HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.C. Authorize entering into Utility Agreement with Town of Moraga for Sewer Replacement Work related to the Rheem Blvd. sinkhole repair 5.C .
Central San
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
POSITION PAPER
Board Meeting Date: January 26, 2017
Subject: AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A UTILITY
AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF MORAGA FOR SEWER
REPLACEMENT WORK RELATED TO THE RHEEM BOULEVARD SINK
HOLE REPAIR
Submitted By: Initiating Dept/Div.:
Danea Gemmell Engineering & Technical Services /
Planning & Development Services Planning & Development Services
Division Manager
REVIEWED AND RECOMMENDED FOR BOARD ACTION: �p
P. Seitz—Collection System Operations Division Manager
JM. Petit—Director of Engineering &Technical Services Kenton L.Alm %46' Roger S.Bailey
Counsel for the District General Manager
ISSUE: The Town of Moraga (Moraga) experienced a large sinkhole during a rain
event on March 13, 2016. Moraga has asked Central San to enter into a Utility
Agreement (Agreement) to authorize work on Central San's sewer and contribute
financially to the sanitary sewer alteration needed for the sinkhole repair.
BACKGROUND: On March 13, 2016, an unexpected 15-foot wide by 20-foot long by
15-foot deep sinkhole developed at the intersection of Rheem Boulevard and Center
Street in Moraga. As rain continued throughout the day, several traffic signal poles, a
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) electrical switch vault, and a portion of sidewalk fell
into the expanding sinkhole.
Numerous utilities were affected by the sinkhole, including:
• A 96-inch corrugated metal storm drain pipe;
• A 27-inch reinforced concrete storm drain pipe;
• A bank of Comcast conduits filled with fiber optic lines;
• Traffic signal electrical lines;
• AT&T fiber lines;
• PG&E electrical lines;
• A four-inch PG&E steel natural gas line; and
• Two unclaimed utility pipes.
Adjacent to the sinkhole, within Rheem Boulevard pavement right of way, is a Central
San owned 15-inch asbestos concrete sanitary sewer line. The sewer was not exposed
by the sinkhole and did not incur any damage.
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POSITION PAPER
Board Meeting Date: January 26, 2017
subject: AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A UTILITY
AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF MORAGA FOR SEWER
REPLACEMENT WORK RELATED TO THE RHEEM BOULEVARD SINK
HOLE REPAIR
On March 16, 2016, the Town of Moraga authorized an Emergency Declaration to repair
the sinkhole. The Emergency Declaration allowed Moraga to stabilize the sinkhole, hire
a design engineer, pre-qualify contractors and receive proposals for the repairs. Four
proposals were received for the emergency project. The total construction costs
exceeded their available funds, so Moraga applied for federal highway funds for the
repair and hope to construct in Summer 2017.
The scope of the sinkhole repair includes the removal and replacement of
approximately 120 linear feet of 96-inch corrugated metal storm drain and
appurtenances. In order to facilitate this construction, approximately 40 linear feet of
Central San's 15-inch asbestos concrete sanitary sewer will be removed to install the
storm drain pipe that is located underneath the sanitary sewer. The sanitary sewer was
installed in 1958, and a recent video inspection after the sinkhole incident indicates no
significant deterioration. However, constructing around the asbestos concrete pipe will
most likely require replacement due to the brittle nature of the pipe.
Central San staff has been coordinating with Moraga and their consultant, Ghirardelli
and Associates, to address a project that meets Caltrans compliance standards for
federal funding. The coordination efforts to date include the initial emergency response,
requests for information, design review, and development of the Agreement.
Caltrans has reviewed the right of way within Rheem Boulevard and indicated that, by
Caltrans standards, Central San does not have senior or superior rights over Town of
Moraga rights. Therefore, Caltrans has requested for Central San to fund the cost of the
sanitary sewer alteration as it is ineligible for federal funds. The cost for the sewer repair
work, based on the average of the sewer pipe repair line item bids from last year, is
currently estimated at $31,000. The Agreement allows for an amount up to 125%, which
would be a maximum of$38,750.
Central San questions whether it is legally obligated to fund this work, because it is a
public entity (unlike cable companies which typically operate within city streets through
franchise arrangements). However, in the spirit of cooperation, the Board could choose
to not contest further whether it is obligated to fund this alteration, since Moraga has
limited funding for their repair work, and Central San will receive 40 feet of new pipe. In
recognition of Central San concerns, Caltrans has drafted the Agreement noting the
dispute, with neither party diminishing their position or waiving any rights. It allows for
resolution either by future negotiations with Moraga or through court action.
Page 2 of 3
POSITION PAPER
Board Meeting Date: January 26, 2017
subject: AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A UTILITY
AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF MORAGA FOR SEWER
REPLACEMENT WORK RELATED TO THE RHEEM BOULEVARD SINK
HOLE REPAIR
CEQA: Staff has concluded that this Agreement is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Central San CEQA Guidelines Section 15301,
since it involves minor alterations to an existing public facility involving no expansion of
use. Approval of this action will establish the Board of Directors' independent finding
that the proposed sewer alteration is exempt from CEQA.
ALTERNATIVES/CONSIDERATIONS: Other alternatives considered include: 1) Self-
performing the work, which is not viable as Central San only has one construction crew
available which would limit other work and would need to coordinate with Moraga's
contractor; 2) Contesting Caltrans determination on property rights for Rheem
Boulevard right of way; and 3) Not executing the Agreement with the Town of Moraga,
which is not recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS: The estimated cost for the Agreement is $38,750, which
includes the cost of bypassing; removal/abatement of the existing sanitary sewer,
installation of the new sanitary sewer; protecting the new sanitary sewer during
construction; and contingency. The final amount will be determined after the project is
bid. Any amount above the $38,750 would necessitate an amendment to the
Agreement. The Agreement does not include the cost of submittal review, coordination,
construction inspection or close circuit television inspection that will be performed by
Central San staff. The Agreement states that the apportionment of the cost will be
negotiated. The Agreement will be funded from the Collection System Operations and
Maintenance budget.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Administration Committee reviewed this item
at its meeting on January 17, 2017, and recommended the execution of the Utility
Agreement.
RECOMMENDED BOARD ACTION: Authorize the General Manager to enter into a
Utility Agreement with the Town of Moraga for sewer replacement work related to the
Rheem Boulevard Sinkhole Repair.
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