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Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request of $202,000 from Accumulated Capital Outlay Fund Contingency to (BU 1745) Fairfield Justice Center Detention Facility Cell Improvement Project for emergency shower drain repairs (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of General Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) of $202,000 from Accumulated Capital Outlay Fund Contingency to (BU 1745) Fairfield Justice Center Detention Facility Cell Improvement Project for emergency shower drain repairs (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of General Services is requesting additional funding to complete the Fairfield Justice Center Detention Facility (JCDF) Cell Improvement Project (Project).
On December 12, 2023, the Board approved funding for the Project and awarded “Construction Manager at Risk” with Gilbane Building Company. The original scope focused on safety improvements in 366 housing cells by eliminating hazards from bunks, desks, and lighting fixtures.
Shortly after construction began, unanticipated failures in the sanitary sewer and shower drain piping were discovered in the cellblock areas. On August 27, 2024, the Board approved an appropriation transfer from the JCDF Sanitary Sewer project (BU 1993) to increase the Project budget to incorporate these urgent plumbing repairs. Performing the plumbing work with the Project reduced disruption, avoided future rework, and maintained construction progress. The repairs included replacing lateral piping between shower drains and sanitary sewer but did not include the cast-in-place shower drains themselves, which appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time and were not visible without opening the floor.
As construction nears completion, which is approximately 95% complete, 12 shower drains were unexpectedly discovered to be severely deteriorated and actively leaking. These drains require immediate removal and replacement, along with associated floor patching and shower membrane restoration, to prevent further graywater leakage into the facility.
Timely completion of this work is critical to maintaining the schedule of this Project and avoiding disruption to other capital projects underway at JCDF, including security electronics upgrades and HVAC reheat coil replacements. Any delay would disrupt project sequencing and negatively impact ongoing facility operations.
To address this urgent need, General Services recommends an ATR of $202,000 from the Accumulated Capital Outlay Fund Contingency to the Project to complete the shower drain replacements. General Services anticipates presenting the Notice of Completion for the Project to the Board in January/February 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Board has approved $7,441,537 for the Project (BU 1745) from Criminal Justice Temporary Construction, Capital Renewal Reserve, and Accumulated Capital Outlay Funds. To complete the necessary shower drain repairs and maintain continuity of construction, General Services recommends an additional $202,000 from the Accumulated Capital Outlay Fund Contingency (Attachment A). Remaining funds in BU 1993 are reserved for future underground sewer line repairs and are not available to support this request.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could elect not to approve the ATR and/or direct staff to complete the work separately under the JCDF Sanitary Sewer Upgrades (BU 1993). These actions are not recommended, as it would delay needed repairs, increase cost, and risk graywater leakage into the facility.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
General Services has coordinated closely with the Sheriff’s Office to minimize operational impacts. County Counsel has been consulted regarding contractual matters. The Project is overseen by a Steering Committee composed of senior and executive management from the Sheriff’s Office, Resource Management, and County Administrators Office.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION