DATE: November 2, 2021
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Agreement with Caruthers Community Services District (CDBG 21111)
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize Chairman to execute an Agreement with the Caruthers Community Services District for the Caruthers Fire Hydrant Replacement, Community Development Block Grant Project No. 21111, effective upon execution through May 18, 2023, total not to exceed $250,000.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will provide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the Caruthers Fire Hydrant Replacement (Project), included in the County’s 2021-22 Action Plan approved by your Board on May 11, 2021. The Project consists of the replacement of obsolete wet barrel (pressurized) fire hydrants at various locations throughout the District with dry barrel (non-pressurized) hydrants. The Project will also include the installation of water valves where necessary for proper operation and isolation. Properly functioning fire hydrants will improve safety for the community in the event of a fire. The County will provide $250,000 in CDBG funds for the Project. If necessary to complete the Project by May 18, 2023, the Caruthers Community Services District (District) will provide a local financial contribution for project costs in excess of the CDBG funds. This item pertains to a location in District 4.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may reject the recommended action, and direct Department of Public Works and Planning staff to identify a project from the 2021-22 Back-Up list for consideration. However, deletion may impact the County’s ability to meet its CDBG expenditure timelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The Project’s total estimated cost is $250,000, which includes construction, design and construction engineering, and contingency and permits. CDBG funds in the amount of $250,000 are included in the Department of Public Works and Planning - Community Development Block Grant Org 7205, FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget. The funds are provided on a reimbursement basis. If necessary to complete the Project by May 18, 2023, the District will provide a local financial contribution for project costs in excess of the CDBG funds.
DISCUSSION:
On May 11, 2021, your Board approved the 2021-22 Unincorporated Area Projects list as part of the Annual Action Plan, which included the Project.
The Project consists of the replacement of obsolete wet barrel (pressurized) fire hydrants at various locations throughout the District with dry barrel (non-pressurized) hydrants. The project will also include the installation of water valves where necessary for proper operation and isolation. The obsolete wet barrel hydrants are constantly pressurized, which results in significant loss of water, dropping system water pressure, and possible property damage from flooding when struck and damaged. The dry barrel hydrants do not release water when damaged or broken off. Properly functioning fire hydrants will also improve safety for the community in the event of a fire. The Project is expected to be completed by May 18, 2023.
If necessary, in addition to providing local funds in excess of the CDBG funds for the Project, the recommended agreement requires the District to prepare design plans and specifications that conform to Federal and State regulations governing Federally-assisted projects. The District will also be responsible for advertising and awarding the Project to the lowest responsible bidder, and completion of the necessary construction engineering. The County agrees to review and approve the plans and specifications for compliance with Federal regulations prior to the District advertising the Project for bid. The District agrees to maintain the Project after project completion.
Environmental Assessment No. 8122 was completed for the Project under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Based on the environmental review, the Project is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA Guidelines under Section 15302, Class 2(c) - Replacement or Reconstruction. Under Section 15302, a Class 2(c) exemption includes replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity. It has also been determined that the Project is exempt per Section 58.34 (a)(12) of the NEPA Guidelines, because the Project meets the requirements for a categorical exclusion under Section 58.35(a)(1).
With your Board’s approval, the recommended CDBG allocation of $250,000 will be made to the Caruthers Community Services District for the Caruthers Fire Hydrant Replacement, which was included in the County’s 2020-21 Action Plan.
OTHER REVIEWING AGENCIES:
The Caruthers Community Services District has reviewed and approved the recommended agreement.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #8, May 11, 2021
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Location Map
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Caruthers Community Services District
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander