AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Professional Service Agreement with waterTALENT, LLC., of Sherman Oaks, for Temporary Lab Technician at the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility ($132,000) (PW)
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MEETING DATE:
November 20, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Public Works Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Professional Service Agreement with waterTALENT, LLC., of Sherman Oaks, for Temporary Lab Technician at the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility in the amount of $132,000.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) ensures the quality of environmental and public health data generated by laboratories in California. The City’s laboratory at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility is regulated by ELAP. On May 5, 2020, the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted new, more comprehensive regulations for the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program. These additional regulations include more quality control of sampling methods and equipment, more comprehensive tracking of samples and more frequent internal audits.
On May 1, 2024 the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility was audited by International Accreditation Service, a laboratory auditing firm that works on behalf of the State of California to audit laboratories that are ELAP certified. The report findings suggested that additional staffing may be required to accommodate the more extensive regulations associated with new ELAP requirements.
To address the findings, Staff recommends engaging an outside firm to obtain part-time lab assistant services for one-year. The addition of an onsite temporary part time lab assistant will assist in distributing technician workload to conform with the new regulations and provide time to further assess staffing needs and/or modifications to the organizational structure of the laboratory in preparation of the FY 25/26 budget year.
Procurement of waterTALENT, LLC., for part-time lab assistant services was performed in accordance with Lodi Municipal Code Section 3.20.075 (6) Safety, Environmental, or hazardous materials consultants. Per this section, these services are specifically exempt from advertising and bidding requirements. waterTALENT, LLC performs similar temporary lab assistant services for other local agencies and were recommended via reference check. Staff also received a quote from Operational Technical Services, LLC (OTS) that was a higher cost than waterTALENT’s quote and OTS was unsure whether they would be able to provide a qualified temporary employee at this time to meet the City’s needs.
Staff recommends authorizing City Manager to execute a one-year PSA, with waterTALENT LLC, of Sherman Oaks, for a Temporary Lab Technician at the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility, in an amount not-to-exceed $132,000.
STRATEGIC VISION:
5E. Infrastructure: Proactive infrastructure development for Sphere of influence & growth areas.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This contract does not impact the General Fund.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Wastewater Operations (53053003.72450) $132,000
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Charles E. Swimley
Public Works Director
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Scott R. Carney
City Manager