To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Joy Eldredge, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Chris Jones, Senior Civil Engineer
TITLE:
Title
Emergency Declaration for 36-inch Asbestos Cement Water Transmission Main Replacement
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution 1) determining there is a need to continue the emergency action to execute and implement contracts for the construction to replace up to 8,200 linear feet of 36-inch asbestos cement water transmission main, 2) approving a transfer in the amount of $250,000 from water CIP reserve fund balance account 531-35999 to CIP project account 53160139-63WT25UTER as documented in council budget amendment No 8P071; and 3) determining that the actions authorized by this resolution are exempt from CEQA.
Body
DISCUSSION:
The City of Napa water system provides potable water to 86,906 people throughout City of Napa and unincorporated Napa County. On the western side of the city, potable water is transported from the Barwick Jamieson Treatment Plant through a 36-inch asbestos-cement (AC) transmission main to the City of Napa service area. The 36-inch AC transmission main was installed in 1968 and is only 57 years old. Typically, an AC main would have a 100-year service life.
On January 16, 2025, the City Manager determined that the 36-inch AC main replacement requires immediate action to resolve an emergency and authorized the Utilities Director to execute emergency contracts. On January 21, 2025, City Council adopted a Resolution and determined there is a need to continue the emergency action. On February 4, February 18, March 4, and March 18, April 1, May 6, May 20, June 3, June 17, July 15, August 2, August 19, September 2, September 16, October 7, October 21, November 4, November 18, December 2, December 16, 2025, January 6, January 20, and February 3, 2026 the City Council determined there is a need to continue the emergency action.
The City posted the Request for Proposals on a Design Build contract on Friday, January 17, 2025, and held the pre-bid job walk on Thursday, January 23. The City received three proposals on February 13, 2025.
The City evaluated the proposals and determined Azul Works, Inc. (Azul) will provide the best value for the City at a contract price of $15,725,800 with a contingency for specialty construction inspection in the amount up to 5% or $800,000 and scheduled project completion in late October 2025. The contract with Azul was executed on March 26, 2025, and notice to proceed for the design was issued on March 27, 2025.
The project specifies installation of mortar lined and coated welded steel pipe for the critical transmission main requiring interim project milestones be accomplished and total project completion in 152 working days.
Water Division staff has determined phasing the 36-inch AC water transmission main pipe replacement is as follows:
• Phase 2 Linda Vista Avenue (Ave) to Robinson Lane
• Phase 3 Browns Valley Road and Laurel Street (north of Laurel Park)
• Phase 4 Laurel Street to Foothill Boulevard
Due to water system constraints associated with the 36-inch transmission main shutdown, Phases 2 & 3 had to be constructed simultaneously, and Phase 4 can now be shut down since Phase 3 has been returned to service. Water system improvements to replace 2,800 LF of 12-inch C900 water distribution pipe on Laurel Street from Griggs Lane to Freeway Drive is adjacent to Phase 4 but is not constrained by the completion of transmission main work of Phases 2 and 3.
Azul Works, Inc. started construction on Phase 3 on May 12, 2025 starting on Robinson Lane and progressing south towards Browns Valley Road. Flushing, testing, and disinfection of the Browns Valley Road and Laurel Street (Phase 3) 36-in was completed on December 13 and tie-ins were completed on December 26. Paving and punch list work remain to be completed in February.
For Phase 2 of the work, the Linda Vista Ave pipeline has completed testing and disinfection and the pipe is conveying potable water. The Linda Vista Ave. pipeline installation work was completed December 19. Paving and punch list work remain to be completed in February.
As of February 4, approximately 7,600 feet of the 8,200 feet of 36-in pipe has been installed and backfilled. Additionally 2,500 LF of 12-inch C900 pipe has been installed and backfilled.
The final Phase 4 of 36-in work on Laurel Street (Griggs Ave to Freeway Dr) and Foothill Blvd started January 7, 2026, and is projected to be completed in March 2026. Laurel Street and Foothill Blvd will be closed to through traffic at times especially at the intersection of Laurel St and Foothill Blvd to allow for the installation of the 36-in main. Through traffic will be diverted to Bryan Ave and Roosevelt St.
The City has contracted with AlphaCM, Inc. in the amount of $381,691 to provide inspection services to assist City Staff with quality control and inspection of the contractor’s work. Due to the work continuing into March the City has received a proposal for the additional inspection services of $132,000 for inspection services through the end of March 2026.
Project updates are available on the City’s webpage at: https://www.cityofnapa.org/929/Current-Water-Projects or by using the QR code below.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
There is no impact to the General Fund. Water Enterprise CIP Funds were budgeted for the project in the amount of $17,000,000 (53160139-63WT25UTER). The contract with Azul Works, Inc. was awarded at $15,725,800 with a contingency for specialty construction inspection in the amount up to 5% or $800,000 for a total contract price of $16,525,800.
An additional $250,000 is needed from CIP Fund Reserves (531-35999) for additional costs for construction management by AlphaCM, Inc. ($132,000) and City Staff time since the start of the project ($118,000). There are sufficient funds in CIP Fund Reserves for this effort.
The AlphaCM, Inc. agreement requires an amendment to cover February and March due to delays in completing construction.
CEQA:
City staff recommends that the City Council determine that the Recommended Action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to: CEQA Guidelines Section 15269 (Statutory exemption for emergency repairs, in accordance with California Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(2)); CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Categorical exemption Class 1 Existing Facilities), which exempts repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use; and CEQA Guidelines Section 15302 (Categorical Exemption Class 2 Replacement or Reconstruction), which exempts replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities on the same site and with the same purpose.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1 - Resolution
EX A - Budget Adjustment Journal No. 8P071
NOTIFICATION:
None.