AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Additional Change Orders to Well No. 8 Abandonment with Eaton Drilling Company ($320,000), Extending the Contract Term (June 30, 2027), and Appropriate Funds ($320,000) (PW)
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MEETING DATE:
September 16, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Sean Nathan, Interim Public Works Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute additional change orders to Well No. 8 Abandonment with Eaton Drilling Company in an additional amount not to exceed $320,000, extending the contract term to June 30, 2027, and appropriating funds in the amount of $320,000.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Lodi owns and operates a drinking water well network consisting of 28 groundwater wells. Well No. 8, located at the intersection of Kettleman Lane and Stockton Street, has been out of service since 2010. Mechanical issues and water quality have prevented the well from being placed back into service.
In response, the City allocated funds to support additional infrastructure improvements to Well No. 6R located at Stockton Street and Mission Street, and Well No. 23, which includes a 1 Million Gallon Tank and Pump Station located at 2465 Maggio Circle. These improvements provided the water supply necessary to supplement the area once served by Well No. 8.
On October 1, 2025, Council adopted a resolution awarding the well abandonment contract to Eaton Drilling Company (Eaton) in the amount of $55,996, and authorized change orders in an amount not-to-exceed $10,000. While completing the Well No. 8 abandonment, the video inspection captured large voids requiring additional concrete slurry and onsite inspection by San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department (SJEHD). This additional labor and material was not included in the original proposal and added $9,375 to the contract through Change Order 1.
In 2025, Central Valley Water Board (Water Board) and the City were made aware of two undocumented private groundwater wells located at 801 and 825 North Stockton Street. These wells are in the vicinity of the Lodi Northern Plume (LNP). The City is responsible for all groundwater investigations associated with the City’s Volatile Organic Compound Plumes, including the LNP. In response, the City’s environmental consultant (Civil Hydro Tech) conducted and submitted to the Water Board an assessment of those private groundwater wells. The assessment identified that one of the two wells was not properly abandoned, and posed a risk to public health if left in its current state. The City proposed in the assessment that the well be properly destroyed per SJEHD requirements. On June 29, 2026, the Water Board responded to the City and agreed with the well destruction as proposed. The well destruction requires a C-57 licensed well drilling contractor. In the interest of public health, staff recommends utilizing Eaton to complete the work as soon as possible, as they are only C-57 licensed contractor currently on contract with the City. The proposed cost of that abandonment is $25,476.
On July 29, 2026, staff was made aware of a mechanical issue with the submersible pump at Well No. 19. In order to diagnose the issue, the pump will need to be removed from the well. Well No. 19 was last rehabilitated in 2012, at which time a new submersible pump was installed. Without knowing the specific issue, City staff requested a proposal from Eaton with various options. Based on the condition of the pump and well, Eaton has provided options for repairs, rehabilitation and if necessary a new pump/motor. Eaton’s proposal was compared to the City’s previous on-call well maintenance contract (which expired on June 30, 2025), and the pricing was determined to be similar to the rates on that previous contract. Staff plans to rebid the On-call Well and Pump Repair Contract later this Fiscal Year, however in the interest of getting Well No. 19 back in service as soon as possible staff is recommend utilizing Eaton to complete the work.
If approved, this resolution increases the City Manager’s change order authority by $320,000, for a total change order authority of $330,000. This increase in change order authority will allow for the North Stockton Street private well abandonment and the Well No. 19 repairs/rehabilitation. Approximately $17,000 in change order authority would remain available as a contingency.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This additional change order authority will reduce the long-term maintenance cost of Well 19 and enhance water system production capacity. The Lodi Northern Plume well abandonment will be funded using Northern Plume settlement funds.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Current Appropriation:
Water Capital (56199000.77020) $65,996
Requested Appropriation:
Total: $385,996