FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
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PIPELINE UTILITY EASEMENT CLEAN UP IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, PROJECT NO. FE23-07
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
A. Receive and file Bid Tabulation and Recommendation for Pipeline Utility Easement Clean Up in Huntington Beach, Project No. FE23-07;
B. Award a Construction Contract to Metrocell Construction, Inc., for Pipeline Utility Easement Clean Up in Huntington Beach, Project No. FE23-07, for a total amount not to exceed $2,863,255; and
C. Approve a contingency of $286,326 (10%).
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) has a 66-inch diameter pipeline within a 30-foot-wide utility easement constructed in 1959, before the adjacent private properties were constructed. Private property encroachments have occurred across the sewer easement, including structures, sheds, pools, fencing, and landscaping behind 29 private properties.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Comply with California Public Contract Code Section 20103.8, award construction contract to lowest responsive, responsible bidder
• Commitment to safety and reducing risks in all operations
• Operate and maintain facilities to minimize impacts on surrounding communities, including odor, noise, and lighting
PROBLEM
Private property encroachments obstruct required access to sewer facilities, preventing OC San from conducting assessments, maintenance, and repairs. These access restrictions pose a significant risk, as urgent repairs may be delayed or prevented altogether, potentially impacting system reliability and public health.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Award a construction contract to restore critical access to the sewer main by removing encroachments on 13 private properties within OC San’s pipeline easement. Work will include demolishing landscaping and an existing wall, resurfacing easement areas, constructing block walls and a drainage swale, and installing access gates as needed to ensure long-term accessibility for OC San.
TIMING CONCERNS
OC San will continue to face difficulties accessing its sewer facilities and performing assessments, maintenance, and repairs.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Failure to restore access could result in significant service disruptions to the community if the pipeline were to fail, since OC San staff would not be able to respond promptly with necessary maintenance or repairs.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OC San advertised Project No. FE23-07 for bids on June 30, 2025, and three sealed bids were received on August 14, 2025. A summary of the bid opening follows:
|
Engineer’s Estimate |
$3,302,000 |
|
Bidder |
Amount of Bid |
|
Metrocell Construction, Inc. |
$2,863,255 |
|
MMC, Inc. |
$3,154,000 |
|
Lonerock, Inc. |
$4,531,250 |
The bids were evaluated in accordance with OC San’s policies and procedures. A notice was sent to all bidders on September 2, 2025, informing them of the intent to recommend awarding the Construction Contract to Metrocell Construction, Inc.
Staff recommends awarding a Construction Contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Metrocell Construction, Inc., for a total amount not to exceed $2,863,255.
CEQA
The project is exempt from CEQA under the Class 2 and 5 categorical exemptions set forth in the California Code of Regulations sections 15302 and 15305. A Notice of Exemption will be filed with the OC Clerk-Recorder and State Clearinghouse after OC San's Board of Directors approval of the Construction Contract.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This request complies with the authority levels of OC San’s Purchasing Ordinance. This item has been budgeted (Budget FY 2025-26, Page A-8, Small Construction Projects Program, Project No. M-FE) and the budget is sufficient for the recommended action.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Construction Contract
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