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Council approves budget amendment for wastewater outfall biological survey, hires local biologist
Summary
Crescent City approved a budget amendment and contract of about $15,000 for a biological survey required by the city’s NPDES wastewater discharge permit; staff said spring and fall surveys are required and the previous consultant is no longer available.
The Crescent City City Council adopted a budget amendment on Tuesday to fund a required biological survey of the wastewater treatment plant outfall area, contracting with a local biologist for work already started this spring.
The council approved Resolution No. 2025‑21 amending the fiscal year 2024‑25 budget to authorize approximately $15,000 for the biological survey and related contingency. The resolution passed unanimously on a voice vote: Council member Dooley, yes; Council member Tinkler, yes; Mayor Pro Tem Wright, yes.
Staff explained the survey is a stipulation in the city's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which regulates discharge from the wastewater treatment plant into the Pacific Ocean. The study compares marine conditions immediately adjacent to the outfall with a nearby reference site to determine whether there are biological impacts associated with the outfall. The survey requires seasonal work: staff reported the spring survey was completed recently and a follow‑up survey will be conducted in the fall.
The consultant identified in the staff report is Frank Galia, a local biologist. Staff said the previously used consultant no longer performs the work and the city sought a new qualified contractor. The contract amount presented — approximately $15,000 — was described by staff as within the city manager’s approval but requiring a budget amendment to proceed.
Staff and a member of the public discussed procurement thresholds. The public commenter suggested a competitive bid because the project exceeds certain small‑purchase thresholds; staff replied the city’s current procurement ordinance sets a $25,000 threshold for formal bidding and that staff solicited options before selecting the consultant. Staff also noted the city’s municipal code (Title 14) outlines procurement steps and that prior capital plans had budgeted higher amounts for the study.
Council adopted the budget amendment to allow staff to proceed with the survey work and contract execution.
