ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
8.	CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH GOLDEN STATE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING TO ASSIST WITH WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PERMIT PROGRAM
Meeting Date:			June 15, 2015	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	WDS Permitting
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	2-8-1
Prepared By:			Henrietta Stern	Cost Estimate:	$30,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on June 8, 2015 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: The Board will consider authorizing the General Manager to amend an existing contract with Golden State Planning and Environmental Consulting (GSPEC) to authorize a maximum of $30,000 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016 (July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016) to continue to help District staff carry out MPWMD Rules and Regulations governing Water Distribution Systems (WDS). Exhibit 8-A is the proposed scope of work and cost estimate from GSPEC for FY 2015-2016. The $30,000 limit would be allocated in one part, which would be tracked in monthly invoices, as follows:

Program 2-8-1, “Permit Processing Assistance,” with up to $30,000 as 100% reimbursable from applicants.

The $30,000 budget limit is significantly greater than the FY 2014-2015 limit ($6,000) due to changes in the staff resources to be allocated to WDS Permit processing. This maximum amount is based on the assumption that the consultant would perform the bulk of the WDS-related work presently being carried out by staff. Actual consultant assistance will be on an as-needed basis. The situation is evolving as managers consider various staffing assignments, and the actual amount of consultant work could be much less than $30,000. The cumulative and anticipated invoices will be examined at the mid-year budget review, and adjusted accordingly. Notably, because the work is 100% reimbursable, the budgeted revenue and expenses will match regardless of the amount.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board authorize the General Manager to amend the current District professional services contract with GSPEC for a not-to-exceed amount of $30,000 for FY 2015-2016, as described above, assuming the FY 2015-2016 Budget is adopted by the Board. If this item is adopted along with the Consent Calendar, staff will immediately execute a contract amendment with GSPEC.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: GSPEC was first retained in December 2006 to assist staff with WDS permit processing. All contract amounts are maximums; only actual hours of service are billed. Invoiced hours submitted by consultants for each applicant are reimbursed by the applicant before the applicant receives the signed WDS permit. It is noted that the GSPEC hourly rate of $95 per hour is the same as last year. This hourly rate is competitive as compared to other firms ($95 to $150 per hour). For reference, District staff time is charged to applicants at a rate of $95 per hour.

The District continues to receive applications for WDS Permits or Confirmation of Exemptions due to continued restrictions on the availability of California American Water supply for new construction and remodels. Consultant assistance is essential to help process permit applications in compliance with the State Permit Streamlining Act.

IMPACT TO DISTRICT RESOURCES: There should be minimal impact to the District funds in that GSPEC’s work is 100% reimbursable by applicants. GSPEC’s work is directed by the MPWMD Project Manager in consultation with the Planning & Engineering (P&E) Division Manager, Water Resources Division Manager, and General Manager. The contract is budgeted via the Planning & Engineering Division.

EXHIBIT

8-A GSPEC Scope of Work and Fee Schedule for FY 2015-2016

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