Item 4C - Memo Item 4C
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M E M O R A N D U M
May 19, 2026
To: Alison Ortowski, City Manager
From: Lauren LaNeave, Interim Director of Public Works
Subject: Approve an Engineering Services Agreement with Freese and
Nichols, Inc. for the Loch Meadows Lift Station Expansion
Project in an amount not to exceed $200,000.
Action
Requested: Approve an Engineering Services Agreement with Freese and
Nichols, Inc. for the Loch Meadows Lift Station Expansion Project in
an amount not to exceed $200,000.
Background
Information: The purpose of this item is to seek City Council approval of an
Engineering Services Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc.
(FNI) for the Loch Meadows Lift Station Expansion Project. This
agreement includes engineering services for a study and
Preliminary Design Report to evaluate the Loch Meadows Lift
Station, Lonesome Dove Lift Station, associated force mains, and
Basin N-18 wastewater system operations.
The City’s 2025 North Service Area Wastewater Modeling Update
identified the existing capacity of the Loch Meadows Lift Station as
insufficient to meet future demand requirements. Capacity
improvements at this lift station are needed to support projected
growth within Basin N-18. The City has also experienced increased
surcharging and pumping issues at the Loch Meadows Lift Station.
The Loch Meadows Lift Station is hydraulically tied to the Lonesome
Dove Lift Station. Because of this connection, both lift stations and
their associated force mains will be evaluated as part of this study to
determine the necessary improvements at the Lo ch Meadows Lift
Station and force main. Improvements to the Lonesome Dove Lift
Station are not anticipated at this time.
The study will include hydraulic modeling, flow monitoring, lift station
performance testing, evaluation of inflow and infiltration impacts, and
development of alternatives to address current operational issues
and future capacity needs. The findings will be summarized in a
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Preliminary Design Report, which will identify recommended
improvements, compare feasible alternatives, provide planning -level
construction cost estimates, and outline next steps for final design.
Financial
Considerations: Funding for this project was allocated in the Utility Fund as part of
the Capital Improvements Program.
The City has met applicable purchasing requirements for
professional engineering services under the Texas Professional
Services Procurement Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 2254.
Freese and Nichols, Inc. was selected for this work based on
demonstrated competence, qualifications, and previous wastewater
planning experience with the City, including the 2009 citywide
wastewater hydraulic modeling analysis and preparation of the 2025
North Service Area Wastewater Modeling Update. Using FNI for this
study provides cost efficiencies and continuity with the existing
model, Basin N-18 planning assumptions, prior wastewater system
recommendations, and the firm's extensive knowledge of the City's
wastewater system.
Strategic Link: This item links to the City’s Strategy Map strategic focus area of
Infrastructure & Development. It specifically relates to the City’s
Corporate Objective, F2: Invest to Provide & Maintain High Quality
Public Assets.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: None.
Legal
Review: The proposed agreement is based on a standard agreement that
the City Attorney has reviewed and approved.
Alternatives: The City Council may approve or deny the agreement.
Supporting
Documents: Attachment A: Engineering Services Agreement
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Staff
Recommendation: Approve an Engineering Services Agreement with Freese and
Nichols, Inc. for the Loch Meadows Lift Station Expansion Project in
an amount not to exceed $200,000.
Staff
Contact: Lauren LaNeave, Interim Director of Public Works
Jeff Ginn, P.E.,CFM, City Engineer
Josue A. Hernandez, P.E., Civil Engineer