Agenda No. 3.
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
| City Council Meeting: | November 18, 2025 |
| Department: | Engineering |
| Subject: | Resolution No. 25-R-152 – Authorizing a Task Order agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. for Inspection Services relating to the Relocation of Utilities for the IH-35 NEX Project (B.James/K.Woodlee/E.Schulze) |
BACKGROUND
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) IH-35 NEX Project is to widen the right of way and paving of IH=35 from Pasatiempo Drive to Country Club Boulevard in the City of Schertz.
The City has executed a Standard Utility Agreement (SUA) with TxDOT to relocate its utilities that have been identified to be in conflict with the highway improvements.
The City’s sewer relocation will be by non-joint bid where the City will hire a contractor to perform the relocation services primarily because most of the sewer will be located within newly acquired easements. The water relocation will be by joint bid where the TxDOT contractor will perform the relocation. The City will still inspect the construction of both utilities to ensure proper installation and testing are done before the new lines are connected and placed into service.
Staff is recommending hiring a third-party inspector due to the nature and location of this project. Halff Associates, Inc., one of the City’s on-call Engineers, has designed the water and sewer relocation plans and is familiar with the location and operation of City utilities along IH-35 and has experience with City utility relocation projects along TxDOT roadways and is fully equipped to provide inspection services to the City.
The City has executed a Standard Utility Agreement (SUA) with TxDOT to relocate its utilities that have been identified to be in conflict with the highway improvements.
The City’s sewer relocation will be by non-joint bid where the City will hire a contractor to perform the relocation services primarily because most of the sewer will be located within newly acquired easements. The water relocation will be by joint bid where the TxDOT contractor will perform the relocation. The City will still inspect the construction of both utilities to ensure proper installation and testing are done before the new lines are connected and placed into service.
Staff is recommending hiring a third-party inspector due to the nature and location of this project. Halff Associates, Inc., one of the City’s on-call Engineers, has designed the water and sewer relocation plans and is familiar with the location and operation of City utilities along IH-35 and has experience with City utility relocation projects along TxDOT roadways and is fully equipped to provide inspection services to the City.
GOAL
The goal of Resolution 25-R-152 is to authorize an agreement with Halff Associates to perform inspection services required with the construction of the water and sewer relocation as related to the TxDOT IH-35 NEX project.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
The utility relocation is necessary to avoid conflicts with TxDOT’s proposed improvements along the IH-35 NEX corridor. Having a third-party inspector will help with the overall management of construction, which will be done by multiple contractors and at various times and locations.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff recommends approval of Resolution 25-R-152 authorizing the inspection services task order agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. for the IH-35 NEX Project.
FISCAL IMPACT
Halff’s base fee is $323,455 with a not to exceed amount of $350,000. Funding for the inspection services has been allocated from the City’s Water and Sewer Construction Reserves. The City will have to provide initial funding, however, this project is 100% reimbursable because it’s a federal interstate project.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Resolution 25-R-152.