Board of Public Utilities

Summary

The Board of Public Utilities met on December 4, 2025. Key actions included:

• Approval of Minutes: The draft minutes from the November 20, 2025 regular meeting were approved.
• Staff Briefings:
  • A briefing was provided on the Llano Trunk Rehabilitation Phase 1 Project, which rehabilitated approximately 8,100 feet of trunk sewer. Concerns about the project and its funding were raised.
  • An update was given on water and recycled water supply issues.
• Consent Item Approval: The Board authorized the Chair to approve the Fourth Amendment to General Services Agreement F002525 with Poncia Fertilizer, Inc. This amendment extends the biosolids hauling services contract for one year and increases compensation by $484,653, bringing the total cumulative amount not to exceed $2,745,539.21.
• Director's Reports:
  • Updates on the Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project Phase 3, including upcoming community planting days (December 6th, January 17th, March 21st) where over 9,000 native trees and shrubs will be planted.
  • Information on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) acceptance of PG&E's Potter Valley Project License Surrender Application. The City of Santa Rosa filed a motion to intervene in this multi-year administrative process.

Citizen Impact

Residents will see continued services for biosolids hauling through an extended contract with Poncia Fertilizer, Inc., with an increased cost. Community members can also participate in planting events for the Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project.

Confidence

high

Summary

This presentation provides an update on the city's water and recycled water supply status as of January 2026. Key information includes:

• Lake Pillsbury Storage: Currently at 198.9% of target, significantly above historical averages for this time of year.
• Lake Mendocino Storage: At 103.5% of the target FIRO (Flow Regime Optimization) curve, indicating healthy levels.
• Lake Sonoma Storage: At 103.7% of the Minor Deviation Buffer Pool, also showing strong storage.
• Regulatory Update: The SWRCB issued a Temporary Urgency Change Order effective through June 21, 2026, which bases water year hydrologic index on Lake Mendocino storage instead of Lake Pillsbury inflow. Current water supply conditions are assessed as NORMAL.
• Recycled Water Storage: Current recycled water storage is approximately 1000 million gallons, which is below the average for the 2004-2025 period but above last year's levels.
• AB 1572 Compliance: A reminder about California law AB1572, which bans irrigating nonfunctional turf with potable water for certain property types, with an upcoming event on February 11, 2026, to discuss compliance.

Citizen Impact

Current water supply levels are normal and robust, with all major lakes showing healthy storage. Residents can expect continued reliable water service, though awareness of the AB1572 law regarding nonfunctional turf irrigation is encouraged.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution approves a sole source contract specification for Cleaver-Brooks (CFC-E 6000 series) gas-fired boilers for the Laguna Treatment Plant Annex Boilers 1 & 2 Replacement Project (Contract No. 2330).

Background: The existing boilers, installed in the mid-1990s, are nearing the end of their service life and are non-compliant with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) emission limits. Boiler #1 has been out of service since 2014, and Boiler #2 exceeded limits in Winter 2024. The Air District has set a December 2026 deadline for compliance, with penalties of up to $10,000 per day per boiler for exceedances.

Justification for Sole Source: The City is standardizing on Cleaver-Brooks and its subsidiary Camus Hydronics Ltd. for boilers plantwide. While Camus boilers were previously installed, they lack the required thermal output for this project. Cleaver-Brooks boilers are necessary to match existing equipment, ensure operational efficiencies, maintain consistency in maintenance and spare parts, and crucially, to meet the Air District's permitting deadline, which is estimated to take 6-12 months. Using Cleaver-Brooks is expected to provide a 6-month head start in the permitting process.

Project Details: The project will replace both boilers and ancillary components. Construction is anticipated to start in Summer 2026 with an estimated construction cost of $660,000. Funds for this project were previously appropriated in the Capital Improvement Program Budget, so there is no additional fiscal impact.

Citizen Impact

This action ensures the Laguna Treatment Plant can continue to operate reliably and meet air quality regulations, preventing potential daily penalties. Residents will benefit from continued wastewater treatment services and improved environmental compliance at the facility.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Board of Public Utilities is recommended to approve a waiver of bid and issue a one-year Blanket Purchase Order (BPO) to Cummins, Inc. for miscellaneous parts and technical services for the combined heat and power (CHP) engines at the Laguna Treatment Plant (LTP). The total amount for this BPO will not exceed $500,000. Cummins is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and sole authorized supplier for these proprietary parts and services, essential for the reliable operation of the four CHP engine generator sets which provide power and heat for the plant. This BPO facilitates routine and unscheduled maintenance, ensuring the longevity and performance of the equipment. The pricing offered through the BPO provides an average discount of approximately 24% below standard fleet pricing. Funds for this operational expense are included in the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget.

Citizen Impact

This action ensures the continued reliable operation of the Laguna Treatment Plant's power generation system, which is crucial for wastewater treatment services. The purchase order allows for necessary maintenance and repairs to essential equipment, preventing potential service disruptions.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Board of Public Utilities is recommended to approve a 3-year agreement with the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District (MSMVCD) for vector control services related to the City's recycled water program. This agreement, covering fiscal years 2027-2029, has a total not-to-exceed amount of $217,200. The services are crucial for ensuring compliance with state regulations, specifically the Water Reclamation Requirements for Recycled Water Use, which mandate routine inspections and management of recycled water use areas to prevent mosquito proliferation and public health hazards. The MSMVCD will conduct mosquito surveillance and control operations on both City-owned and privately-owned properties where recycled water is applied. The annual costs are capped at $17,400 for materials and $55,000 for labor and equipment.

Citizen Impact

This agreement ensures continued monitoring and control of mosquitoes in areas where recycled water is used for irrigation, protecting public health and preventing potential nuisances or health hazards for residents living near these areas. The costs are covered by the existing Reclamation Section operating budget.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering a recommendation to grant Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) an easement of approximately 75 square feet on City-owned property at 5035 Harville Road (Water Reservoir 6). This easement is needed for PG&E to relocate an anchor for an existing electric distribution pole as part of their Electric Distribution Project, which aims to ensure safe and reliable electric service. PG&E had previously placed an anchor without proper rights, and this easement formalizes the relocation to a more suitable spot. The easement will not impede current or future City Water operations. PG&E will compensate the City $500 plus staff costs for the easement. The action is considered exempt from CEQA.

Citizen Impact

This action allows PG&E to relocate an anchor for an existing utility pole, ensuring continued reliable electric service. Residents will not experience any direct costs or service disruptions from this easement grant.

Confidence

high