TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Joseph DeFrancesco, Interim Public Works Director
Gilbert Gamboa, City Engineer
Bianca Cardenas, Senior Civil Engineer
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of a Resolution Awarding an Agreement to CWE in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $99,996 for the American Martyrs Stormwater Sump Hydrology and Capacity Study (Budgeted) (Interim Public Works Director DeFrancesco).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-0016
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-0016 awarding an agreement to CWE in an amount not to exceed $99,996 for the American Martyrs Stormwater Sump Hydrology and Capacity Study.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Sufficient funds of $100,000 are currently budgeted for this project. Approximately $99,996 will be utilized from the Storm Drain Fund for the American Martyrs Stormwater Sump Hydrology and Capacity Study.
BACKGROUND:
The City’s stormwater sump is located at the 700 Block of 15th Street between the American Martyrs School and next to the school gymnasium. It is found in a specific low-lying area, where stormwater runoff from around 50 acres of developed land is directed into the sump and seeps into the soil below, replenishing groundwater. Occasionally, during times of significant stormwater runoff, the sump has exceeded its capacity, spilling over into the neighboring school playground and building zones, raising concerns about possible damage.
In 1999, a hydrology study was conducted to calculate peak runoff flow and volume during three storm periods, aiming to determine flood extents. The hydrologic method identified the 50-year, 4-day storm as the primary consideration for design improvements, reducing flood damage risk. A report was then prepared presenting four remediation options. The study evaluated gravity systems, a pump station, and direct discharge to the ocean through an underground storm drain system. City Staff consulted with local regulatory agencies for feedback on the proposed new stormwater outlet across the beach. The California Coastal Commission, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, and California Regional Water Quality Control Board all expressed concerns over protecting marine life, water quality, stormwater treatment, environmental clearances and permits if water was not retained on-site. Due to these concerns and the fact that the existing sump was deemed to percolate reasonably well at the time, staff recommended to City Council on February 6, 2001, that no further action be taken regarding the American Martyrs Stormwater Sump.
In the event of huge rainstorms, water continues to exceed the sump's limits, gradually encroaching upon the nearby school playground and building zone areas, suggesting that the sump's capacity and/or infiltration rates may be inadequate. An update to the 1999 study would assess and document its current ability to fulfill its flood control responsibilities and evaluate the implications of increasingly intense storms in the future.
Both the School and City staff coordinate and conduct preventative mitigation during larger storm events, including sandbagging near building zone areas, mobilization of the City’s mobile pump trailer and hoses, and the sump is included on the City’s operations storm watch checklist. City staff have performed routine maintenance to clear the sump of overgrown landscaping and have scarified the existing soil to improve the infiltration during the recent storm events.
DISCUSSION:
The City issued a request for proposals (RFP) on November 26, 2025, for engineering services to update the American Martyrs Sump Hydrology and Capacity Report. The City received two proposals on December 18, 2025. City Staff ranked the firms and proposals as follows:
1. CWE
2. Mulholland Consulting, Inc
Cost proposals were $146,466.00 and $149,763.25, respectively.
The evaluation committee of City staff assessed the proposals based on specific selection criteria as follows:
• Demonstrated understanding of the requested scope of services;
• Consultant’s proposed personnel’s experience with comparable work;
• Identification of, and approach to, key challenges, efficient utilization of staff resources, and quality control;
• Staffing qualifications and experience (demonstrated technical ability) of key personnel and Sub-Consultants; and
• Consultant’s familiarity with local (sensitivity) conditions.
Following an assessment, interview, and favorable reference checks, City staff advises proceeding with an agreement with CWE to revise the American Martyrs Sump Hydrology and Capacity Report. CWE possesses approximately 20 years of experience in water resources, environmental engineering, project planning and design, as well as construction support. Their methodology and examples of previous work are thoroughly outlined in the proposals, illustrating the requirements of the proposed study. A significant portion of their assigned personnel also has decades of experience with similar projects and is well-versed in critical project issues. The proposed study plan encompasses the following tasks:
1. Project Management, Coordination, and Meetings
2. Existing Conditions and Site Analysis
2.1 Document Review
2.2 Field Investigation
2.3 Geotechnical Services
3. Develop Concept
4. Costs and Schedules
5. Final Report and Recommendations
Following the City’s meeting with CWE and in light of the findings from the 1999 study, CWE’s scope of work was narrowed to concentrate on examining the existing conditions before revisiting the various concepts outlined in the earlier report.
This cost reduction also took into account that the topographical, hydraulic, and hydrological standards for this region have not significantly changed since 1999. Consequently, an updated study will assess the current infiltration rate, its impacts, maintenance requirements, and one potential remediation concept.
Because of the reduced scope, the total fee schedule not-to-exceed cost was lowered from $146,466 to $99,996.
Upon the conclusion of the study, City staff would gain a current and more comprehensive understanding of the capacity of the American Martyrs Stormwater Sump. The results of the study would determine the subsequent actions and whether additional design services will be required in future capital improvement projects.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
City staff have been in contact with the American Martyrs School officials and have met on multiple occasions to discuss maintenance, studies, and long-term measures to assist in the operation of the sump.
The RFP for professional engineering services was advertised on the City's website and OpenGov, a public online bid notification portal. The project team will contact school staff to coordinate any foreseeable project impacts and will include notifications as appropriate.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The City has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 6 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15306, Information Collection, of the State CEQA Guidelines because the project consists of basic data collection and research in support of future design work for an anticipated CIP project.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Resolution No. 26-0016
2. Agreement - CWE
3. Location Map