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SFPUC updates on WSIP projects and third‑quarter finances; bids come in under estimates
Summary
SFPUC reported several WSIP bids lower than engineer estimates (Vista pump station low bid $2.77M vs $3.43M estimate; Alameda Siphon low bid $30.98M vs $41.4M estimate), a rebid for Roselle Crossover after no bids, tunnel progress at Crystal Springs, and third‑quarter enterprise revenue gains and reserve projections.
At its May 12 meeting the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission received updates on the Water System Improvement Program (WSIP) and third‑quarter financials for enterprise operations.
WSIP director (identified in the transcript as Julie LaVonte) reported several bidding results and construction milestones. For the Vista pump station the engineer’s estimate was $3,430,000 and the low bid received was $2,770,000; for the Alameda Siphon Upgrade the engineer’s estimate was $41,400,000 and the low bid was $30,980,000. A small Roselle Crossover Project (approximately $3,000,000) received no bids and will be rebid with added outreach. Construction on the Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel is progressing (south shaft excavation approximately one‑fifth complete with favorable ground conditions). The Harry Tracy short‑term improvements are on schedule and a groundbreaking event for the Tesla treatment facility is planned with mayoral and county attendance.
Julie LaVonte said staff is re‑evaluating how engineer estimates are prepared and will present updated estimating guidance in the next quarterly report; she said the authority is working with cost consultants to improve forecast accuracy. She also described that while some large projects (Harry Tracy, Calaveras) face overruns, other projects show savings and the net position has improved.
Todd Reedstrom, assistant general manager and CFO, presented financial results: modest increases in revenues—about $4.4 million at the Water Enterprise from higher consumption and wholesale adjustments, about $700,000 for the Wastewater Enterprise, and about $300,000 for Hetch Hetchy Water and Power. He said projected year‑end Water Enterprise reserves are roughly $35 million. Reedstrom noted higher overtime and temporary staffing in wastewater but overall personnel savings projected due to vacancies and hiring lags.
Commissioner questions focused on differences between engineer estimates and actual bids, reserve and fund‑balance accounting, and oversight of seismic design via a Seismic Safety Task Force that reviews WSIP projects. Staff said they will present revised estimating methods and continue to track project‑level variances in quarterly reports.
What the commission did: Heard reports; no specific action on these items at this meeting. Staff said several contract approvals will return for commission action at upcoming meetings.
