REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Authorize the Use of City Water and Sewer Utility Forces at Various Locations to Implement Water Main Replacement Projects, Including Projects Scheduled for Construction in Calendar Year 2026 and Ratification of Completed Projects
Report
BACKGROUND
For approximately the last 30 years, the City's Water and Sewer Utility Department (Department) has been engaged in replacing dilapidated water mains nearing the end of their useful life or with a history of leaks. Since this effort began, about 2 miles of pipeline have been replaced each year. Historically, water main replacement projects have been implemented using City labor forces under the "maintenance and repair" exception to competitive bidding for public works under Santa Clara City Charter Section 1310. However, because the scope of the replacement work is similar to other projects brought forth for council authorization for City use of labor forces, the Department seeks ratification of replacement work completed within the last three years and scheduled for Calendar Year (CY) 2026. In addition, as a best practice moving forward, the Department will request Council authorization at least annually for the use of City forces on future water main replacement work.
City Charter Section 1310 titled "Contracts on Public Works" states, in part that, "every contract involving an expenditure of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the construction or improvement, excluding maintenance and repair, of public buildings, works, streets, drains, sewers, utilities, parks and playgrounds shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder." The City Charter further states that "the City Council may declare and determine that, in its opinion, the work in question may be performed better or more economically by the City with its own employees, and after the adoption of a resolution to this effect by at least four affirmative votes, it may proceed to have said work done in the...
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