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APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WEST YOST ASSOCIATES TO COMPLETE THE 2020 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
2. Approve a Professional Services Agreement in the Not-to-Exceed amount of $90,000 to the firm West Yost Associates to complete the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan for the Municipal Utilities Department - Water Utility.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The Urban Water Management Planning Act requires the update and submittal of an Urban Water Management Plan (Plan) to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) every five years. The City last completed a plan in 2015. Furthermore, the passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, and 2018 legislation (SB 606 and AB 1668) established guidelines for efficient water use with a goal of “Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life.” These actions would be addressed in the City’s 2020 UWMP update.
The Plan does not commit the City to additional expenditures, it serves to affirm and track water demand, efficiency, and conservation measures which the City has already instituted. On December 5, 2019, the City advertised a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. One proposal was received and evaluated.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a resolution that approves findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process. It is also recommended that the Council authorize the award of a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) in the Not-to-Exceed amount of $90,000 to West Yost Associates to complete the City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Urban Water Management Planning Act requires urban water suppliers providing over 3,000 acre-feet of water annually or serving more than 3,000 or more connections to prepare and submit an Urban Water Management Plan to the DWR every five years. The Act was adopted in 1983 to promote water conservation and efficient water use and has been amended several times since 2000. The Municipal Utilities Department (MUD) provides 30,000 acre-feet of water annually and serves approximately 49,000 connections.
Urban Water Management Plans are intended to provide guidance to manage urban water demands and the efficient use of water and to provide long-term water resource planning to ensure adequate and reliable water supplies over a 20-year planning horizon. Urban water suppliers are required to hold a public hearing (Wat. Code §10642) to provide the public an opportunity to provide input to the Plan before it is adopted. The City last completed a plan in 2015.
Present Situation
On December 5, 2019, the Municipal Utility Department (MUD) advertised a RFP to complete the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (PUR 19-038) that meets the California Water Code requirements, California Department of Water Resources guidelines, and the City’s current and future water supply planning needs.
On January 23, 2020, one proposal was received from West Yost Associates, Pleasanton, CA. The proposal was evaluated based on the firm’s experience, quality of work, staff qualifications, cost, and ability to meet the 2020 Plan development schedule. West Yost Associates is a qualified firm for this project and has an extensive record for successfully preparing Urban Water Management Plans in California. The proposal submitted by West Yost Associates is responsive, regular in all respects, and included a project approach, schedule, and a focused methodology for completing the City’s 2020 Plan.
When comparing the current bid provided by West Yost Associates for $90,000, to the $73,000 bid provided five years ago, the current bid is within range of the previous bid. The current bid reflects current costs to the vendor and is a fixed cost for the project. This contract does not allow for price increases due to changes in the scope of work that originate from new or additional requirements made by DWR.
Staff recommends that Council approve a resolution to authorize the award of a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) in the Not-to-Exceed amount of $90,000 to West Yost Associates to complete the City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan.
The staff recommendation to approve the award of this professional services agreement with WYA was discussed by the Water Advisory Group (WAG) on March 4, 2020. The WAG did not take action due to lack of quorum. The staff recommendation to approve the award of this professional services agreement with WYA was considered and approved by the Council Water Committee on March 12, 2020 to forward to the City Council for consideration and approval.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process. The following findings justify such an exception:
1. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Professional Services Contract 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 the highest quality professional service, which is in the public interest.
2. The City negotiated a contract following solicitation of competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The FY 2019-20 Annual Budget includes appropriation in the Municipal Utilities Water Resources Division (account 421-4210-572) to award the Professional Services Agreement to West Yost Associates for $90,000.
There is no impact to the General Fund, or any other unrestricted fund, from this action.