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.
body
Deadline for Action: 3/17/2025
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number: Rehana Cale, Senior Project Manager, Rehana.Cale@visalia.city, (559)-713-4176; Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, 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 re...
Click here for full text