COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

April 1, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 28, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

4/5ths

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Emergency Declaration for the Slope Stabilization Improvements within the Landslide in the La Honda Area, San Mateo County –(Project No. R2E01 – F-36 [256])

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Make a finding to continue the local emergency declaration for constructing slope stabilization within the landslide in the La Honda Area.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

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

 

This action furthers the above-mentioned commitment and goal by initiating the process to reconstruct lower Scenic Drive and improve the stability of the area supporting that roadway.

 

BACKGROUND:

1.

Adopted Resolution No. 069071, on October 30, 2007, authorizing the Department of Public Works to construct a french drain system on the failed hillsides adjacent to Scenic Drive and to proceed with preparations for the construction of slope stabilization improvements at the earliest opportunity during the next construction season, and continue to communicate and work with the La Honda community to identify cooperative funding arrangements and other potential funding sources.

 

2.

Adopted Resolution No. 069214, on January 8, 2008, authorizing execution of an agreement with Soil Engineering Construction, Inc., in the amount of $100,000, for developing plans and specifications for the slope stabilization improvements for the Scenic Drive Landslide.

   

3.

Adopted Resolution No. 069258, on February 12, 2008, declaring the intent to form an assessment district.

   

4.

Adopted Resolution No. 069259, on February 12, 2008, approving the Engineer’s Report, setting the public hearing date for the formation of the assessment district, and directing the Director of Public Works to send property owners within the proposed district a notice of the public hearing and a ballot to cast their vote.

   

5.

Adopted Resolution No. 069319, on March 25, 2008, approving an assessment payment assistance program to aid property owners with hardship conditions.

   

6.

Adopted Resolution No. 069359, on April 22, 2008, authorizing the Director of Public Works to form the La Honda Landslide Assessment District, levy the cost of constructing soil stability improvements and reconstructing lower Scenic Drive as a charge to properties within said District.

   

7.

Adopted Resolution No. 069360, on April 22, 2008, finding that an emergency exists that will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation for bids, and that emergency repair work is necessary to respond to the emergency, and authorizing the execution of a construction contract with Soil Engineering Construction, Inc. for the final design/construction of the improvements within the La Honda Landslide Assessment District without a competitive solicitation.

 

The Public Works Department has been working with the La Honda community in connection with the proposed slope stabilization improvements and Scenic Drive road repair in response to the La Honda landslide. The proposed Improvements are estimated to cost $6,122,500, and the County has agreed to fund approximately $4,000,000 of that cost with the remainder to come from the community through an assessment district. The improvements include the reconstruction of lower Scenic Drive and stabilization work to support that roadway. Consistent with applicable provisions of the Streets & Highways Code, the Board has previously approved the original Engineer’s Report and Addendum to the original Engineer’s report describing the proposed assessment district and assessments.

 

After the weighted votes were received and tabulated, the levying of the assessments for the La Honda Landslide Assessment district was approved at the April 22, 2008 Board meeting.

 

DISCUSSION:

Public Contract Code sections 22035 and 22050 allow for emergency contracting procedures, which include awarding contracts without a formal bidding process upon a four-fifths vote of the Board. This code also requires that the Board review the emergency action at every regularly scheduled meeting thereafter until the action is terminated, and make a determination by a four-fifths vote, that there is a need to continue the action.

 

A review of the current situation and circumstances indicates that there is a need for continuing the local emergency.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The continuing extension of the county state of emergency has no impact on the County General Fund.