For Water Subcommittee Meeting April 30, 2026
TO: Water Subcommittee Members
APPROVAL: Tanya Williams, City Manager
FROM: Nicole Hemmans, Senior Administrative Analyst
Title
Staff requests Water Subcommittee Review and Provide Feedback on the Proposal for Extended Professional Services with Dopudja & Wells Consulting, Inc. (Eighth Amendment)
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the Water Subcommittee review and provide feedback on the Proposal for Extended Professional Services with Dopudja & Wells Consulting, Inc. (Eighth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement)
BACKGROUND:
Dopudja & Wells Consulting has provided professional engineering and management support services to the City of Rialto and the Rialto Utility Authority (RUA) since 2021 under a Professional Services Agreement (PSA). Over time, multiple amendments have been executed to maintain continuity of specialized technical support and interim staffing services for the City’s Utilities Division.
Most recently, the Seventh Amendment extended services to support ongoing operational needs, capital project coordination, and regulatory compliance efforts. As the Utilities Department continues to transition following recent organizational changes, Dopudja & Wells remains a key resource to ensure continuity of operations and technical expertise.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
The proposed Eighth Amendment would extend Dopudja & Wells Consulting’s professional services under the existing PSA to provide continued interim staffing support and project management services during the ongoing transition and reorganization of the Utilities Department.
The scope presented in the consultant’s April 24, 2026 proposal includes two primary tasks:
Task 1 - Additional Interim Staffing Support Related to the Utility Department
Dopudja & Wells will provide continued interim staffing support through October 2026, with services gradually reduced as responsibilities transition to permanent City staff. Support will include consulting services from key personnel to assist with department operations, technical oversight, and increased development-related hydraulic modeling demands.
Task 2 - Project Management and Administration
Services include coordination with City staff, internal project management, budget monitoring, and invoice preparation to support ongoing utility-related projects and initiatives.
The proposed services total $530,510, inclusive of reimbursables and administrative costs, and are anticipated to span approximately six (6) months.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The requested action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a Project means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
Approval of the proposed action also complies with the following City of Rialto Guiding Principles, General Plan Goals and Policies:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Operating Budget Impact
The proposed amendment will increase the contract amount by $530,510 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $5,537,438. Sufficient funding of $212,204 is available in Fund 5680 Account No. 56807960-52011. A new appropriation is needed in the amount of $318,306 in Fund 5680 Account No. 56807860-52011.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There is no impact on the capital improvement budget with this action.
ATTACHMENT:
Dopudja & Wells Consulting Proposal for Eighth Amendment to PSA