SUBJECT
Title
ADVERTISE AND AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE REPAIR AND EXTENSION OF A CULVERT ON MADRID WAY IN SPRING VALLEY (DISTRICT: 4)
Body
OVERVIEW
The County of San Diego’s (County) Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains over 18,000 drainage culverts in the unincorporated region. Drainage culverts are buried structures, typically constructed of concrete or metal pipe, that channel water away from structures, such as buildings and roadways. They enhance safety for motorists and protect the County’s transportation system from deterioration and costly future repairs. During a DPW Field inspection, staff determined that the existing metal culvert located on Madrid Way in Spring Valley is blocked by concrete, soil, rock, debris, and other materials. Due to corrosion, the culvert is no longer functioning as designed. The blockage can cause flooding on Madrid Way and at the adjacent residence during storm events. Based on inspections and a preliminary engineering evaluation, DPW has determined that this culvert cannot be cleared due to the poor condition of the culvert and must be replaced to remedy the existing wet weather flooding condition. This project will replace the existing culvert through open excavation to mitigate the blockage, add an additional stormwater inlet to capture runoff, and extend the underground culvert pipe to the rear of the residence located on Madrid Way. DPW has included the impacted residential property owner in the design process and has received their concurrence and support for this project as designed.
This is a request to approve the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the repair and extension of a drainage culvert on Madrid Way in Spring Valley. If approved, construction will be scheduled to begin in fall 2022 and be complete by the end of 2022. The construction cost is estimated at $325,000, including a 20% contingency based on risk evaluations for unforeseen conditions during construction, and the funding source is Road Fund fund balance.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Find in accordance with Section 15301(c) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that the proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA review because it involves the maintenance of existing public roads involving no or negligible expansion of existing use.
2. Authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, to advertise and award a construction contract and to take other actions authorized by Section 401 et seq. of the Administrative Code with respect to contracting for culvert repair and extension on Madrid Way.
3. Designate the Director, Department of Public Works, as the County Officer responsible for administering the construction contract in accordance with Board Policy F-41, Public Works Construction Projects.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
As part of the culvert evaluation that was conducted, the Department of Public Works identified that this culvert is within an underserved community, as defined in the combined CalEnviroScreen and Healthy Places Index GIS layer. The proposed improvements will provide significant benefits to the residents in this community that routinely utilize Madrid Way to access their homes, neighborhood schools, businesses, and other facilities in this community.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operational Plan in the Department of Public Works Road Fund Detailed Work Program. If approved, construction costs are estimated at $325,000, including a 20% contingency. The funding source is Road Fund fund balance. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
County construction contracts are competitively and publicly bid and help stimulate the local economy by creating primarily construction-related employment opportunities. All workers employed on public works projects must be paid prevailing wages determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations, according to the type of work and location of the project. The prevailing wage rates are usually based on rates specified in collective bargaining agreements.
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
The Spring Valley Community Planning Group has been notified that this matter is being considered today. No community input is expected since this is maintenance work that is necessary for the operation of the drainage system and the safety and function of the County’s roadway. Also, there are no changes to the existing visual road condition.
BACKGROUND
The County of San Diego’s (County) Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains over 18,000 drainage culverts in the unincorporated region. Drainage culverts are buried pipes, typically constructed of concrete or steel, which allow water to cross around or under an obstacle, such as a roadway at a natural drainage location or a stream crossing. Drainage culverts enhance safety for motorists and protect the County’s transportation system from deterioration and costly future repairs. DPW inspects all drainage culverts regularly to document the existing condition and determine if preventative maintenance, including cleaning or replacement of the existing culvert is necessary. During regular inspections of an existing drainage culvert on Madrid Way in Spring Valley, DPW staff identified that the drainage culvert was blocked with soil and rock and the condition of the drainage culvert pipe had deteriorated and was no longer functioning as designed. Debris has been removed from the drainage culvert on several occasions. However, despite improvements to the drainage course, it continues to create conditions that could cause flooding on Madrid Way and at the adjacent private property during a large storm event. Based on the aforementioned inspections and a preliminary engineering evaluation, DPW has determined that the drainage culvert should be replaced to ensure the drainage culvert will safely capture and divert water away from the roadway without impacting the adjacent private property.
This project will replace the existing deteriorated drainage culvert, add an additional stormwater inlet to capture runoff, and extend the underground culvert pipe to the rear of the adjacent private property. Preventing roadway flooding helps improve general water quality by channelizing stormwater through drainage culverts in a manner that reduces impacts to adjacent facilities and property and minimizes ground disturbances that could result in soil erosion. DPW has included the adjacent private property owner on Madrid Way in the development of the project, including the location of the underground drainage culvert, and the property owner supports the project design. The new drainage culvert will be buried underground from the drainage inlets in the roadway to the rear of the private property, with the exception of a new access hole at an angle point in the drainage culvert alignment that will ensure proper maintenance.
This project is ready to be advertised for construction. Prior to the start of construction, road work signs will be placed notifying the public of the locations and approximate dates of construction. In addition, notifications such as mailers will be provided in the primary spoken languages, English and Spanish, to surrounding residences and businesses, and project information will be posted on DPW’s social media accounts such as Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter for the public. During construction, traffic control measures such as temporary traffic control devices, signage, and delineations will be in place to reduce the impacts to the community and traveling public.
This is a request to approve the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the repair and extension of a drainage culvert on Madrid Way in Spring Valley. If approved, construction would be scheduled to begin in fall 2022 and be complete by the end of 2022. The construction cost is estimated at $325,000, including a 20% contingency based on risk evaluations for unforeseen conditions during construction. The funding source is Road Fund fund balance.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Section 15301(c) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines exempts from CEQA review the “operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.” This exemption includes the maintenance of existing highways, streets, sidewalks, gutters, and bicycle and pedestrian trails. The key consideration in determining whether this exemption applies is whether the project involves “negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.” The proposed project consists of the award of a culvert maintenance and extension project that is necessary to ensure existing right-of-way facilities continue to function as designed. Therefore, the project is categorically exempt in accordance with Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines because it involves the maintenance of existing public roads involving no or negligible expansion of existing use.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s recommendations support the Sustainability, Community, and Equity Strategic Initiatives in the County of San Diego’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan by utilizing sustainable construction practices, focusing on underserved communities, and providing adequate maintenance to ensure safe communities that improve the quality of life of all residents.
Respectfully submitted,
SARAH E. AGHASSI
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Vicinity Map
B. Site Detail Map