Report Prepared by: Joe Cardoso, P.L.S., City Surveyor, Engineering
Title
SUBJECT: Ratification of Statement of Services Contract with Rolfe Construction Inc, for the Local Emergency Within the Territorial Limits of the City of Merced as Proclamation by Director of Emergency Services on January 7, 2023
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a motion ratifying the Statement of Services Contract with Rolfe Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,061,822.88 for the temporary repairs of the Bear Creek Levee’s for the 2023 Floods.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Ratifying the Statement of Services Contract with Rolfe Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,061,822.88 for the temporary repairs of the Bear Creek Levee’s for the 2023 Floods; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other that recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Municipal Code Section 8.20-080 - Powers after disaster proclaimed.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
On January 4, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in response to a series of severe storms anticipated to impact California.
On January 7, 2023, a major storm system struck the City of Merced and was forecasted to continue through January 10, 2023. The storm was expected to cause local creeks to exceed flood stage. In response, the City of Merced’s Director of Emergency Services, declared a local emergency (Attachment A) and activated the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC convened daily planning and operational briefings with all City departments and cooperating agencies, including Merced County, the Merced Irrigation District, and local school districts. On January 17, 2023, the City Council ratified the proclamation through Resolution No. 2023-08 (Attachment B).
During this period, the City entered into a time-and-materials contract with Rolfe Construction, Inc. to provide emergency support as directed by the City Engineer. The scope of work included, but was not limited to, placement of rip-rap along unstable sections of Bear Creek, removal of fallen trees, levee repairs, and restoration of damaged roadways and bike paths.
The original local emergency declaration expired at 1:00 p.m. on January 14, 2023. Due to continuing threats to public safety and property from flooding and storm-related impacts, the Director of Emergency Services issued a second local emergency proclamation that same day. On February 6, 2023, the City Council extended the local emergency pursuant to Resolution No. 2023-09 (Attachment C).
On March 8, 2023, Governor Newsom proclaimed another State of Emergency in response to a new series of storms forecasted to impact California. Anticipating additional flooding, the City of Merced’s Director of Emergency Services issued a local emergency proclamation on the morning of March 9, 2023 (Attachment D) and reactivated the EOC. The EOC resumed daily coordination meetings with City departments and local partners, including Merced County, the Merced Irrigation District, and local school districts. On March 14, 2023, the City Council extended this proclamation through Resolution No. 2023-20 (Attachment E).
Throughout these events, the City of Merced and its residents continued to experience significant impacts from flood-related damage. Some residents were displaced and unable to return to their homes. City staff continued to assess damage to public infrastructure, creek banks, and levees; estimate repair costs; assist displaced residents in securing temporary housing; support property owners in repairing flood-damaged structures; and identify long-term mitigation measures and associated costs eligible for state and federal disaster assistance programs.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed as it has already been paid. The emergency declaration allowed the City to proceed and pay for the work. The work was funded by Fund 6000 Wastewater Operations-Storm Drain Division. If the City receives cost recovery funding from FEMA or any other source it will reimburse the Wastewater Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency
2. Resolution No. 2023-08, Confirming of Existence of a Local Emergency
3. Resolution No. 2023-09, Confirming of Existence of a Local Emergency
4. Resolution No. 2023-20, Confirming of Existence of a Local Emergency
5. Statement of Services Contract with Rolfe Construction, Inc.