Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicholas J. Calderon, Parks Director
Subject: Agreement with Bracewell Engineering, Inc. for the operation and maintenance of the Memorial County Park Wastewater Treatment System
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute an agreement with Bracewell Engineering, Inc. for the operation and maintenance of the Memorial County Park Wastewater Treatment System, for the term of August 12, 2025, through August 11, 2028, and in an amount not to exceed $618,623.
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BACKGROUND:
In 1924, the County of San Mateo opened its first park-Memorial County Park (“Memorial Park”). Situated among the redwood trees in unincorporated Loma Mar, Memorial Park serves as the primary campground for the San Mateo County park system. The park has nearly 150 campsites, including family, youth group, dog-friendly, and large group sites, and also provides a visitor center, an amphitheater, day use picnic areas, and nearly seven miles of hiking trails. During peak season, Memorial Park can serve up to 2,000 visitors per day, putting substantial demand on its infrastructure.
Visitors to Memorial Park have access to a number of restroom and shower buildings that are located throughout the campground and day use areas. Wastewater produced at these facilities is treated by the park’s on-site Wastewater Treatment System, comprised of: the Wastewater Treatment Plant that supports the main campground and day use areas; a septic system that supports the Homestead Youth Campground, the Loma Mar Fire Station, and a ranger residence on the western side of the park; the approximately 9,650 linear foot wastewater collection system; and 56 manholes.
State regulators require that operators of domestic wastewater treatment systems be fully licensed and insured. The Parks Department (“Department”) does not employ staff that meet these qualifications, and therefore, is required to contract with a qualified individual or entity to ensure system operations comply with State regulations.
DISCUSSION:
On April 4, 2025, the Department released a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) seeking a qualified and fully licensed and insured contractor to operate and maintain the Memorial Park Wastewater Treatment System. The Department received two proposals in response to the RFP, which were reviewed and evaluated by Department staff. The Department complied with the contractor selection procedures from the County of San Mateo’s Administrative Memorandum B-1 and Contract Handbook when evaluating and selecting a vendor.
From the proposals received, Bracewell Engineering, Inc. (“Bracewell”)-the current operator of the Memorial Park Wastewater Treatment System-provided the most competitive pricing and is able to meet the Department’s operational and emergency response time requirements. The Department thus recommends that Bracewell be retained to provide the required operation and maintenance services for the Memorial Park Wastewater Treatment System. The proposed agreement is for the term of August 12, 2025 through August 11, 2028, and in an amount not to exceed $618,623.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing further amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Proper operation of the Memorial Park Wastewater Treatment System ensures compliance with state regulations, reliable support for restroom and shower facilities used by thousands of visitors, and the continued operation of critical infrastructure.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The agreement with Bracewell Engineering, Inc. is for an amount not to exceed $618,623. Sufficient appropriations for the agreement are included in the Parks Department’s FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget and will be included in future budgets. There is no Net County Cost associated with approving the recommendation.