Consultant assistance is needed to help the Water Resources Division address the technical information provided in the many WDS applications and pre-applications that are currently active in addition to anticipated projects that could be received next fiscal year.
The hydrogeologic review is the heart of the WDS permit assessment, and must show that a well (or other water source) will reliably meet the applicant’s needs, will not harm neighboring systems (wells) or harm Sensitive Environmental Receptors as defined in District Rule 11.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board authorize the General Manager to amend the current District professional services contract with Pueblo for a not-to-exceed amount of $14,000 for FY 2011-2012, as described above. If this item is adopted along with the Consent Calendar, staff will immediately execute a contract amendment with Pueblo.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: Pueblo has been retained since June 2006 to assist staff with WDS permit processing. All amounts are maximums; only actual hours of service are billed. Invoiced hours submitted by consultants for review of each application are reimbursed by the applicant before the applicant receives the signed WDS permit. It is noted that Pueblo’s rates are $5 per hour higher than last year (e.g., $150 to $155 per hour for Senior Professional, who is primarily involved in hydrogeologic reviews). However, this should not adversely affect the District as $12,000 of the $14,000 budget is 100% reimbursable by applicants. Only the $2,000 amount for procedures would be affected by this change. This same rate schedule is also part Pueblo’s contracts with the District’s for Water Project 1 and Water Project 2.
Last year, staff checked the hourly rate of similar consultant firms, and found that Pueblo’s rates are competitive with other consulting firms with experienced, registered hydrogeologists. Pueblo is very knowledgeable about local hydrogeology and MPWMD procedures, and is considered to be cost-efficient for this work.
A steady volume of WDS applications is expected, despite the economy, due to increasing restrictions on the availability of California American Water supply for new construction and remodels. Consultant assistance is essential to adequately process permit applications in compliance with the State Permit Streamlining Act and to help the Water Resources Division address technical questions relating to the WDS process.
IMPACT TO DISTRICT RESOURCES: As
noted above, $12,000 of the $14,000 contract is 100% reimbursable, so there
should not be adverse effects on District finances. Pueblo’s technical work is
directed by the MPWMD Water Resources Division Manager with billing managed by
the Project Manager (Planning & Engineering). Since July 2010, funding has been budgeted to
the P&E Division as
EXHIBIT
13-A Pueblo Water Resources Scope of Work and Fee Schedule for FY 2011-2012
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