Title
Resolution to Approve Amendment No. 4 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 $556,000.00 (Total Contract Amount $996,700.00)
Memorandum
This memorandum and resolution requests approval of Amendment No. 4 to the professional services agreement for professional engineering services with Geosyntec Consultants of Michigan, Inc (Geosyntec) in the amount of $556,000.00. 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, Amendment No. 2 in June 2024 as part of Resolution R-24-190 for $125,000.00, and Amendment No. 3 in June 2025 as part of Resolution R-25-195 for $100,000.00.
The Barton and Superior Dams, including the associated concrete spillway sections and powerhouses, are critical city infrastructure. The dams are experiencing significant concrete deterioration, which has been identified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in their last annual safety inspection and the Part 12 inspections. FERC is the federal regulator for Barton and Superior Dams and the City is required to satisfy FERC requests in order to maintain licensure.
Throughout various meetings held as part of the original project scope with Geosyntec, FERC requested additional engineering efforts, including the development of a concrete repair plan and detailed design for the repairs at the Barton and Superior spillway and powerhouse. As part of Amendment Nos. 2 and 3, Geosyntec has completed the field investigations and condition assessments to identify critical elements of the concrete structure in need of repair to address potential failure modes and maintain overall stability. Also as part of Amendment Nos. 2 and 3, Geosyntec has completed the structural analyses, reports and recommendations, and prioritization of repair work at Barton and Superior Dams.
The City is seeking to amend the professional services agreement with Geosyntec to perform the detailed design of concrete repairs that are recommended as a result of the Barton and Superior condition assessment reports. With the structural models already prepared and the field investigations already completed, Geosyntec is positioned to most seamlessly and efficiently complete the detailed design phase of recommended repairs. Based upon the project needs and direction from FERC, it is recommended that City Council approve Amendment No. 4 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 professional engineering services are to be funded by the FY27 General Fund Capital Budget and the FY27 Water Fund Capital Budget, if so approved by Council. The proposed cost is divided as follows:
- $356,000 Barton Dam (50% General Fund, 50% Water Fund)
- $250,000 Superior Dam (100% General Fund)
- $556,000 Total Amendment No. 4
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 Barton and Superior Dam concrete spillways and powerhouses are exhibiting significant concrete deterioration in various areas;
Whereas, Additional professional engineering services are necessary to perform detailed design of recommended concrete repairs;
Whereas, The work is required by FERC to maintain the stability and safety of the facility;
Whereas, Geosyntec has previously completed the field inspections, condition assessments, preliminary structural models and prioritizations at the Barton and Superior Dams;
Whereas, The Water Treatment Services Unit is seeking to amend the professional engineering services Professional Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants of Michigan, Inc. to advance the project to the design phase and meet requirements from FERC;
Whereas, Additional funds are necessary to complete the detailed design of concrete repairs;
Whereas, The project will be funded by the FY27 General Fund Capital Budget the FY27 Water Fund Capital Budget, if so approved by Council; 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. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement with Geosyntec Consultants of Michigan, Inc in the amount of $556,000.00 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 $55,000.00 is approved to finance amendments to the contract with Geosyntec to be approved by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute Amendment No. 4 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.