COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

September 14, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 2, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Retention of Consulting Engineer – To Conduct a Preliminary Feasibility Study for a Sewer System in the Community of Pescadero

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to execute an agreement in the amount of $154,228 with HydroScience Engineers, Inc. for engineering services to prepare a feasibility study for a sewer system and treatment facility in the community of Pescadero.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

The elimination of septic systems will have a long-term impact on improving the health of the environment.

BACKGROUND:

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION:

1.

Adopted Resolution No. 068624, authorizing the Department of Public Works to serve as the lead agency in applying for and accepting a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board to study the feasibility of the installation of a sewer system and treatment facility in the Community of Pescadero in the amount of $140,207.

2.

Authorized the Director of Public Works, or his designee to negotiate and execute a grant agreement and any amendments and change orders thereto and to certify loan disbursements on behalf of the County of San Mateo in connection with said project.

DISCUSSION:

The Department of Public Works is able to serve as the representative and lead agency on behalf of the County of San Mateo in connection with the grant.

The Department of Public Works prepared a request for proposals to study the feasibility of the installation of sewers (Facilities Planning) in the community of Pescadero. Four consulting engineering firms submitted proposals, of which three firms were invited to an interview before representatives of the Department of Public Works and a representative of the Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council. HydroScience Engineers, Inc. was deemed to have presented the most qualified proposal to complete the Facilities Planning process.

Authorizing the Director of Public Works to execute an agreement with HydroScience Engineers, Inc. will enable the sewer study to proceed.

Additional grant funds for the construction of a sanitary sewer system, up to a total of $2,000,000, may also be made available by the State Water Resources Control Board if the study substantiates a viable system that is supported by and can be financed by the community of Pescadero.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The maximum contract amount for the engineering services provided by HydroScience Engineers, Inc. is $154,228. On March 27, 2007, the Board approved the submission of the grant application to the State and authorized the allocation of $14,021 (10% of the grant) in General Funds for the required match. The total not to exceed budget listed below includes the basic work required and provides funding for additional tasks if needed to complete the work.

The project is proposed to be financed as follows:

State Water Resources Control Board grant funds

$140,207

General Fund (10% match)

$14,021

Total Available Funds

$154,228

The resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

Attachment:

Request for Proposal Process Matrix