[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6598315,"mediaKeyId","3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a","parentId",3043194,"title","Board recommends FY 2025–26 water, wastewater and stormwater budgets to City Council","audioSeconds",1333,"startMs",3077000,"endMs",4410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a&start=3077&end=4410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a/thumbnail_3077000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598315/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Board-recommends-FY-202526-water-wastewater-and-stormwater-budgets-to-City-Council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598315-fc3b3921b7e8963e3042785cef86e36f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145811&Signature=W73UusmQPikiPBSOCRV2UG8t9Xdv~G9PM88uwjpb2IdZ7LkRtKA8MAtRFD6dUaS0IT9LxSd~pUFvyL7A8ARMK4USHdce5CvCpr3knBN50X2j6plDy~pyFlvRk5UOlkQRQq-w2qDJyC-poFKf3VJQ4FJlwAXOJEa6DZKC2XFZ106JCcopHjYF5KVFoTPFI4tgBFAFuWN-lN2TyJBwcYgHrs-8YC9ftr5JYiL2Dkz26IF0lw~CT7OJDu3Csw~h-040QSC-uZWVTvpLedT~G2eBnVOfOk0vncYtea0oF7blgtB84FwjEunEwo9lpr6bVuoao3JjabxpHalS61X~PHINRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Santa Rosa, CA","date","2025-04-17T21:46:37.18Z","article","The Board of Public Utilities unanimously recommended that City Council approve the City of Santa Rosa’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 operations, maintenance and capital appropriation requests for the Water Fund, Local Wastewater Fund and Stormwater & Creeks Fund.

Deputy Director Nick Harvey told the board the proposed budgets reflect assumptions used during the rate‑setting process, including a Sonoma Water wholesale price increase of 8.68 percent and a budgeting assumption of 9 percent for salary increases to reflect upcoming MOU adjustments and class and compensation study outcomes. Staff budgeted water purchases at approximately $21,600,000 for the coming fiscal year — about $1.9 million higher than the current year — driven by the wholesale rate increase and modest demand growth.

Harvey summarized that the water fund is budgeted with an operating deficit of about $5,100,000 for 2025–26 in line with rate‑setting financial planning, and the local wastewater fund is budgeted with a deficit of about $6,900,000; both figures reflect planned capital investment and previously modeled financial strategies. Staff said the proposed budgets restore planned CIP appropriations after multiyear reductions: staff presented cash‑funded CIP plans that include investments in water mains and services, groundwater, pump stations and reservoirs for the water fund and investments in sewer mains, trunks and lift stations for the wastewater fund.

Key lines mentioned by staff include a proposed water purchase budget of roughly $21.6 million; major O&M increases attributable to utilities, billing services and citywide overhead allocations; and sewer operating increases largely driven by insurance and utility costs and pump warranty expirations at some facilities. Stormwater and Creeks operations were presented with a modest 1% O&M increase, with master planning and targeted storm drain/creek investments included in the capital program.

Board Member Mullen urged staff to explore creating a drought contingency reserve over the five‑year planning horizon so the utility can avoid asking ratepayers for further emergency revenue if usage falls during drought periods. Deputy Director Harvey noted the rate‑setting work included planned increases to catastrophic reserves that would provide additional flexibility, and staff said they would continue to examine reserve policies and the timing of any required reimbursements.

The board’s motion to recommend the budgets to city council was moved by Board Member Wright and seconded by Board Member Mullen. The roll call vote was unanimous among present members: Wright (Aye), Mullen (Aye), Bartholow (Aye), Bedingford (Aye), Vice Chair Arononi (Aye), Chair Galvin (Aye). Board Member DeWitt was absent.

The proposed budgets will be reviewed at City Council study sessions and are scheduled for adoption hearings in June as part of the city’s budget calendar.

No public comments were made during the board’s review of the budgets.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Santa Rosa Board of Public Utilities April 17th 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of Public Utilities recommended the city’s proposed FY 2025–26 water, local wastewater and stormwater budgets to City Council, citing an 8.68% Sonoma Water wholesale rate increase and planned salary costs among the key assumptions.","taxTitle","Santa Rosa City, Sonoma County, California","taxId",3913,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598320,"Santa Rosa staff: Lake Pillsbury storage reduced after PG&E gate limits; recycled water production steady",631,291000,922000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a&start=291&end=922","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a/thumbnail_291000.jpg","/articles/6598320/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-staff-Lake-Pillsbury-storage-reduced-after-PGE-gate-limits-recycled-water-production-steady","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598320-5e7bf1ec6f24d827ae19bd0a7ee1c7ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145811&Signature=Y7Qt-vPuA-UjKKm9lkN-Ug~WHd~-cv0rI7opnC0zFvkbXjDIuhYsZyzJ9Rwn0SEIyqUhImF1jLQbMEZUDLMwTO6KvJFV18InJX0-kWvpYBrkdbl0vQzxjIWH0zoZgHZ6av0aP-VYDD-sxKKqZ2ktV0U2PKpTDsx-e2AOtlDb0x8B98dyC1oXDzB3cZpakygYhI32HCEYfiSezQqUAuz-1-kUFf-7Vma7mAOB569DN1RADVWKqGlScNXtoesJ0x3gaHovyQDeGjr2RMFW0TIlgF5coourWpBcC-ZjPmcLMGTrZmaU43~ygdnG4F3fI88k46Xp7k8m8G9KUAf0AdZs-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City water staff told the Board of Public Utilities that operations upstream of the Russian River are changing after PG&E lost the ability to operate slide gates at Lake Pillsbury, a condition that reduces that reservoir’s effective storage and is prompting requests to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for temporary and potentially longer‑term variances.

Peter Martin, deputy director for water resources, said Lake Pillsbury was about 57,000 acre‑feet as of the presentation and that PG&E can no longer operate gate equipment that allowed storing an additional roughly 20,000 acre‑feet in spring and summer. Martin said that loss represents approximately 25% of the reservoir’s total storage and that PG&E filed for a variance from required minimum streamflows under its FERC license in February. That variance request would allow reductions of minimum flows in the project’s east branch of the Russian River from roughly 75 cubic feet per second (cfs) down to as low as 25 cfs, depending on hydrologic scenarios and temperature concerns for the Eel River.

Martin said Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma were currently holding more water; he reported Lake Sonoma at about 265,000 acre‑feet with an additional 19,000 acre‑feet stored under a minor deviation and said Lake Mendocino storage was increasing toward the forecast pool operations. He also told the board that Sonoma Water filed a temporary change petition on April 10 to apply its hydrologic index to Lake Mendocino rather than cumulative inflows from Lake Pillsbury and to align minimum instream flows with the 2008 biological opinion for salmonid protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Andrew Romero, reclamation superintendent, briefed the board on recycled water. He said the plant had produced more than the historical average during the current water year but that flows were decreasing with warmer weather and that the plant was producing around 20,000,000 gallons per day. Romero said recycled water storage was just above 1.1 billion gallons and staff expected to be closer to 1.2 billion gallons by May 1. With current storage and plant flows, Romero said staff expected to meet all contractual obligations and were preparing for the urban and agricultural irrigation season.

Martin also highlighted local groundwater outreach and monitoring programs the groundwater sustainability agencies are implementing. He described the Flow Smart program — a free voluntary groundwater flow monitoring meter program for well owners funded by grants — a multi‑year voluntary well monitoring program (referred to in the presentation as the “lehi up program”) that obtains spring and fall measurements and coordinates with agricultural groups, and a new Well Aware grant program offering tools and resources to help well owners use groundwater more efficiently. Martin noted that data from these programs remains aggregated and anonymous to address well‑owner concerns and that public outreach materials and infographics are available at SantaRosaPlainGroundwater.org.

Board Member Mullen commented that losing a quarter of Pillsbury’s storage was significant for downstream supply reliability and asked whether this is the new normal as facilities are decommissioned and reconfigured. Martin answered that PG&E discovered the storage limitation in 2022 and has been operating under a one‑year variance while pursuing longer‑term measures with FERC; he noted discussions with the Russian River Flood Protection and Watershed groups and that the Russian River area authorities are evaluating pumped diversion options and other long‑term strategies if the Pillsbury storage remains constrained.

There were no formal board actions tied to this briefing. The presentation served as an informational update on regional storage dynamics, state and federal filings affecting minimum flows, recycled water production and storage, and new local groundwater monitoring and outreach programs.","City staff told the Board of Public Utilities that PG&E’s inability to operate slide gates at Lake Pillsbury reduced available storage by roughly 20,000 acre‑feet (about 25%), prompting variance requests to FERC that could lower minimum Russian River flows this spring and summer.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598325,"Santa Rosa Board approves Llano Trunk rehabilitation GMP, construction management contract",1074,1705000,2779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a&start=1705&end=2779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a/thumbnail_1705000.jpg","/articles/6598325/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-Board-approves-Llano-Trunk-rehabilitation-GMP-construction-management-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598325-c24b664840552cd288e8d7398672b1b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145811&Signature=Gujh6Kablek2hfyd-IcI-sT-wUWpwYtXbA7Pvg9~FZ~34TzphAUSAUq~R~1kumJNRQMGoVsJkjT2q8r8ETPw8ryGtYqcZdVaCWrkO4GBGGQAZJLcukJLESIegtNM2qHThVR0glZmFmS0w2CHvJ8lxQmYyGz~3z0gh97f7lMHOhz-gTsRkw9Laro3vTSytNWCz076n-HkU~DD6bGrQhnyBEUuCRufFaYModE3Ovbz7mbaRLvWSP3QXztvnBsNWey5tLI061Bh2m1W5WZ8j3AOgxUbkep0iKQo9K8IWoHRoadtD1OYppYnNPhAWSUR~C2YFK-7Xd4Jc2Vrg0Xz0zigBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Santa Rosa’s Board of Public Utilities on April 17 approved a progressive design‑build guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and related construction management and engineering services for the Llano Trunk Rehabilitation Phase 1 project.

The board voted unanimously, with Board Member DeWitt absent, to incorporate a $14,705,413.09 GMP for construction services with SAK Construction LLC, approve a 15% contingency for that GMP, and authorize engineering‑during‑construction services not to exceed $711,036.70. The board also approved a project work order with Coastal Civil Engineering for construction management and inspection services in an amount not to exceed $628,202.

The project will rehabilitate approximately 8,100 linear feet of 66‑inch trunk sewer that conveys roughly two‑thirds of the city’s wastewater between the Laguna Treatment Plant and north of the Lawn o/Todd Road intersection. Staff recommended cured‑in‑place pipelining (CIPP) as the trenchless rehabilitation method to limit excavation in areas with high groundwater and environmental constraints. The board heard staff explain bypass pumping needs, a temporary on‑site wet‑out facility for the large liner, and a June 15–Oct. 15 construction window tied to permit conditions.

City staff described the progressive design‑build delivery as advantageous for this complex job because it lets the contractor collaborate on constructability, refine work limits, and specify long‑lead equipment before construction. Under the agreement approved today, the design‑builder completed approximately 75% design and proposed a GMP. City staff and an independent auditor reviewed and negotiated that cost; staff said the auditor recommended acceptance after the design‑builder reduced its original proposal by roughly $500,000.

Rachelle Amayeda, associate civil engineer and the project presenter, told the board the liner is structural with an estimated service life of about 50 years and that portions of the existing reinforced concrete host pipe show exposed rebar. She said bypass pumping will discharge to the Laguna Treatment Plant’s emergency holding basin and that, per permit requirements, construction is limited to the June–October window. Amayeda also noted typical contingencies that would remain the city’s responsibility, including augmenting bypass pumping in the event of an extreme rain event or paying for unforeseen field conditions such as an unexpectedly high groundwater table.

The approved contract change order packages consist of three parts: (1) the engineering services during construction (not to exceed $711,036.70); (2) the GMP for construction ($14,705,413.09); and (3) a 15% GMP contingency yielding a total not‑to‑exceed construction amount of $17,622,261.75. Separately approved was the project work order for construction management and inspection services with Coastal Civil Engineering ($628,202).

Board members asked technical and contract questions before the vote. Board Member Wright asked about the resin supply for the liner and whether tariffs or supply chain issues might affect the schedule; staff said the resin source is currently Texas and no tariff impacts were reported by the contractor at this time. Wright also asked about liquidated damages and staff confirmed the existing contract includes liquidated damages if construction exceeds the contract time. When asked what would happen if outstanding permits or tasks were not finished by the target date, staff said the notice to proceed would not be issued, the GMP would be removed from the contract, and the city could either renegotiate the GMP or revert to preparing construction‑ready documents for a traditional bid process.

The board’s action allows staff to proceed with final design and procurement steps with the intent of starting construction in 2025 if outstanding permit conditions are met. If those items are not complete by the May 31 deadline in the change order language, the GMP will be removed and the city will not proceed with construction this year, staff said.

The project team emphasized that the Llano Trunk segment is the highest priority for rehabilitation because of the pipe’s condition and its role conveying the majority of the city’s wastewater. Staff said the progressive design‑build approach shifts some design risk to the design‑builder and can accelerate schedule and coordination for permits and work limits.

Implementation details and next steps include finishing the design, securing remaining permits by mid‑May where feasible, issuing the notice to proceed if all conditions are satisfied by May 31, and proceeding to construction within the June 15–Oct. 15 work window. If construction is delayed into 2026, staff said contracts with the selected consulting firm will be amended to reflect the later schedule and fees.

Votes at a glance: the motion to approve the change order and the project work order was moved by Vice Chair Arononi and seconded by Board Member Wright; the roll call was: Wright (Aye), Mullen (Aye), Bartholow (Aye), Bedingford (Aye), Vice Chair Arononi (Aye), Chair Galvin (Aye). Board Member DeWitt was absent.

Project proponents and staff said they will return to the board with construction progress and post‑construction debriefs once work is complete.","The Board of Public Utilities approved a progressive design‑build guaranteed maximum price and construction management contract for the Llano Trunk Rehabilitation Phase 1 project, authorizing a construction GMP of $14.705 million plus a 15% contingency and engineering and inspection contracts to support construction.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598310,"Santa Rosa Water invites public to April 26 Earth Day festival in Courthouse Square",189,1296000,1485000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a&start=1296&end=1485","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3043194-57474d48d1515fc0b5f38503c0afe94a/thumbnail_1296000.jpg","/articles/6598310/Santa-Rosa-City/Sonoma-County/California/Santa-Rosa-Water-invites-public-to-April-26-Earth-Day-festival-in-Courthouse-Square","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598310-b17d327e16e8b1e3f55d99e7d536fcb3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145811&Signature=UgTNOlQyyElhRnFo88pgCW4MW8g56klXaZyvEQPZzyZA5hgSd7NNqn-4dgwR0sfLCU3CbfIx8UgTLNxFlXooB~dzISTdUoZUf6tYMfAjSt446g9OwR4SjzKBwelfKTtZXRLiLo7mwnfQVby9POkZyO9u4fVrVxOJixS9jsmofvYQejKi4I4z2oyeq9J2YHeahuL97iIHPXKelluAyE5q9dJk55xLd5kHjBF1xWsWw7pA8ujuSnnudDPZXwUsfcGqVMNYCHpEtGZh2LdrPMuoq1FYQK41Tt4BqD~izX0nM9wVMxg1X-CBsaHkE59Gw92cwPg0ob3E39WwXZ-0mIkIfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Santa Rosa Water staff invited the Board of Public Utilities and the public to the department’s Earth Day festival on Saturday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. in Courthouse Square.

Alicia Kulichi, research and program coordinator with the Energy and Sustainability team, said the free family event will include live performances (pomo dancers, taiko drummers, ballet folklórico), educational exhibits such as Classroom Safari, a hydration station offering cold tap water, free bike parking courtesy of Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, and fare‑free service on Santa Rosa CityBus, Petaluma Transit and Sonoma County Transit for event attendees. The event will also feature temporary public art installations in the square, a beer and wine tent hosted by Latino service providers and children’s activities coordinated with Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks.

Kulichi invited board members and volunteers and provided a web link for more information and volunteer sign‑up. There was no public comment on the item and no board action required; the item was informational.","Santa Rosa Water staff invited the board and public to the department’s Earth Day festival on April 26, which will feature performances, environmental exhibits, free transit and bike parking, art installations and community booths.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board recommends FY 2025–26 water, wastewater and stormwater budgets to City Council

Santa Rosa staff: Lake Pillsbury storage reduced after PG&E gate limits; recycled water production steady

Santa Rosa Board approves Llano Trunk rehabilitation GMP, construction management contract

Santa Rosa Water invites public to April 26 Earth Day festival in Courthouse Square