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| Subject |
| Approve amendment to the 2021-22 Authorized Equipment List allowing the purchase of water meters and satellite irrigation controllers for the Wild Wings County Service Area. (No general fund impact) (Echiburu/Villa) |
| Recommended Action |
| Approve amendment to the FY 2021-2022 Authorized Equipment List allowing the purchase of water meters and satellite irrigation controllers for the Wild Wings County Service Area. |
| Strategic Plan Goal(s) |
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Thriving Residents |
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| Reason for Recommended Action/Background |
The Wild Wings golf course irrigation system is utilizing Rainbird satellite controllers. The current system at Wild Wings is the original hardware installed when the development was built in 2005 with a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years. The system has been malfunctioning for a few years due to the following: disintegrated wires, obsolete mother boards that are no longer supported, and the enclosures of the control boxes are not waterproof. Therefore, elements have corroded the system. The malfunctions cause the controllers to operate sporadically, resulting in a loss of water. The proposed satellite controllers replacement is the latest model of Rainbird controllers that feature a robust motherboard with a weather and rodent proof container.
As the Wild Wings community was being developed, in 2004-2005, the developer installed water meters on each parcel to monitor water use. The current meters have a life expectancy of 15 years. The accuracy of the installed meters is directly affected by water flow and years in service. Therefore, the reliability decreases over time. Many of these meters were submerged in water due to the location of placement which has further increased the degradation. The accuracy of meter readings is vital as it is the direct determinant in water fees.The water meter proposal is for an ultrasonic system that has leak detection and is designed to be operational when submerged which will not affect the meter performance.
At the June 8, 2021 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved the purchase of column pipe for the Pintail well, resulting in a lowered pump. This replacement was anticipated to aid the community temporarily, to provide water through the summer months. County staff have worked with Luhdorff and Scalamini Engineering for long term options. The recommendation is the replacement of the existing pump with a submersible pump due to a slight deviation in the well drilling. This replacement would extend the pump to a maximum depth of 1072 feet.
Due to the limited availability of water in 2021, residential water usage was prioritized over golf course irrigation, since both utilize the same water source. This prompted County staff to seek other water sources for the golf course. In July 27, 2021 the Board approved the rental of a pump and pipe to transport water for irrigation purposes. At that time, purchase of the aluminum piping was unavailable due to supply chain challenges and an increased demand. The purchase of 10 inch aluminum pipe and a portable pump would eliminate the need for rental in future years.
Drought conditions are anticipated to continue through 2022. Staff continues to evaluate the preservation of water resources and therefore recommends the addition of the satellite controllers, water meters, aluminum piping and submersible pump to the fixed asset list to continue water conservation efforts in the Wild Wings community. |
| Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies) |
| Kemper Sports, Luhdorff and Scalmaini Engineers and Specialized Utility Service Providers (SUSP) recommended the purchases to accurately control and report water usage. Wild Wings County Service Area advisory committee received an update from County staff on the need of these items and approved a motion to proceed with the procurement of the assets. Department of Financial Services, Procurement assisted in the development and management of the formal bid and or purchase order. Grant money from State of California, Department of Drinking Water Resources will be utilized for the water metering system and the submersible pump. Wild Wings Water fund will be utilized for the aluminum piping and satellite controllers. |
| Competitive Bid Process |
| The competitive bid process is currently receiving bids and is set to close on January 4, 2022. |
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| Fiscal Impact |
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| Source of Funds for this Expenditure |
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Explanation (Expenditure and/or Revenue) |
| Further explanation as needed: |
| No budget appropriation needed as items were included in the budget at adopted budget. |
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