CC SR 20231114 N - ACLAD De-Watering Wells Additional Funding 2023
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 11/14/2023
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to appropriate additional funds to reactivate four City-
owned dewatering wells and repair a drainage culvert within the jurisdiction of the Abalone
Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Approve an additional appropriation of $180,700 to fund the reactivation of four
City-owned dewatering wells within the jurisdiction of the Abalone Cove Landslide
Abatement District (ACLAD); and
(2) Approve an additional appropriation of $16,500 for repairs to the City portion of a
drainage culvert under Palos Verdes Drive South for Altamira Canyon, subject to
the Director of Public Works’ verification of City ownership limits and acceptance
of the repair method.
FISCAL IMPACT: The recommended Council action will require an additional
appropriation of $197,200 from the Capital Infrastructure Program
Fund in Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Amount Budgeted: $520,000
Additional Appropriation: $197,200
Account Number(s): 330-400-8306-8802
(CIP Fund – Ab Cove Landslide Dewatering) VR
ORIGINATED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works
REVIEWED BY: Same as above
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. ACLAD Request for Additional Funds to Reactivate Four City Dewatering
Wells (page A-1)
B. ACLAD Request for Sharing Costs of Repairs to Culvert Under Palos Verdes
Drive South at Altamira Canyon (page B-1)
C. November 5, 1997 Rancho Palos Verdes Maintenance Authority
Commission Minutes Approving Cost Share of Pipe Repairs Under Palos
Verdes Drive at Altamira Canyon (page C-1)
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D. August 1, 2023 Staff Report Requesting Funds for Reactivating Four City
Dewatering Wells
BACKGROUND:
On January 19, 2023, the City received a written request from ACLAD to fund the cost to
reactivate four City-owned dewatering wells located seaward of Palos Verdes Drive South
in the amount of $520,000. The wells are intended to reduce slide activity and therefore
reduce City maintenance costs of Palos Verdes Drive South and reduce property damage
to residents’ homes. The requested amount of $520,000 was an estimate based on recent
ACLAD costs to reactive dewatering wells in 2022. At the time of the request, Staff noted
that the actual final cost may differ from the estimate, depending on bid results.
On August 1, 2023, the City Council approved the funding request and appropriated
$520,000 from the Capital Infrastructure Program Fund.
For detailed background on the formation of ACLAD and the history of dewatering wells,
see the August 1, 2023 staff report (Attachment D).
DISCUSSION:
Dewatering Wells
On October 3, 2023, ACLAD issued a Notice Inviting Bids seeking construction
contractors to reactivate the four City-owned dewatering wells in accordance with Public
Works procurement requirements, which is a condition of using City funds to pay for the
wells. The Notice Inviting Bids was advertised on the Planet Bids digital platform and in a
newspaper of local circulation. ACLAD also reached out to contractors known to perform
this type of work to inform them of the Notice Inviting Bids.
One bid was received, from MR Drilling, by the deadline of October 20, 2023 in the
amount of $615,666.24. ACLAD subsequently contacted vendors that had expressed
interest in the project to learn why they did not submit bids. Vendors responded that
increased workload in 2023-24 and the difficulty of the drilling sites influenced their
decision. The scope of work included in the Notice Inviting Bids was site preparation, well
drilling and development, and site restoration. Additional work, including installat ion of a
pump, connecting to the drainage system, and electrical work, will be performed by other
vendors. These costs are estimated to total $85,000 for a total cost of $700,667.
Therefore, ACLAD has requested that the City appropriate an additional $180,700 to
complete the work based on the bid results (Attachment A).
Staff recommends appropriating the additional funds requested by ACLAD to reactivate
the four City-owned dewatering wells because it is imperative that the wells be reactivated
as soon as possible to immediately address the increasing rate of movement in the
Abalone Cove Landslide and reduce ongoing work to Palos Verdes Drive South . Re-
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soliciting construction bids will add at least two months to the timeframe needed to
reactivate the wells, whereas the work could start within days of approval of the additional
funding. Additionally, the additional two months to resolicit bids would push the schedule
into the rainy season, introducing the risk of making the drilling sites inaccessible.
Furthermore, it is far from certain that a new solicitation would result in an increase in the
number of bidders and a lower price. It is possible that there will again only be one bidder
and that the bidder will increase its price now knowing that there is little competition.
Palos Verdes Drive South Drainage Culvert
In addition to reactivating the four City-owned dewatering wells, ACLAD has identified the
need to repair a 10-foot diameter culvert under Palos Verdes Drive South which is the
primary drain for Altamira Canyon (Attachment B). The pipe has a number of separations
at the joints and broken concrete lining, allowing water intrusion into the ground below
and causing erosion below the pipe. It is essential that the culvert function properly without
water intrusion during the rainy season and to keep Palos Verdes Drive South
operational.
ACLAD proposes to repair the pipe in a way that allows for some movement in the future
by repairing the separations and sealing the cracks. The proposed repair is not intended
to be a permanent solution but should have a duration of several years. The estimated
cost of the repair is $25,000, including contingency.
Part of the pipe is within the public right-of-way or City property and part of the pipe is on
private property. ACLAD is requesting that the City fund repairs of the portion within the
public right-of-way or City property, which is estimated to be two-thirds of the pipe, or
$16,500 including contingency. ACLAD made a similar request to the City Manager in
1997 and the Rancho Palos Verdes Maintenance Authority approved allocating 25% of
the construction cost, not-to-exceed $12,500, from the City’s Joint Powers Maintenance
Authority (Attachment C).
Staff recommends appropriating $16,500 for repairs to the City portion of the culvert under
Palos Verdes Drive South at Altamira Canyon, subject to the Director of Public Works’
verification of City ownership limits and acceptance of the repair method .
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Reactivating dewatering wells and repairing the pipe under Palos Verdes Drive South is
exempt from the October 3 City Council-adopted Moratorium on issuance of permits and
construction of structures within the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. This is
because the work falls under “Section 2. Exceptions” cited as follows:
Construction necessary for repair or maintenance of existing structures,
roadways, and any infrastructure such as water lines, sewer lines, electrical
or traffic installations.
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Construction necessary for the implementation, establishment, repair or
maintenance of any landslide mitigation measures.
Construction necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health
and safety.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve an additional appropriation of $197,200 from
the FY 2023-24 Capital Infrastructure Program Fund’s projected Unallocated Fund
Balance of $23.9 million to reactivate four City-owned dewatering wells seaward of Palos
Verdes Drive South and repair a culvert under Palos Verdes Drive South at Altamira
Canyon.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation s, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not approve the additional appropriation of $180,700 to fund the reactivation of
four City-owned dewatering wells or the additional appropriation of $16,500 to repair
the culvert under Palos Verdes Drive South at Altamira Canyon; thereby only funding
the reestablishment of three City-owned dewatering wells within the previously
approved appropriation based on the funding approved by the City Council at its
August 1, 2023 meeting.
2. Do not approve the additional appropriation of $180,700 to fund the reactivation of
four City-owned dewatering wells and only approve the additional appropriation of
$16,500 to repair the culvert under Palos Verdes Drive South at Altamira Canyon;
thereby only funding the reestablishment of three City -owned dewatering wells
based on the funding approved by the City Council at its August 1, 2023 meeting
and the repair of the culvert under Palos Verdes Drive South.
3. Approve the additional appropriation of $180,700 to fund the reactivation of four City-
owned dewatering wells and do not approve the additional appropriation of $16,500
to repair the culvert under Palos Verdes Drive South; thereby only funding the
reestablishment of four City-owned dewatering wells.
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Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District
P.O. Box 4351
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 753-7117 (310) 787-7193 FAX e-mail smarshall7@aol.com
To: Ramzi Awaad, Director, RPV Public Works November 2, 2023
From: Gordon Leon, Chairman, Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD)
Subject: Re-drilling of RPV Dewatering Wells 9, 18, 19, 20 South of Palos Verdes Drive South
ACLAD posted an Invitation to Bidders on October 3, 2023, and only received a single bid at the
close of bidding on October 20, 2023. We duly advertised the Invitation and met with several
well drillers on site to discuss the wells. Our original estimate for the wells was based on both
past experience and estimates receive from the drillers in the August 2022 time frame. We were
disappointed that we did not get more bids and contacted several of the candidates to understand
why they did not submit a bid. Their answers range from increased workload in 2023/24, to the
difficulty of the drilling sites.
The only bidder is MR Drilling with a bid of $615,666.24. This includes site preparation, well
drilling and development, and site remediation. This does not include installation of the actual
well pump, connecting to the drainage line and electrical. These activities are typically done on
a time-and-materials basis and are likely to be another $85,000.
Mr. Awaad and I have discussed the option of looking for more bids. The pool of well drillers in
the LA area is relatively small. It would add an additional two months to the procurement
process and likely have the same result and perhaps higher prices. This would also push the
schedule into the rainy season, making the drilling sites inaccessible.
It is imperative that we get these wells in before the rainy season. We request that the City
Council approve the increase in funding to do all that we can to slow the Abalone Cove
Landslide.
Gordon Leon, Chairman
Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District
A-1
Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District
P.O. Box 4351
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 753-7117 (310) 787-7193 FAX e-mail smarshall7@aol.com
To: Ramzi Awaad, Director, RPV Public Works November 2, 2023
From: Gordon Leon, Chairman, Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD)
Subject: Repair of PVDS Culvert for Altamira Canyon
The 120” diameter CMG culvert under PVDS for Altamira Canyon has suffered a number of
pipe-to-pipe separations as a result of land movement. The culvert acts both as the primary drain
for Altamira Canyon under PVDS and the storm drains in PVDS from the fire station to the “ski
jump”. The concrete lining protecting the pipe has broken and allows water intrusion into the
ground below the pipe. This will increase damage from debris and erode the supporting soil
under the pipe.
ACLAD proposes to repair the concrete liner in a way that allows for some movement in the
future. There are 11 major separations that will be repaired in this manner and several other
small cracks that will be sealed. A sketch is attached showing the repair design. These are not
permanent repairs but should provide immediate protection and will probably last for years to
come.
In the past, RPV has shared in the cost of culvert repairs. ACLAD proposes the same cost
sharing that occurred in the 1997 repair where RPV paid 66% of the cost. This repair will be
performed by a licensed contractor under a time-and-materials contract. The estimated cost is
$25,000 including contingency. The contractor’s estimate is attached. ACLAD will manage the
repair and coordinate with Public Works.
It is imperative that we repair the culvert prior to the rainy season. We request that the City
Council approve the funding to preserve the culvert under PVDS.
Gordon Leon, Chairman
Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District
B-1
CULVERT REPAIR DESIGN to be done in 11 places
Sheet Metal: Galvanized Steel 16” wide, 22 ga
Fasteners: ¼” Self taping galvanized fasteners
Reinforcement: chicken wire or expanded metal
Saw cut existing liner 24” wide prior to removal
B-2
CURRENT ESTIMATE TO REPAIR NARCISSA/PVDS CULVERT
BAUER CONSTRUCTION
68 NARCISSA DR.
RPV CA 90275
(310) 213-6479
CULVERT REPAIR ESTIMATE
CUT AND DEMO 11 SECTIONS OF CONCRETE LINING
LABOR $ 6,500
DUMP FEES $ 1,650
INSTALL SHEETMETAL TO CORRIGATED PIPE & WIRE $ 2,500
REPAIR CONCRETE LINING WITH A MINIMUM OF 3,500 PSI CONCRETE
LABOR AND MATERIALS $ 8,850
EST TOTAL $19,500
*THIS IS ONLY AN ESTIMATE FOR WORK NOT A BID. ACTUAL PRICE IS BASED ON TIME AND
MATERIALS.
B-3
1997 CULVERT REPAIR
B-4
MINUTES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES MAINTENANCE AUTHORITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 5, 1997
This meeting was called to order at 9:12 P.M. by Chairman John C. McTaggart.
PRESENT: Ferraro, Lyon, Byrd, Hollingsworth and Chairman McTaggart
ABSENT: None
Also present were: Chief Administrative Officer Paul Bussey; Commission Attorney
Carol Lynch; Public Works Director Les Evans; Finance Director Dennis McLean;
Commission Secretary Jo Purcell and, Recording Secretary Monica Ponce.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Ferraro moved, seconded by Commissioner Hollingsworth to approve
the Agenda as presented. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Kathy Snell, 8 Vanderlip, spoke in favor of the drain to be placed under Narcissa and
that it be paid for with Horan funds instead of ACLAD paying 75% of the cost.
Commissioner Byrd moved, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro to approve the
Consent Calendar as follows:
MINUTES (301 x 2200)
Approved the minutes of October 7, 1997, as submitted.
Resol. No. MAC 97 -12 - Register of Demands (602 x 2200)
Adopted Resolution No. Mac 97 -12 of the Maintenance Authority Commission
allowing certain claims and demands and specifying funds from which the same are
to be paid.
Approval of Joint Project ACLAD - drainage repair at Palos Verdes Drive South
and Altamira Canyon(1204 x 2200)
Maintenance Authority Commission Minutes
November 5, 1997
Page 1
C-1
Approved the Authority's participation in a joint project with ACLAD (acting as the
lead agency) to repair the roadway culvert at Palos Verdes Dr. So. and Altamira
Canyon; (2) Authorized an allocation for an amount not -to- exceed $12,500 from the
City's Joint Powers Maintenance Authority fund budget for drainage repairs to this
project; and (3) Authorized payment to ACLAD based on 25% of the awarded bid
price, not -to- exceed $12,500 and pending submission of certification from ACLAD
that the project followed their legal bidding procedures.
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Byrd, Hollingsworth, Ferraro, Lyon and Chairman McTaggart
NOES: None
ADJOURNMENT
9:15 P.M. the meeting was adjourned to November 18, 1997 on motion of
Commissioner Byrd.
ATTEST:
OMMISSION SECRETARY
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Maintenance Authority Minutes
November 5, 1997
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