AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: GABINO LUNA
ACTING PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JOHN KENNEDY DBA ALASKA WATER PRODUCTS, INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY WATER CHIEF DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR SERVICES
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Summary:
The 2023-2028 City of Signal Hill Strategic Plan identifies the continued maintenance and support of the City’s water system and infrastructure, including addressing staff retention and expansion to meet water-related emergency needs, improve response time, and comply with state mandates. The City’s Water Division requires continuous oversight from a certified Chief Distribution Operator as mandated by Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, which requires every water purveyor to designate a Chief Water Operator responsible for the safe operation, treatment, and distribution of potable water. Recent unexpected staff turnover created an immediate need for consultant support services to meet the required D4 certification for the water Division. At the same time, the Public Works Department, in coordination with the Human Resources Department, continues to publish competitive, thorough advertisements for the vacant positions.
Following emergency procurement procedures under Signal Hill Municipal Code Section 3.20.120, under the approval of the City Manager, staff recommends proceeding to enter into a Professional Consultant Agreement with John Kennedy dba Alaska Water Products, Incorporated (AWP) in the amount of $50,000 for the immediate need of a temporary Chief Distribution Operator for the Water Division. AWP possesses established knowledge of and familiarity with the City’s water system, has expertise in operating water filtration systems, possesses proper certifications, and could assume the role without delay. Staff recommend the City Council ratify the agreement with an effective start date of December 1, 2025, and establish a contract term through June 10, 2026, to ensure uninterrupted certified operational coverage.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreation spaces.
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Recommendation:
1. Receive and ratify the Professional Consultant Services Agreement with John Kennedy dba Alaska Water Products, Incorporated for the provision of services as the Temporary Chief Distribution Officer for the Water Division, effective as of December 1, 2025, for a term of six months and total compensation not-to-exceed $50,000, as executed by the City Manager in a form approved by the City Attorney.
2. Adopt a Resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET AND AUTHORIZING BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26.
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Fiscal Impact:
The proposed Professional Consultant Services Agreement with John Kennedy dba Alaska Water Products, Incorporated, for a temporary Chief Distribution Operator for the Water Division is for a not-to-exceed contract amount of $50,000. The City’s adopted FY 2025-2026 Water Operations Budget has sufficient savings in the Special Department Supplies account (500-40-5721) specifically in chemical supplies to fund this agreement. Staff recommends approving a $50,000 budget appropriation from Special Department Supplies to Contract Services account (500-40-5400).
Background:
The City’s Water Division (Division) requires a certified Chief Distribution Operator (CDO) at all times to comply with Title 22 Division 4, Chapter 13, Article 3-4 of the California Code of Regulations, which requires water purveyors to assign a Chief Water Operator responsible for the safe operation, treatment, and distribution of potable water. The City’s water system is a full-service system that consists of a 50-mile pipeline network, three reservoirs, three wells, two chloramination stations, one nanofiltration station, and approximately 3,200 service connections. This system requires continuous monitoring, certified oversight, and immediate response to water quality and operational issues.
Over the past several years, the Division has experienced staffing challenges in maintaining staffing levels due to employee promotions, retirements, or leaving for other opportunities. In April 2025, the Division faced an immediate need for temporary staff augmentation following unexpected turnover of certified water system operators. Staff contacted three vendors specializing in water utility staffing with experience in operating water filtration systems. Of the three vendors, AWP was selected to provide Water Operator Consultant services. The City entered into agreement with AWP, and due to ongoing operational needs, extended the term of the agreement from April 28, 2025, through November 30, 2025, for a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000.
In November 2025, the Senior Water Systems Operator, who held a D4 certification, and was assigned Chief Distribution Operator resigned after accepting another employment opportunity. His departure left the Division without a D4-certified operator able to assume the State-required Chief Distribution Operator designation. To maintain operational stability, the Division must augment staffing to ensure continued coverage of this required role and prevent interruptions to system operations. Adequate staffing in this position is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance, ensuring uninterrupted service, and protecting overall water quality.
Analysis:
To maintain uninterrupted service and system reliability, the Division requested proposals from qualified consultants to provide operational support and fill staffing gaps, when necessary, under the emergency procurement process authorized by Signal Hill Municipal Code Section 3.20.120, which allows the City Manager to procure services immediately to maintain or restore essential public services.
On November 5, 2025, staff issued an informal Request for Quotes (RFQ) to obtain a temporary Chief Distribution Operator for the Division. The RFQ required the Consultant to provide staff who possess a D4 Certification, are available to begin work immediately, and remain available for an assignment of up to six months. Due to limited staff in the Division, the City contacted three (3) prospective consultants with established knowledge of and familiarity with the City’s water system and who could assume the role without delay. The City received the following quotes during the procurement process:
|
Consultant |
Hourly Rate |
|
John Kennedy dba Alaska Water Products, Inc. (AWP) |
$97.00 |
|
Grace Environmental Services |
$128.15 |
|
Project Partners |
Not Available |
Alaska Water Products Incorporated (AWP) submitted the lowest hourly rate quote, has recently worked for the City as a Water Operator Consultant, and the staff is satisfied to date with the services provided by AWP. AWP has previously provided the City with certified operators who have direct experience with the City’s wells, reservoirs, treatment processes, and distribution system operations. The company’s familiarity with the City’s facilities and regulatory requirements allows it to transition smoothly into a higher-level assignment such as the temporary CDO and maintain continuity of operations. AWP also confirmed the immediate availability of a certified operator who can assume the CDO designation and provide operational coverage during the ongoing recruitment period.
Staff determined that obtaining CDO services through AWP protects system reliability, maintains regulatory compliance, and ensures the City can respond promptly to operational needs. Recruitment for the permanent position continues, and staff will transition the CDO designation back to a City employee as soon as a qualified operator completes the hiring and onboarding process. Until that occurs, temporary staffing remains essential to providing uninterrupted water service and meeting the City’s operational and regulatory obligations. The emergency procurement action requires the City to ratify the agreement with an effective start date of December 1, 2025, and a contract term extending through June 10, 2026, to maintain regulatory compliance and operational continuity.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Siamlu Cox
Attachment(s):
A. Professional Services Agreement