1. Award an engineering contract to GeoSyntec Consultants in an amount not to exceed $ 7,566 and authorize the expenditure of up to $ 1,200 for extra services for a total authorization of $ 8,766.
2. Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract with GeoSyntec Consultants.

Channel improvements for the Alta Mira Canyon is a project recommended by the Geological Panel of Experts to reduce the amount of ground water entering the slide plane of the Abalone Cove landslide. Work to date includes a certified Environmental Impact Report, the application for permits to the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the preparation of final plans and specifications for the improvements,

In August the City Council and staff discussed the project, its budget, and the acquisition of rights of way needed for construction. The City Council appointed a sub-committee to meet with Robert Douglas Chairman of Board for the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD) to discuss a potential role for ACLAD in the funding of the project, as well as to assist the City in the acquisition of the necessary rights of way.

At a meeting with Mayor pro tem Stern, and Robert Douglas it was determined that it may be possible to reduce project costs and still meet the project goals if an alternate lining system is used, or if less of the channel is lined. To investigate this possibility, engineering services are required. This staff report recommends the award of a contract for those services.

The following services are included in this contract:

• Review the current plans, specifications, and engineer’s estimate to identify potential cost savings.

• Evaluate alternatives to the proposed geomembrane, flexible concrete mat, and riprap lining system.

• Evaluate construction approaches to reduce the project costs.

• Evaluate a reduced project size and whether it will achieve the project goals.

• Prepare an engineer’s estimate of costs.

• Attend one meeting with staff.

To obtain the needed services, qualifications were requested from the following three geotechnical firms:

1. GeoSyntec Consultants
2. Zeiser Kling, Inc.
3. The Delta Group

Upon review of qualifications, GeoSyntec Consultants was determined to be the most qualified. The principal reason is that they demonstrated considerable knowledge regarding geomembrane systems and flexible lining systems. This should prove useful when alternative lining systems are evaluated.

A proposal was then requested from GeoSyntec Consultants. Upon review of that proposal, it was concluded that their fees are reasonable and competitive. Based on this staff recommends that a contract be awarded to GeoSyntec Consultants.

Adopting the staff recommendations will award an engineering contract for engineering services to GeoSyntec Consultant to perform a value engineering study of the Alta Mira Canyon project. The goal of the study is to evaluate whether the currently proposed project can be reduced, and still meet the project objectives of reducing the amount of storm water entering the failure plane of the Abalone Cove Landslide.

Request staff to seek other proposals for the necessary services.

The adopted FY 02-03 Budget includes adequate funding for the recommended actions. The funding source for the recommended services is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean Allison

Director of Public Works

Reviewed

Les Evans

Attachments:

Statement of Qualifications - Zeiser Kling

Statement of Qualifications – The Delta Group

Statement of Qualifications – GeoSyntec Consultants

Proposal – GeoSyntec Consultants