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Authorize initiation of the County Administration Center Water Leak Restoration Project, consisting of immediate water-damage remediation and repairs; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) for $550,000 from the Accumulated Capital Outlay Contingency and County Liability Funds (4/5 vote required); Delegate authority to the General Services Director to solicit bids, award contracts, and, with County Counsel concurrence, take further actions and execute any amendments necessary to complete the repairs; and Authorize reimbursement to the Accumulated Capital Outlay Contingency Fund from insurance proceeds when received
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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:
1) Authorize initiation of the County Administration Center Water Leak Restoration Project, consisting of immediate water-damage remediation and repairs;
2) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) for $550,000 from the Accumulated Capital Outlay Contingency and County Liability Funds (4/5 vote required);
3) Delegate authority to the General Services Director to solicit bids, award contracts, and, with County Counsel concurrence, take further actions and execute any amendments necessary to complete the repairs; and
4) Authorize reimbursement to the Accumulated Capital Outlay Contingency Fund from insurance proceeds when received.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On October 22, 2025, the CAC located at 675 Texas Street in Fairfield sustained significant water damage due to a leak in the fourth-floor east corridor men’s restroom. The cause was traced to a failed welding connection between a plumbing fixture and the associated piping.
The leak affected multiple floors, damaging several rooms, corridors, and building systems, including ceilings, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) duct insulation, wall insulation, partial wall assemblies, and interior finishes. Some impacted areas had recently undergone capital improvements and were awaiting furniture installation for tenant occupancy. Emergency remediation was performed immediately to remove excess moisture, prevent mold development, and stabilize the building environment.
The County has filed an insurance claim, and preliminary feedback from the adjusters indicates coverage will be provided. The proposed restoration includes relocating staff as needed, replacing damaged building materials and finishes, re-welding the affected plumbing connection, and repainting interior surfaces. The total estimated project cost is $500,000.
To ensure the CAC can return to full operational status as quickly as possible, staff recommends that the Board authorize the Project, approve the ATR, delegate contracting authority to General Services Director, with County Counsel concurrence, and authorize reimbursement to the ACO Contingency Fund from insurance proceeds upon receipt.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total estimated project cost is $500,000, covering both the emergency remediation and planned restoration work. The County has filed an insurance claim and is actively pursuing an advance or partial payment through a proof of loss to support timely progress. As of this report, no exceptions have been raised by the adjusters.
Staff recommends an ATR of $550,000, from the ACO Contingency and County Liability Funds, into BU 1780, which was created specifically to track costs associated with the Project. The $50,000 from the County Liability Fund will cover the insurance deductible. Insurance proceeds will be appropriated into BU 1780 and returned to the ACO Contingency Fund once received.
The cost of preparing this item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose to delay or deny approval of the ATR or delegate contract authority. This is not recommended, as timely restoration is necessary to return affected areas to service, prevent further deterioration, and ensure continued operations at the CAC.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This item was prepared in coordination with County Counsel, Risk Management, and the County Administrator’s Office.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION