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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11j - Accept Debris Basins Debris Removal Project STAFF REPORT PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT DATE: June 2, 2026 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Paul Cranmer, Public Works Services Director By: Leonel Martin, Public Works Project Manager SUBJECT: ACCEPT ALL WORK PERFORMED BY HORIZONS CONSTRUCTION CO. INT’L INC. FOR THE DEBRIS BASINS DEBRIS REMOVAL PROJECT AS COMPLETE CEQA: Exempt Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY On November 18, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with Horizons Construction Co. Int’l Inc. in the amount of $302,828.63 for the Debris Basins Debris Removal Project. The terms and conditions of this project have been complied with, and the work has been performed to the satisfaction of the Project Manager for a total project cost of $302,828.63. It is recommended that the City Council accept all work performed by Horizons Construction Co. Int’l Inc. for the Debris Basins Debris Removal Project as complete and authorize the final payment to be made in accordance with the contract documents, subject to the retention of $15,141.43. BACKGROUND As a result of the January 2025 Windstorm Event and subsequent Eaton Fire, the northern hillsides above the City experienced significant wildfire damage. The wildfire scarred and destabilized slopes, which led to the uncontrolled movement of mud, burned vegetation, and other debris that overflowed into two debris basins located at 2273 Highland Vista Drive and 2225 Canyon Road. The debris basins, which are engineered to trap and control debris-laden runoff, were at capacity due to mud, Accept Debris Basins Debris Removal Project June 2, 2026 Page 2 of 3 burned vegetation, and other materials carried to the sites by the rains that followed the Eaton Fire. As a result, the debris basins could no longer contain additional flows, increasing the risk of overflow and downstream damage during future mudflow events. Clearing the basins was necessary to restore their capacity and structural integrity, ensuring they continue to function as intended and protect the surrounding areas. DISCUSSION On November 18, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with Horizons Construction Co. Int’l Inc. for the Debris Basins Debris Removal Project. The project included the excavation and sorting of approximately 2,530 cubic yards of soil at the debris basin located at 2225 Canyon Road, and approximately 250 cubic yards of soil at the debris basin located at 2273 Highland Vista Drive. The contractor hauled and transported the sorted soil to an approved clean dirt facility and discarded the remaining debris at a disposal facility, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. In addition, after the debris removal was completed, the contractor conducted rough grading at both sites to ensure proper drainage and stability at the debris basins. The debris basins can now effectively capture and manage runoff and debris, protecting downstream properties during future storm events. All terms and conditions of the contract have been complied with, and the work has been performed to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. Horizons Construction Co. Int’l Inc. completed the work as defined in the project plans and specifications in an efficient and timely manner. The project required no change orders or adjustments. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The Project is considered a Class 1 Exemption as defined in Section 15301(a) “Existing Facilities” projects of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), which exempts projects consisting of the minor alteration of existing public structures. FISCAL IMPACT The Debris Basins Debris Removal Project was not anticipated, and therefore, was not included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget. As Accept Debris Basins Debris Removal Project June 2, 2026 Page 3 of 3 such, a budget appropriation from the Capital Outlay Fund in the amount of $302,828.63, was requested on November 18, 2025, for this project. The total cost of the Debris Basins Debris Removal Project is $302,828.63. The Public Works Services Department collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) and submitted a Public Assistance request for reimbursement of the project costs. The project remains under FEMA’s review to determine reimbursement eligibility. Reimbursement is uncertain; however, if approved, FEMA will reimburse the City 75% of the total cost for this project. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council determine that this project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and accept all work performed by Horizons Construction Co. Int’l Inc. for the Debris Basins Debris Removal Project as complete and authorize the final payment to be made in accordance with the contract documents, subject to the retention of $15,141.43.