Item No. 1.
| MEETING DATE: 11/21/2022 |
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| TO: | HONORABLE MAYOR/CHAIR AND COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS |
| FROM: | JIM SADRO, CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR By: Elias Saykali, Public Works Director |
| SUBJECT: | APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO GLENN CHAVEZ CONSTRUCTION, OF BREA, CALIFORNIA, FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE HELI-HYDRANT PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. 1-W-23
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RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council and Utility Authority:
A. Approve a construction contract with Glenn Chavez Construction, of Brea, California, for the installation of the Heli-Hydrant Project, City Project No. 1-W-23;
B. Approve and authorize the City Manager/Executive Director to execute an agreement with Glenn Chavez Construction, of Brea, California; and,
C. Authorize staff to issue a purchase order in the amount of $250,000, to Glenn Chavez Construction, of Brea, California, which includes a 10 percent contingency.
DISCUSSION:
The Heli-Hydrant is a patented snorkel site water tank designed specifically to support and refill firefighting helicopters. It is a fire protection solution aimed at maximizing the water dropping capabilities of firefighting helicopters and better protecting properties, infrastructure and wildlife from the danger of wildfire. Strategically placed in a fire-prone wild land area, the Heli-Hydrant can become an effective part of a city's existing fire hydrant network and acts as a refillable and efficient water source for helicopters.
The Heli-Hydrant is an open-top bolted steel tank installed on a foundation that will allow water-dropping helicopters to dip their water snorkels and quickly refill their water tanks. Using a pilot-controlled radio device, the helicopter pilot has the ability to send a radio signal from the helicopter to activate the automated valve system, which can fill the tank at a rate of 1,700 gallons of water in 90 seconds. The Heli-Hydrant is capable of supplying a wide variety of firefighting helicopters with a reliable supply of water at a refill rate designated by the calibrated hydraulics specific to each approved snorkel site. The tank remains on standby and empty until the signal to fill is activated. A drain valve on the tank allows any unused water to be safely drained, ensuring that the Heli-Hydrant remains dry while not in use. The proposed Heli-Hydrant will hold up to 8,500 gallons of water and will be approximately 8 feet tall and 15 feet in diameter. It will be connected to the City's water system and will be equipped with an escape ramp to aid any animals that may happen to get into the tank. The Heli-Hydrant is 100% solar-powered and will not require connection to the electrical grid.
City staff have worked closely with both Los Angeles County Fire and Orange County Fire staff to identify a site suitable for helicopter access, and is proposing to install a Heli-Hydrant near the City's Byerrum water reservoir located at the south end of La Habra, near the intersection of Idaho Street and Risner Way. If approved by Council, the proposed Heli-Hydrant will provide a significant enhancement to fire suppression for the City and surrounding area.
Staff solicited a proposal from Glenn Chavez Construction for the purchase and installation of the Heli-Hydrant, as well as site preparation. The proposal totaled $227,571, which included the purchase of the patented snorkel site tank (Heli-Hydrant) from Whaling Fire Line Equipment, site preparation and installation of the equipment.
Staff reviewed the cost proposal and found the cost to be reasonable and within budget. Staff also reviewed Glenn Chavez Construction’s references and past work history, which were determined to be satisfactory. Glenn Chavez Construction has been in business for more than 25 years and Mr. Chavez has an extensive background in the construction of utility pipelines, as well as residential and commercial development projects. In addition, Mr. Chavez has installed three Heli-Hydrant tanks: one in Bryant Ranch in the City of Yorba Linda, another in the City of Fallbrook for the Rainbow Water District, and a third recently in the City of La Habra Heights.
La Habra Municipal Code (LHMC) Section 4.20.070 allows the waiving of the “competitive bid procedure” for the purchase of goods and services when such goods or services can be obtained from only one vendor. The Heli-Hydrant is patented equipment owned by Whaling Fire Line Equipment and their exclusive installer/contractor is Glenn Chavez Construction; therefore, pursuant to LH MC Section 4.20.070, staff recommends that the City Council approve a contract with Glenn Chavez Construction for installation of the Heli-Hydrant Project, City Project No. 1-W-23.
The Heli-Hydrant is an open-top bolted steel tank installed on a foundation that will allow water-dropping helicopters to dip their water snorkels and quickly refill their water tanks. Using a pilot-controlled radio device, the helicopter pilot has the ability to send a radio signal from the helicopter to activate the automated valve system, which can fill the tank at a rate of 1,700 gallons of water in 90 seconds. The Heli-Hydrant is capable of supplying a wide variety of firefighting helicopters with a reliable supply of water at a refill rate designated by the calibrated hydraulics specific to each approved snorkel site. The tank remains on standby and empty until the signal to fill is activated. A drain valve on the tank allows any unused water to be safely drained, ensuring that the Heli-Hydrant remains dry while not in use. The proposed Heli-Hydrant will hold up to 8,500 gallons of water and will be approximately 8 feet tall and 15 feet in diameter. It will be connected to the City's water system and will be equipped with an escape ramp to aid any animals that may happen to get into the tank. The Heli-Hydrant is 100% solar-powered and will not require connection to the electrical grid.
City staff have worked closely with both Los Angeles County Fire and Orange County Fire staff to identify a site suitable for helicopter access, and is proposing to install a Heli-Hydrant near the City's Byerrum water reservoir located at the south end of La Habra, near the intersection of Idaho Street and Risner Way. If approved by Council, the proposed Heli-Hydrant will provide a significant enhancement to fire suppression for the City and surrounding area.
Staff solicited a proposal from Glenn Chavez Construction for the purchase and installation of the Heli-Hydrant, as well as site preparation. The proposal totaled $227,571, which included the purchase of the patented snorkel site tank (Heli-Hydrant) from Whaling Fire Line Equipment, site preparation and installation of the equipment.
Staff reviewed the cost proposal and found the cost to be reasonable and within budget. Staff also reviewed Glenn Chavez Construction’s references and past work history, which were determined to be satisfactory. Glenn Chavez Construction has been in business for more than 25 years and Mr. Chavez has an extensive background in the construction of utility pipelines, as well as residential and commercial development projects. In addition, Mr. Chavez has installed three Heli-Hydrant tanks: one in Bryant Ranch in the City of Yorba Linda, another in the City of Fallbrook for the Rainbow Water District, and a third recently in the City of La Habra Heights.
La Habra Municipal Code (LHMC) Section 4.20.070 allows the waiving of the “competitive bid procedure” for the purchase of goods and services when such goods or services can be obtained from only one vendor. The Heli-Hydrant is patented equipment owned by Whaling Fire Line Equipment and their exclusive installer/contractor is Glenn Chavez Construction; therefore, pursuant to LH MC Section 4.20.070, staff recommends that the City Council approve a contract with Glenn Chavez Construction for installation of the Heli-Hydrant Project, City Project No. 1-W-23.
FISCAL IMPACT/SOURCE OF FUNDING:
As part of the approved Fiscal Year 2022-2023 CIP Budget, the Heli-Hydrant Project, City Project No. 1-W-23 was budgeted using Water Enterprise Funds, in the amount of $250,000. There are sufficient budgeted funds to cover the estimated expenditures; therefore, no additional funding is requested at this time.
GENERAL PLAN RELEVANCE/CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
This recommendation achieves the following elements of the La Habra General Plan:
WS 1.2 Reliable Supply and Cost Effective Distribution
WS 1.7 New Water Facility Design
This recommendation achieves the following elements of the City of La Habra FY2022-23 Goals and Objectives:
Goal 1 - Protection and Public Safety
Objective F - Improve and enhance community emergency preparedness
Goal 3 - Maintenance and Improvement of City Infrastructure
Objective D - Maintain sewer, water and storm drain pipelines
Goal 7 - Integration of Excellence in City Operations
Objective C - Provide and maintain quality public services for our residents, businesses, and visitors
WS 1.2 Reliable Supply and Cost Effective Distribution
WS 1.7 New Water Facility Design
This recommendation achieves the following elements of the City of La Habra FY2022-23 Goals and Objectives:
Goal 1 - Protection and Public Safety
Objective F - Improve and enhance community emergency preparedness
Goal 3 - Maintenance and Improvement of City Infrastructure
Objective D - Maintain sewer, water and storm drain pipelines
Goal 7 - Integration of Excellence in City Operations
Objective C - Provide and maintain quality public services for our residents, businesses, and visitors