AWARD CONTRACT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF
THE CITY MUNICIPAL STORM WATER PROGRAM

 

Recommendation :

It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement No. 01.003 with John L. Hunter & Associates, Inc. to administer the City’s Municipal Storm Water Program and implement NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit requirements for an amount of $49,262; and
2. Authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest the contract subject to approval by the City Attorney.

Background :

John L. Hunter & Associates, Inc. (JLHA) has been assisting the City for the past eight years with the implementation of the NPDES Permit. JLHA’s contract with the City identifies tasks such as inspection of businesses, design of the planning program for runoff pollution mitigation, assisting the City crews with operational compliance, public education programs and employee training.

In addition, JLHA represents the City as the Chair of the Santa Monica Bay/Ballona Creek Watershed, which enables the City to direct the member cities to follow and support its position on different issues as they arise.

JLHA was on all six subcommittees developing the Model programs (Public Outreach, Illicit Discharges, Planning, Construction, Public Agency and Industrial/Commercial). Their intimate involvement with this process has made it easier for the City to gain a better understanding of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board’s requirements as well as protecting the City’s interests and resources. The City has been able to maintain its position on the leading edge without excessive costs.

JLHA has helped the City obtain approval for a grant fund of $100,000 to install catch basin inserts for the reduction of trash and debris discharged from the City. This has enhanced the quality of the immediate receiving waters adjacent to the City (ocean).

This project is considered as Best Management Practices, which the Board has considered for the proposed trash limits (TMDL) Total Maximum Daily Loads which will set a daily limit by the Water Board on the amount of pollutants that can be discharged.

Analysis :

The State of California, through the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, is continuing to enforce the Municipal NPDES Permit and its Management Plan (Models). All cities within Los Angeles County are required to adopt and implement programs consisting of six model programs (Public Outreach, Illicit Discharges, Planning, Construction, Public Agency and Industrial/Commercial) that are consistent with such Models.

JLHA’s proposal will provide continued assistance to the City in the complex implementation of these programs.

The current Permit will expire October 2001. Discussions at the Board level have already begun for the next Permit process. This dynamic development of the Permit and its components (i.e., total maximum daily loads) may have a larger impact on the City in the future. JLHA has been keeping the City informed and updated of all the changes as well as taking an active part in minimizing the requirements for the City.

Fiscal Impact :

An amount of $54,270 has been appropriated by the City Council for storm water management services and NPDES program of which $49,262 will be expended for storm water management services for the current fiscal year.

The net storm water management services cost to the City would be approximately $45,762 since the County has entered into an agreement with the City that it will provide funding to the City for at least a portion of the cost of performing site visits citywide within four years. A total of 98 site visits are scheduled for the 2001-2002. The reimbursement is estimated to be $3,500 for FY 2001-02 ($34.00 per restaurant and $50.00 for other facilities).

Alternatives :

1. Approve staff’s recommendation.
2. Deny staff’s recommendation and order staff to do the work by hiring additional staff, which will require training and occasional help from consultants.
3. Take no action, this may expose the City to litigation.