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Council approves new OTS agreement and payment to contractor as staff discusses recruitment challenges
Summary
Council approved a new professional services agreement with Operational Technical Services (OTS) to provide chief plant operator services for the wastewater treatment plant and authorized payment of about $66,200 in underbilled amounts; public commenters criticized years of contractor spending and urged more aggressive permanent hiring and regional staffing solutions.
The council approved staff—s recommendation to enter a new professional services agreement with Operational Technical Services (OTS) for chief plant operator services at the wastewater treatment plant and to pay an identified underbilling of about $66,200.
Assistant City Manager Joe Leach explained the prior agreement was outdated, described long-running recruitment challenges for the permanent chief-plant-operator position, and said OTS discovered an hourly-rate underbilling that staff recommends rectifying. The staff report enumerated seven amendments to wastewater-related OTS contracts totaling in the neighborhood of $1.5 million since 2021.
Public commenters voiced frustration at the cumulative cost of contracting. One resident estimated the city had spent $2—$3 million above the cost of hiring a permanent employee since 2021 and urged higher salaries or stipends and housing incentives to attract certified operators. Another commenter suggested regional partnerships (Napa, Calistoga) to share certified personnel.
Staff said the city has been aggressive in recruitment, including salary adjustments, signing bonuses and exploring staff housing near the treatment plant; current staffing includes two full-time city staff at the wastewater plant and one OTS staff under contract. Council approved the staff recommendation to enter the new agreement and pay the underbilled amount.
Ending: Council asked staff to continue recruitment efforts, explore regional staffing partnerships, and return with updates on progress and alternatives to the contract."
