Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorize the City Manager to enter a contract with Central Cal Waterworks to perform as Chief Plant Operator at the City of Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). This is a one (1) year contract that may be renewed for four (4) consecutive one (1) year periods upon mutually agreed upon terms, and an annual not to exceed amount of $104,000.
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Deadline for Action: 4/17/2023
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Wyndi Ferguson, Public Works Manager, wyndi.ferguson@visalia.city, 713-4186
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.city, 713-4052
Department Recommendation:
Authorize the City Manager to enter a contract with Central Cal Waterworks to perform as Chief Plant Operator at the City of Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). This is a one (1) year contract that may be renewed for four (4) consecutive one (1) year periods upon mutually agreed upon terms, and an annual not to exceed amount of $104,000.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) is designated by the State Water Resources Control Board as a Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) responsible for the overall operation of the WWTP must be a certified WWTP Operator at the same grade level as the Plant.
In March of 2022 the WRF Grade V Supervisor left the employment of the City of Visalia. To remain in compliance with State Water Board regulations, staff requested an emergency purchase order and entered into a temporary agreement with Central Cal Waterworks, Inc. to act as the CPO for the Water Reclamation Facility for $8,345 per month, with a not to exceed amount of $90,000 as staff was hopeful that a Grade V Operator would be hired within the year. Central Cal Waterworks currently contracts with several cities and districts up and down the Central Valley, including the cities of Tulare, Exeter, and Farmersville to act as CPO for their various facilities. The duties include, but are not limited to, ensuring that all Waste Discharge Report samples are taken, all records are maintained, and all required operating reports to the State Water Resources Control Board are submitted.
Under the current contract, Jason Sherrell with Central Cal Waterworks Inc. has become very familiar with the City’s facility, operations and staff. He holds the required Grade V license and has been responsive to the City’s needs under this agreement. Due to the size and complexity of the WRF, along with other current staffing shortages, the City has relied on Central Cal Waterworks to not only monitor operations for compliance with State requirements, but also complete and submit all regulatory reports under the City’s Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR).
Staff is actively recruiting to fill current vacancies and remains hopeful that a Grade V Operator can be hired in the future, however, after several recruitments, staff has been unsuccessful in retaining a Grade V Operator. The current emergency purchase order has reached the $90,000 not to exceed amount, therefore staff is requesting to enter a contract with Central Cal Waterworks, Inc. for a monthly fee of $8,645 per month to act as Chief Plant Operator for the Water Reclamation Facility until which time a Grade V Operator can be hired.
Fiscal Impact:
The contract will be $8,645 per month, with an annual not to exceed amount of $104,000. Funding for these services is available within the Wastewater Treatment Plant Enterprise fund (431) operating budget.
Alternatives:
Without a Grade V Operator, the City would face disciplinary actions and fines from the State Water Board. Approve a short-term temporary contract with Central Cal Waterworks, while a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) is prepared through the City’s Purchasing Department to competitively select a consultant to perform these services.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to enter a contract with Central Cal Waterworks to perform as Chief Plant Operator at the City of Visalia Reclamation Facility (WRF). This is a one (1) year contract that may be renewed for four (4) consecutive one (1) year periods upon mutually agreed upon terms, and an annual not to exceed amount of $104,000.
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Attachments:
Central Cal Waterworks, Inc proposal
State Water Boards Wastewater Treatment Plant Classification guidelines