The first stages of construction for the city’s new wastewater
treatment plant are underway as the Hollister City Council awarded
a contract Tuesday for initial building involved in the long-term
wastewater management plan.
The first stages of construction for the city’s new wastewater treatment plant are underway as the Hollister City Council awarded a contract Tuesday for initial building involved in the long-term wastewater management plan.
Three weeks ago, city officials requested construction bids for the Domestic Wastewater Seasonal Storage Pond project, which is scheduled for completion on Jan. 1. At a special Council meeting Tuesday, members approved the lowest bid, a deal with Mark Nicholson, Inc., for $130,800.
However, the cost will likely increase an additional $40,000 to $50,000, said Public Works Director Clint Quilter as he delivered news of a financial setback before Council’s approval.
The staff for the state’s Regional Water Quality Control Board recently reviewed the pond’s blueprints. Matt Fabry, who heads the staff, talked to Quilter Tuesday and said city officials must make certain alterations that will increase the cost.
The storage pond plan’s original estimates had included an anticipated flexibility of $20,000 on its price. Quilter said Mark Nicholson, Inc., could not possibly fulfill the new requests for that amount. He said the additional costs will likely total $40,000.
The requested alterations include:
More “compaction” of ground at the bottom of the pond;
Decreased water depth,
Higher berms above the water’s surface.
City officials put out the bid before Fabry’s requests. So Quilter said he will soon negotiate with Mark Nicholson, Inc., on specific costs for the changes. Officials at the meeting decided – for the sake of urgency – not to re-send the altered project and changed estimates back for new bids.
Council questioned Quilter and City Manager George Lewis before it passed the resolution.
“Is Nicholson confident they can get it done (by the deadline)?” Mayor Tony LoBue asked.
Lewis answered with a resounding “Yes.”
City engineer Steve Wittry has responsibility for coordinating efforts with the recently hired firm, but Quilter addressed Council instead Tuesday because of the RWQCB’s requests, which were made directly to Quilter that day.
The bid by Mark Nicholson, Inc., was easily the lowest. Others included Engineers Estimate for $187,000; Robert Enz Construction Company, $199,800; Don Chapin Company, $237,000; MPE, Inc., $334,000 and Granite Rock/Pavex for $394,650.
Officials had originally set aside $200,000 for the project.
“Nicholson really wanted this job,” Quilter said.
City officials must meet certain deadlines of the long-term wastewater management plan or pay a penalty for each missed.
The fine restrictions, along with the cease-and-desist order prohibiting any new building permits – stem from the 15-million gallon sewage spill May 4 at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
The storage pond is one of three supplemental environmental projects ordered by the RWQCB. Plans must be submitted to the water board for two other SEP projects by Dec. 6.
The three deadlines associated with phases of the LTWWMP include two on Aug. 1, 2003 and final completion of the plan by Oct. 15, 2005.
In other business:
Council received the remainder of the initial draft of the five-year Capital Improvements Program Projects. The document consists of cost estimates for specific public works projects and total projections for five years.
Quilter said because of water issues, he had not completed the airport and storm drain projections. He suggested the Airport Advisory Commission discuss the airport projects at its meeting in two weeks.
Council viewed slides on the progress of Code Enforcement Officer Tim Burns, a full-time position created seven months ago. Burns handles complaints about code and zone violations, such as unsightly junk in yards and trailers parked too close to sidewalks.
Council was concerned about noise ordinances and the city’s lack of legal ability to enforce them.
Councilwoman Peggy Corrales said residents of her district have called her about excessive noise at Calaveras Park after 10 p.m.
Council asked City Attorney Elaine Cass to review city policies and return with any progress for the Dec. 2 meeting.
