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Santa Rosa board approves $1.35 million PSA with CDM Smith to update regional water reuse master plan
Summary
The Board of Public Utilities unanimously approved a professional services agreement with CDM Smith to update the regional water reuse system master plan, a 12‑month effort with consultant fees proposed not to exceed $1,348,313; board members asked staff to ensure the update is informed by the city’s water supply planning and to consider agricultural priorities.
The Santa Rosa Board of Public Utilities unanimously approved a professional services agreement (PSA) with CDM Smith on Nov. 20 to update the regional water reuse system master plan, with a not-to-exceed amount of $1,348,313.
Tanya Mokwitz, water reuse engineer at Laguna Treatment Plant, told the board the plant is aging, serves roughly 240,000 people, and that evolving regulatory demands and infrastructure degradation require a comprehensive master plan. She described a six-step workplan, a 12‑month schedule leveraging prior studies and staff knowledge, and a proposed fee the presentation described as approximately $1,300,000 and later as a PSA not to exceed $1,348,313. Mokwitz said the city issued an RFP that ultimately produced only one proposal from CDM Smith after a bidding deadline extension, and staff selected CDM Smith based on specialized experience and familiarity with regional system issues.
Board member Mullen asked how the wastewater master plan update would integrate with the recently completed water supply alternatives plan and whether the two processes could be combined or better coordinated. Mullen said the water supply analysis addressed options such as Lake Ralphine but did not explore a broader set of regional storage or joint-use opportunities, and he urged greater emphasis on coordinated planning. Director Burke replied that the documents will "remain separate" but staff would use the water supply analysis to inform the master plan and look for capital projects that could facilitate long-range water-supply objectives.
Board member DeWitt urged staff to look at agricultural alternatives and to consider prioritizing ag users when identifying projects, citing river supply concerns. Board member Nutt expressed support for a focused operational master plan to ensure continuity of treatment plant operations and to develop a long-term capital improvement program.
The board motion to approve the PSA passed on a unanimous roll call. If approved by the board, staff said it will execute the PSA, onboard CDM Smith and proceed to complete the master plan within the stated 12‑month timeframe.
