Council approves sewer main installation at Public Works yard; funding reallocation explained

The City of San Luis on Feb. 12 accepted a construction proposal from Yuma Valley Contractors, Inc., to install a new sewer main and services at the Public Works yard (identified by staff as Well Site No. 5) and to extend services to adjacent city-owned parcels to the south.

Jorge Perez, assistant director of public works, said the work supports a new well and filtration facility at Well Site No. 5 and that extending sewer service now will serve future development of the adjacent, city‑owned parcels. Perez said two bids were received and that the low bidder was Yuma Valley Contractors. He said the project was under the state public-bid threshold but exceeded the city's internal threshold that requires council approval, prompting the council action.

Vice Mayor raised a question about a proposed reallocation of $300,000 originally budgeted for the Escondido Lift Station relocation to fund the Cesar Chavez project; Perez said the lift station relocation would not be needed if the Cesar Chavez project does not move forward.

A councilmember moved to accept construction services from Yuma Valley Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $208,733.70, to waive formal purchasing procedures for reasons presented, and to approve the budget transfer as described in the fiscal impact section. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded nays.

Council direction and staff remarks indicated the sewer work is intended to support immediate public works operations at the yard and to provide infrastructure for future development on neighboring city parcels.

Sources: Presentation and remarks by Jorge Perez; council motion on Item 16.