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CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL, REJECTION, AMENDMENT, AND/OR POSTPONEMENT OF CONTRACT K-2021-117 BY AND BETWEEN THE NORMAN UTILITIES AUTHORITY AND FREESE AND NICHOLS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,850 TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE BLENDING OF WELL 5, 6, AND 52 AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND BUDGET TRANSFER BETWEEN PROJECT ACCOUNTS AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
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BACKGROUND: Each groundwater well utilized by the City of Norman is required to be analyzed for multiple parameters each month before entering the distribution system. In order to mitigate time and money used for collecting and analyzing tests, the City has started to combine multiple wells before entering the distribution system. Combining wells allows for increased water supply, as well as lowering cost associated with sampling each well and the time needed for personnel to collect multiple samples each month from every well. The City currently has two locations that serve as blending points for other wells in the system. Based on their proximity, this project will combine ground water from Wells 5, 6, and 52 at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) before entering the distribution system.
The location for this blending point would be on the west side of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) on Robinson Street where Well 6 is already connected. Water from Wells 5 and 52 would be combined at the intersection of Robinson Street and 36th Ave NE before combining with Well 6 at the WTP.
This project would require approximately 2,200 linear feet of 8-inch waterline from well 52 on 36th Ave NE to the intersection at Robinson Street. An existing 12-inch waterline will then be converted to a non-potable line as it moves west on Robinson Street before it combines with well 6 and the distribution system. In addition, two bores consisting of approximately 260 linear feet of 8-inch and 6-inch waterline under Robinson Street will be required to connect the neighborhoods on the north side of Robinson Street with the existing high pressure line on the south side of Robinson Street. An existing 10-inch waterline and a 24-inch concrete line at the WTP will be abandoned as part of this project.
DISCUSSION: As part of a previous project, Freese and Nichols, Inc. recently designed the project to extend water transmission lines from the WTP to 24th Avenue NE. Since they are familiar with the lines in the area and the interconnection requirements at the WTP and would be able to provide design services for this project, staff determined that it would be in the best interest of the NUA to contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for this project as well. This contract will authorize design, bidding, limited construction administration, and as-built drawings services.
As shown in the proposed project schedule, Attachment A to the contract, final design will be completed as required to meet the needs of the project which is 165 calendar days. The proposed work scope is detailed in Attachment B, while Attachment C provides the proposed compensation for the contract. Staff believes the proposed lump sum contract for $47,850 for the scope in Attachment B is fair and reasonable.
This project was envisioned under the larger WTP Well Field Blending project (WA0214). However, for record keeping purposes, a new project for Blending of Wells 5, 6, and 52 (WA0369) was created, so no funds have been allocated to the project’s Design account.
The Well Field Blending project - Design (Account 31993398-46201; Project WA0214) has $1,530,000 in available funds. Therefore, it is proposed that $60,000 from Well Field Blending, Design (Account 31993398-46201; Project WA0214)) be transferred into Water Wells 5, 6, and 52 Blending, Design (Account 31993345-46201; Project WA0369).
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the NUA approve Contract K-2021-117 in the amount of $47,850 with Freese and Nichols, Inc. to provide engineering services for the blending of Wells 5, 6, and 52 at the Water Treatment Plant and authorize a transfer in the amount of $60,000 from Well Field Blending, Design, to Wells 5,6 and 52 Blending, Design.
Staff further recommends that $60,000 be transferred from Well Field Blending, Design (Account 31993398-46201; Project WA0214)) to Water Wells 5, 6, and 52 Blending, Design (Account 31993345-46201; Project WA0369).