Wastewater plant contractor search continues
CALIPATRIA — The city council shall continue accepting bids for its wastewater treatment plant improvements as the recent lone bid came in over budget.
At a regular meeting, which had to be rescheduled from its customary time to Wednesday afternoon, the council rejected the bid from Pacific Hydrotech, Inc. by passing resolution 17-45 unanimously.
Pacific Hydrotech, Inc. submitted a proposal of $1,269,098. Before the bidding process began though, the engineer’s opinion of probable cost was estimated to be $566,011. Documents for the design-build project were prepared by The Holt Group, Inc. and approved by the California Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB) and Calipatria city staff.
CSWRCB pre-authorized funding up to $1 million that covered bidding, construction and construction management services for the project. However, the participation level of one lone bid did not meet the available budget or desired competitive participation level, noted City Manager Rom Medina.
Also, he explained the city would be financially responsible for any costs in excess of CSWRCB authorized funding of $1 million, so it was resolved the city had to reject the Pacific Hydrotech, Inc. bid. The city has decided to approve that the project be re-advertised for a new round of bidding for plant-improvement construction.
“We’ll reach out through the local press, city Web page (www.calipatria.com) and plan rooms, a mechanism with project-plan specifications that a contractor can access for bidding,” he said. “It may take up to 30 days to get the increased participation we’re seeking.”
In other business, an analysis on wastewater rates was issued to council by a Rural Assistance Community Corporation staffer, who provides environmental and solid-waste management assistance to rural municipal water systems in 11 western states.
He offered guidelines on wastewater rates adjusted according to environmental administration and law guidelines for Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU). Through the guidelines, it was proposed there be no change in the rate for a single family dwelling that now pays $22.05 noted Medina.
But for commercial, industrial and contractual users, there is a proposed rate change. Yet, before that can be considered, the city will mail out notices to all of the above utility users, as well as post intention of a public hearing on the city Web page. The public will be able to comment at a future council meeting and will be notified in advance through publication of the council agenda.
Also, Hope Guzman’s resignation from the city planning commission has been accepted, effective immediately. Medina extended his thanks to her long, dedicated service.