Title
Resolution to Approve Amendment No. 3 to Extend the Professional Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants of Michigan, Inc. for Hydroelectric Dams - FERC Title 18 Part 12, Subpart D (Part 12D) Inspections and Other Engineering Services in the Amount of $100,000.00 (Total Contract Amount $440,700.00)
Memorandum
This memorandum and resolution requests approval of Amendment No. 3 to the professional services agreement for professional engineering services with Geosyntec Consultants of Michigan, Inc (Geosyntec) in the amount of $100,000.00. Council approved a professional services agreement for $100,000.00 with Geosyntec in December 2022 as part of Resolution R-22-333, Amendment No. 1 in September 2023 as part of Resolution R-23-342 for $115,700.00, and Amendment No. 2 in June 2024 as part of Resolution R-24-190 for $125,000.00.
The Superior Dam, including the concrete spillway section and powerhouse, is critical city infrastructure. The dam is experiencing some significant concrete deterioration, which has been identified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in their last annual safety inspection. FERC is the federal regulator for Superior Dam and the City is required to satisfy FERC requests in order to maintain licensure.
The City is seeking to amend the professional services agreement with Geosyntec to accommodate additional professional engineering service needs that have arisen since the start of Geosyntec’s work. Throughout various meetings held as part of the original project scope, FERC requested additional engineering efforts, including the development of a concrete repair plan for the spillway and powerhouse at Superior Dam that was not in Geosyntec’s original scope. Field investigations are required to make condition assessments to identify critical elements of the concrete structure in need of repair to address potential failure modes and maintain overall stability. The project will include structural analyses, recommendations and prioritization of future repair work.
Geosyntec is currently completing the same scope of work at Barton Dam, conducted under Amendment No. 2. Work is nearly complete and FERC now requires the same analysis to be performed at Superior Dam. Based upon the project needs and direction from FERC, it is recommended that City Council approve Amendment No. 3 to the professional services agreement with Geosyntec, to provide additional Professional Engineering Services for the remaining life of the contract.
Geosyntec complies with the requirements of the City’s Conflict of Interest, Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinance.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: These engineering services are to be funded by the approved FY26 General Fund Capital Budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Glen Wiczorek, P.E., WTSU Senior Utilities Engineer
Reviewed by: Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Superior Dam concrete spillway and powerhouse are exhibiting significant concrete deterioration in various areas;
Whereas, Additional professional engineering services are necessary to prepare a concrete repair plan and perform concrete condition assessment, analyses, recommendations and prioritization of future repairs;
Whereas, The work is required by FERC to maintain the stability and safety of the facility;
Whereas, The Water Treatment Services Unit is seeking to amend the professional engineering services Professional Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants of Michigan, Inc. due to unanticipated additional project requirements from FERC;
Whereas, Additional funds are necessary to complete the concrete repair plan, conditional assessment, analyses, recommendations and prioritization;
Whereas, Funding is available in the approved FY26 General Fund Capital Budget; and
Whereas, Geosyntec Consultants of Michigan, Inc. complies with the requirements of the City’s Conflict of Interest, Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
RESOLVED, That City Council approve Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants of Michigan, Inc in the amount of $100,000.00 for Hydroelectric Dams - FERC Title 18 Part 12, Subpart D (Part 12D) Inspections and Other Engineering Services;
RESOLVED, That a contingency in the amount of $10,000.00 is approved to finance amendments to the contract with Geosyntec to be approved by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That the funds be available for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution including execution of any authorized changes or amendments that do not exceed the contingency amount.