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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE GENERATOR INSTALLATION PROJECT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Appropriate funds in the amount of $2,954,535 from the Fleet Internal Service Fund Balance to the operating Fleet Internal Service Fund, Special Services Account.
2. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
3. Approve Notice of Exemption No. NOE30-25 under the California Environmental Quality Act for the Generator Installation, Project No. OM-25-108.
4. Award a Standard Agreement in the amount of $2,954,535 to Collin’s Electrical Company, Inc. of Stockton, CA, for the Generator Installation, Project No. OM-25-108.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The City is responsible for operating and providing critical support to residents during extreme weather conditions and rolling blackouts. Community Centers, Fire Stations, Emergency Communications Dispatch, and the Main Police Department (PD) Operations Building require uninterrupted power to maintain essential services during emergencies. The Generator Installation project will ensure a seamless transition to backup power during outages, allowing these facilities to operate without interruption. To date, 20 generators have been purchased with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (Attachment A).
On August 6, 2025, the City re-advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Generator Installation, Project No. OM-25-108. On August 20, 2025, two firms submitted proposals for this project. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals and found Collin’s Electrical Company, Inc. of Stockton, CA, to be the most qualified and highest ranked firm.
It is recommended that Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Standard Agreement, in the amount of $2,954,535, with Collin’s Electrical Company, Inc. It is also recommended that Council adopt a resolution approving Notice of Exemption No. NOE30-25 under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and appropriate funds for the project.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City is responsible for ensuring continuous operational power during extreme weather conditions and rolling blackouts. Community Centers must remain fully functional as 24/7 heating and cooling centers provide critical support to residents. Similarly, Fire Stations, Emergency Communications Dispatch, and the Main PD Operations Building require uninterrupted power to maintain essential services, including phone lines and emergency notification systems used to dispatch personnel to emergencies. The replacement of the generators, along with the installation of automatic transfer hardware, will ensure a seamless transition to backup power during outages, allowing these facilities to operate without interruption. This is crucial for emergency response and public safety, as any disruption in power could delay vital communications and services. The new equipment will support improved preventative maintenance, enhancing the long-term performance and availability of the Fire Department and Police Department Operations facilities during critical events.
Public Works identified 14 emergency generators in need of replacement at various Fire Stations and the Main PD Operations Building. Generators were also evaluated at Arnold Rue Community Center, Stribley Community Center, and new City Hall. The New City Hall Renovations and Relocation project will be responsible for the installation of four generators and the automatic transfer switches as part of the project.
On September 14, 2021, by Motion No. 2021-09-14-1501, Council approved the use of $78,052,072 in the ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to purchase various equipment, including generators and related equipment.
On August 20, 2024, by Resolution No. 2024-08-20-1233, Council approved the purchase of eight generators and automatic transfer switches for Fire Station Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11; Emergency Communications Dispatching; and Arnold Rue Community Center.
On November 12, 2024, by Resolution No. 2024-11-12-1223, Council approved the purchase of 12 generators and automatic transfer switches for Fire Station Nos. 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 14; the Main PD Operations Building; and Stribley Community Center. The 20 generators have been purchased and are currently awaiting installation (Attachment A).
This project was previously advertised on April 28, 2025, and on May 21, 2025, three proposals were received. However, the project did not include the required Community Workforce Training Agreement (CWTA) language, as the estimated construction cost was more than $1 million.
Staff recommended that all proposals be rejected, and the project be readvertised.
On July 26, 2016, Council adopted a CWTA. The CWTA became effective August 25, 2016, and applies to all Public Works projects over $1 million that are bid after that date. On July 16, 2019, by Motion No. 2019-07-16-1403, Council extended the CWTA term to August 25, 2024. On August 20, 2024, by Motion No. 2024-08-20-1203, Council extended the CWTA term to August 25, 2029. The CWTA was applied to this project as the estimated construction cost was more than $1 million.
Present Situation
On August 6, 2025, the City re-advertised an RFP for the Generator Installation, Project No. OM-25-108. On August 20, 2025, two proposals were received from the following firms:
• Collin’s Electrical Company, Inc. (Stockton, CA)
• Western Machinery Electric (Benicia, CA)
The Selection Committee, comprised of Public Works’ staff, evaluated and ranked all proposals based on each firm’s understanding of work, experience with similar kinds of projects, staff qualifications, technical ability, equipment, and project approach. Collin’s Electrical Company, Inc. received the highest ranking, based on the noted criteria, and was determined to be the most qualified firm for this project.
It is recommended that Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Standard Agreement, in the amount of $2,954,535, with Collin’s Electrical Company, Inc. for the Generator Installation, Project No. OM-25-108.
The project is in conformance with the City’s General Plan, pursuant to California Government Code, section 65402, and is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA as specified under Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines. As a result, the project has been granted a Categorical Exemption. The activities related to this project constitute a discretionary project under the City’s jurisdiction and qualifies as a project that does not have a significant effect on the environment. The resolution will approve the filing of Notice of Exemption No. NOE30-25 under CEQA.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
1. The City does not have the internal resources to perform generator installation services.
2. Generator installations involve specialized equipment and work that requires an experienced, qualified electrical contractor who has provided services of similar frequency and scope.
3. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Standard Agreement because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for selection of a vendor. Use of the criteria helps ensure selection of a vendor that will provide professional, responsive, and timely services, which is in the public interest.
4. The City negotiated a contract following solicitation of competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
With the appropriation of funds in the amount of $2,954,535 from the Fleet Internal Service Fund Balance to the operating Fleet Internal Service Fund, Special Services Account, there will be sufficient funding to award a Standard Agreement to Collin’s Electrical Company, Inc. for the Generator Installation, Project No. OM-25-108.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.
Attachment A - Location of Generators