Agenda Item Wording:
title
Notice of completion - Request authorization to file the notice of completion for the installation of cellular radios in the City of Visalia’s sanitary sewer lift stations.
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Agenda Date: 08/03/2026
Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, ben.litwack@visalia.gov, 559-713-4671
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov, 559-713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the filing of a notice of completion for the installation of 14 cellular radios in the City of Visalia’s sanitary sewer lift stations.
Summary:
The City contracted with Telstar Instruments to replace the existing radio communication system serving the City’s 13 sanitary sewer lift stations. The project included installation of 14 cellular radios (1 in each lift station and 1 master control at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), replacement of obsolete programmable logic controller equipment at nine lift stations, and modifications to the City’s SCADA system. These improvements allow each lift station to communicate directly with the SCADA system through a cellular network, improving the reliability of remote monitoring and alarm notification. Telstar Instruments has completed the work, and City staff has verified that the equipment was installed, configured, tested, and is operating properly. Staff is therefore requesting authorization to file a notice of completion for the project.
Background Discussion:
The City operates 13 sanitary sewer lift stations that convey wastewater from areas where gravity sewer service is not feasible. Each lift station is monitored through the City’s SCADA system, which provides Operations and Collections staff with information regarding pump operation, wet-well levels, equipment status, alarms, and other critical conditions.
The lift stations previously communicated with the Water Reclamation Facility through an aging radio system. Reliable communications are essential because a loss of communication can prevent staff from promptly receiving alarms or identifying equipment failures that could result in a sanitary sewer overflow.
Telstar Instruments was retained to replace the existing serial radios with GE Orbit cellular radios. The project included one master radio at the WRF and radios at all 13 lift stations. The City provided the required cellular SIM cards. These radios will operate on a secure private cellular network, only accessible by devices with the sim cards specific to that network.
Nine of the lift stations contained obsolete programmable logic controllers that did not support Ethernet communications. Telstar therefore installed and configured nine new CompactLogix programmable logic controllers and nine Ethernet communication modules. Telstar also modified the existing lift-station programming and updated the SCADA system to communicate directly with each lift station, eliminating the need for the former master programmable logic controller. The completed system was then started up and tested.
The contractor’s affidavit identifies the project as City project 20-45000 and states that work was performed through June 28, 2026. The affidavit also confirms compliance with applicable prevailing-wage and apprenticeship requirements.
The work has been completed, and City staff has verified that the cellular communication system and associated control equipment are functioning properly.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: This project was budgeted in the Wastewater Fund (431) Capital Budget under CP0799. A Purchase Order was issued (P04510) in the amount of $112,278 for this project which included labor, materials, shipping, and sales tax. The budgeted amount of $112,278 includes a five percent retention of $5,614 which staff intends to release following the filing of the notice of completion and expiration of the applicable statutory period. The cellular radios will require ongoing cellular data service. These costs will be paid from the Wastewater Fund’s existing operating budget.
Prior Council Action: November 17, 2025 - Approved a sole source purchase and installation of 14 cellular radios in the amount of $112,278.
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the filing of a notice of completion for the installation of cellular radios in the City of Visalia’s sanitary sewer lift stations.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 08/03/2026
Attachments:
P04510
Staff Report Item 11
Scope of Work
Contractor’s Affidavit
NOC
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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