Agenda Item Wording:
title
Walnut Orchard Removal - Notice of Completion - Authorize the filing of a Notice of Completion for the walnut orchard removal project surrounding the Water Reclamation Facility.
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Deadline for Action: 3/17/2025
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number: Rehana Cale, Senior Project Manager, Rehana.Cale@visalia.city <mailto:Rehana.Cale@visalia.city>, (559)-713-4176; Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, Nick.Bartsch@visalia.city <mailto:Nick.Bartsch@visalia.city>, (559)-713-4052
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the filing of a Notice of Completion for RFB-24-25-18 - walnut orchard removal surrounding the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). (Project No. 4330-72000/CP0761-999)
Background Discussion:
Based on the health and condition of the walnut orchards, historical and projected crop production, and associated uncertainties related to groundwater sustainability regulations, the City Council directed City staff to stop farming the 130 acres of walnuts in December 2023.
The City Council approved a contract with JFS Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $495,000 for the removal of the walnut trees at its meeting on November 18, 2024. Because of the City’s participation in the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s (GKGSA) Pilot Land Fallowing Program, the parcel will not be farmed for a minimum of one year. To address the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s long-term dust mitigation requirements after the removal was completed, the City directed JFS Enterprises to evenly spread the wood chip material (generated by chipping the trees) across the parcel. The added cost of $28,350 to do so was reviewed and approved by the Change Order Committee on January 15, 2025. The final cost of the contract is $523,350.
To offset the orchard removal costs, the City applied for, and received, a grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Control District under their Ag Burn Alternatives Programs, which provided a rebate for the chipping and spreading of the walnut trees in the amount of $37,800. Additionally, by ceasing walnut farming operations and committing to fallowing the parcel for a period of 12 months, the GKGSA further compensated the City an additional $69,455 to assist toward reduced groundwater extraction across the Kaweah Subbasin.
Fiscal Impact:
When council approved and awarded JFS Enterprises the contract for RFB-24-25-18 for Walnut Orchard Demolition and Removal in the amount of $495,000, it also appropriated $550,000 from the Wastewater Fund (431). This appropriated amount covered the change order amount of $28,350. The total cost of the project was $523,350 and was under the budgeted amount of $550,000. The remaining balance of $26,650 will be released back to the Wastewater Fund 431. Additionally, the total rebates and additional funding through the Air Board and GKGSA of $107,255 further offset these expenses.
Prior Council Action:
- December 18, 2023 - City Council was presented an update to the city-owned farmland and farming operations and provided direction to cease farming operations of the 130 acres of walnuts.
- February 16, 2021 - City Council was presented an update to the city-owned farmland and farming operations.
- February 19, 2019 - City Council entered into a contract with Jeb Headrick Farming for an annual not to exceed amount of $1,000,000.
- November 18, 2024 - City Council awarded a contract to JFS Enterprises for Walnut Orchard Demolition and Removal in the amount of $495,000 to demolish and remove 130 acres of Walnut Orchards surrounding the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), and appropriate $550,000 from the Wastewater Fund
Other: N/A
Alternatives: None recommended.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize staff to file a Notice of Completion for RFB-24-25-18 Walnut Orchard Removal surrounding the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF).
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments:
1. Project Location Map
2. Notice of Completion