Agenda Item Wording:
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Award a Contract for Walnut Orchard Demolition and Removal and Appropriation of Funds - Award 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.
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Deadline for Action: 11/18/2024
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number: Nick Bartsch 559-713-4428 ; Ben Litwack 559-713-4671 ; Rehana Cale 559-713-4176
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Council authorize staff to enter into a contract with JFS Enterprises in the amount of $495,000 for the demolition and removal of the 130 Acres of Walnut Orchards surrounding the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in accordance with RFB-24-25-18; and appropriate $550,000 from the Wastewater Fund (431).
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. This direction also included the removal of the walnut orchard and the exploration of long-term lease options that would be compatible with the Wastewater Treatment Plant operations.
Request for Bids RFB-24-25-18: Walnut Orchard Demolition & Removal was advertised in the Visalia Times Delta on September 25th and October 1st, 2024. Notices were sent to 57 agricultural contractors, 24 tree service contractors and posted on BidNetDirect online. A pre-bid meeting was held on October 8, 2024 and several Contractors attended. Based on the pricing recently experienced for similar work on the City's East Side Orchard Removal Project, staff estimated these costs to be $975,000. On October 22, 2024, the City received eight (8) bids, with JFS Enterprises being...
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