Minutes - County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 1:30 PM

County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County

Regular Meeting

HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT; AND

AT THE ARTESIA CITY HALL; AND

AT THE COMPTON CITY HALL; AND

AT THE DOWNEY CITY HALL; AND

AT THE OMNI LOUISVILLE HOTEL; AND

AT THE PARAMOUNT CITY HALL; AND

AT THE VERNON CITY HALL; AND

AT THE OFFICE OF SUPERVISOR HAHN

VIA TELECONFERENCE

The Board of Directors of County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County met in regular session both in

person and via teleconference.

There were present:

Rene Trevino, Director from Artesia, via teleconference at Artesia City Hall

Ali Saleh, Director from Bell, via teleconference at Vernon City Hall

Sonny R. Santa Ines, Director from Bellflower

Frank Yokoyama, Alternate Director from Cerritos, via teleconference at Omni Louisville Hotel

Kevin Lainez, Director from Commerce

Claudia Frometa, Director from Downey, via teleconference at Downey City Hall

Tim McOsker, Alternate Director from Los Angeles City

Rick Ramirez, Director from Norwalk

Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Alternate Director from Paramount, via teleconference at Paramount City Hall

John Garcia, Alternate Director from Pico Rivera

John Wu, Alternate Director from San Gabriel

Joshua Barron, Director from South Gate

Melissa Ybarra, Director from Vernon, via teleconference at Vernon City Hall

Janice Hahn, Alternate Director from Los Angeles County, via teleconference at the Office of Supervisor Hahn

Cathy Warner, Chairperson, Alternate Director from Whittier

Absent:

Jeffrey Maloney, Director from Alhambra

Miguel De La Rosa, Director from Bell Gardens

Emma Sharif, Director from Compton

Rex Richardson, Director from Long Beach

Georgina Tamayo, Director from Montebello

Elizabeth Yang, Director from Monterey Park

There were also present:

Rechelle Z. Asperin, Acting Secretary to the Board

Robert Ferrante, Chief Engineer and General Manager

Lolly Enriquez, District Counsel

CONSENT AGENDA

Upon motion of Director Lainez, duly seconded and unanimously carried by a roll-call vote, the Consent Agenda

was approved as follows:

PUBLIC COMMENT

Public Comment

The Chairperson announced this was the time for any questions or comments by members of the public. There

were no public comments or questions to address the Board on any matters.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting Held June 24, 2026

The minutes of the regular meeting held June 24, 2026, were approved.

APPROVAL OF DISTRICT EXPENSES

Approve April 2026 Expenses in Amount of $89,106,237

Districts Expenses - 2026 - 04 - D2

The attached expenses for the month of April 2026, were approved.

Attachments:

AUTHORIZE PAYMENTS

Authorize Payments for Legal Services Rendered and Reimbursement of Expenses Advanced in Various

Districts’ Matters to Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP, in Amount of $65,558.50, and Nossaman

LLP, in Amount of $261,298.31, Month of May 2026

An invoice dated June 8, 2026, from Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP, in the amount of

$65,558.50, and an invoice dated June 15, 2026, from Nossaman LLP, in the amount of $261,298.31 for

legal services rendered and reimbursement of expenses advanced in various Districts' matters during the

month of May 2026, were approved, and the Chief Engineer and General Manager was authorized to

have a warrant drawn in full payment of the invoice, the charges to be distributed to the affected

Districts.

AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF PURCHASE ORDER

Authorize Issuance of Purchase Order to ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc., in Amount of Approximately

$140,000 for Secondary Influent Pump Station Exhaust Fan Replacement at A.K. Warren Water

Resource Facility (Warren Facility)

The Secondary Influent Pump Station (SIPS) at the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility (Warren

Facility) has four roof-mounted exhaust fans that vent the exhaust from the SIPS engines. The support

frames for the fans are cracked and require replacement. In addition, the existing exhaust fans are

approximately 25 years old and have exceeded their expected useful lives. Warren Facility personnel

have repeatedly repaired the support frames; however, the repairs are temporary and are no longer cost

effective. Given the age of the exhaust fans, the deteriorated condition of the support frames, and the

recurring need for repairs, replacement of the exhaust fans and support frames is required. Pursuant to

authority previously granted by the Board, the project will be completed utilizing the Job Order

Contracting Program, which relies on pre-established, competitively-bid construction tasks that will

accelerate project delivery and reduce administration and design costs. Staff has determined that the

activities described are not subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act

(CEQA). The activities described herein do not constitute a “Project” as that term is defined in California

Public Resources Code Section 21065 and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (“CEQA

Guidelines”) Section 15378. This item is consistent with the Districts’ Guiding Principles to protect

financial and facility assets through prudent investment and maintenance programs; and commitment to

operational excellence (protection of public health and the environment, regulatory compliance, and cost

effectiveness). A recommendation was made to authorize the Chief Engineer and General Manager, in

his capacity as Purchasing Agent, to issue a purchase order to ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc., in the

amount of approximately $140,000 for secondary influent pump station exhaust fan replacement at the

Warren Facility.

The Purchasing Agent was authorized to issue a purchase order to ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc., for

secondary influent pump station exhaust fan replacement at the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility, at

a cost of approximately $140,000.

REGULAR AGENDA

REPORT ON BIDS AND ORDER EXECUTED CONTRACTS

Re: Contract with Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies, in Amount of Approximately

$1,075,736, for Construction of Nadeau Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation (Project)

(a) Report on Bids and Award and Order Executed Contract

(b) Order Staff to Review Insurance and Surety Bonds for Performance and Payment and, if

Sufficient, Order Secretary to Execute Contract Evidencing Approval of Bonds and Insurance

C# 5823 AGREEMENT - Nadeau Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation

Attachments:

MAP

BID SUMMARY

BOND RESOLUTION

The Nadeau Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation (Project) will consist of the rehabilitation of approximately

3,236 feet of existing 24-inch and 27-inch-diameter corroded concrete pipe and appurtenant structures

that were constructed in the 1960s. The work is located within unincorporated Los Angeles County, as

shown on the attached map. Staff has determined that the Project is exempt or otherwise not subject to

the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Public

Resources Code Section 21080(b)(4) and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (“CEQA

Guidelines”) Section 15301. The proposed resolution, which is attached, declares the District’s intent to

seek reimbursement for certain expenditures if bonds are issued for this Project. The resolution action

does not commit the District to issue bonds; it identifies the intended use of bond proceeds and expands

the timeframe for when expenditures could be reimbursed. This item is consistent with the Districts’

Guiding Principles to protect financial and facility assets through prudent investment and maintenance

programs; and commitment to operational excellence (protection of public health and the environment,

regulatory compliance, and cost effectiveness). The bids received at the District’s office on June 2, 2026,

for construction of the Project are listed on the attached bid summary.

The bid of Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies was the lowest bid received and that Vortex

Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies was the lowest, regular, responsible bidder for the work, and a

recommendation was made to award a contract to Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies at the

unit prices and lump sums stated in its bid amounting to approximately $1,075,736. Furthermore, a

recommendation was made to order staff to review the insurance and surety bonds for performance and

payment and, if sufficient, order the Secretary to execute the contract with Vortex Services, LLC dba

Sancon Technologies for construction of the Project. Lastly, a recommendation was made to adopt the

Resolution.

Upon motion of Director Lainez, duly seconded and unanimously carried by a roll-call vote, Contract No.

5823 for construction of the Nadeau Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation was awarded to the lowest, regular,

responsible bidder, to wit: Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies, at the unit prices and lump

sums stated in its bid amounting to approximately $1,075,736. Furthermore, the Board of Directors of

County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County ordered the staff to review the insurance and

surety bonds for performance and payment and, if sufficient, ordered the Secretary to execute the

contract with Vortex Services, LLC dba Sancon Technologies for construction of the Project. Lastly, the

attached Resolution was adopted.

Re: Contract with GRBCON, Inc., in Amount of Approximately $2,483,037, for Construction of Marina

Pumping Plant No. 2 Force Main Upgrades (Project)

(a) Report on Bids and Award and Order Executed Contract

(b) Order Staff to Review Insurance and Surety Bonds for Performance and Payment and, if

Sufficient, Order Secretary to Execute Contract Evidencing Approval of Bonds and Insurance

(d) Authorize Issuance of Purchase Order to AECOM Technical Services, Inc., (AECOM) in

Amount of Approximately $215,000 to Provide Engineering Services During Construction of

Project

C# 5824 AGREEMENT - Marina Pumping Plant No. 2 Force

Attachments:

MAP

BID SUMMARY

BOND RESOLUTION

The Marina Pumping Plant No. 2 Force Main Upgrades (Project) will consist of the replacement of

approximately 600 feet of 10-inch and 12-inch-diameter corroded steel and cast iron pipe (Force Main

No.1) with high-density polyethylene pipe and the rehabilitation of approximately 600 feet of the existing

12-inch-diameter corroded steel and cast iron pipe (Force Main No. 2), which were constructed in 1974

and 1983, respectively. The work is located within the City of Long Beach, as shown on the attached

map. The bid summary/recommendation to award is attached. Staff has determined that the Project is

exempt or otherwise not subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(4) and Title 14 of the California Code of

Regulations (“CEQA Guidelines”) Section 15301 and 15302. The proposed resolution, which is attached,

declares the District’s intent to seek reimbursement for certain expenditures if bonds are issued for this

Project. The resolution action does not commit the District to issue bonds; it identifies the intended use

of bond proceeds and expands the timeframe for when expenditures could be reimbursed. AECOM

Technical Services, Inc., (AECOM) is the Engineer of Record for this Project, and retaining their

engineering services to ensure compliance with the contract documents during construction has been

determined to be the most cost-effective option given its responsibility for the design documents and

competitive rates. This item is consistent with the Districts’ Guiding Principles to protect financial and

facility assets through prudent investment and maintenance programs; and commitment to operational

excellence (protection of public health and the environment, regulatory compliance, and cost

effectiveness). The bids received at the District’s office on April 28, 2026, for construction of the Project

are listed in the attached bid summary.

The bid of GRBCON, Inc., was the sole bid received and that GRBCON, Inc., was the lowest, regular,

responsible bidder for the work, and a recommendation was made to award a contract to GRBCON, Inc.,

at the unit prices and lump sums stated in its bid, amounting to approximately $2,483,037. Furthermore, a

recommendation was made to order staff to review the insurance and surety bonds for performance and

payment and, if sufficient, order the Secretary to execute the contract with GRBCON, Inc., for

construction of the Project. Additionally, a recommendation was made to adopt the Resolution. Lastly, a

recommendation was made to authorize the Chief Engineer and General Manager, in his capacity as

Purchasing Agent, to issue a purchase order to AECOM in the amount of approximately $215,000 to

provide engineering services during construction of the Project.

Upon motion of Director Lainez, duly seconded and unanimously carried by a roll-call vote, Contract No.

5824 for construction of the Marina Pumping Plant No. 2 Force Main Upgrades was awarded to the sole

bidder, to wit: GRBCON, Inc., at the unit prices and lump sums stated in its bid amounting to

approximately $2,483,037. Furthermore, the Board of Directors of County Sanitation District No. 2 of

Los Angeles County ordered the staff to review the insurance and surety bonds for performance and

payment and, if sufficient, ordered the Secretary to execute the contract with GRBCON, Inc., for

construction of the Project. Additionally, the attached Resolution was adopted. Lastly, the Purchasing

Agent was authorized to issue a purchase order to AECOM Technical Services, Inc., to provide

engineering services during construction of the Marina Pumping Plant No. 2 Force Main Upgrades, at a

cost of approximately $215,000.

APPROVE AND ORDER EXECUTED AGREEMENT

Approve and Order Executed Agreements for On-Call Engineering Consulting Services for Three-Year

Period as Follows:

(a) To AECOM Technical Services, Inc., (AECOM) in Amount of $5,000,000

(b) To Black & Veatch Corporation (B&V) in Amount of $5,000,000

(d) To GHD, Inc., (GHD) in Amount of $5,000,000

(e) To HDR Engineering, Inc., (HDR) in Amount of $5,000,000

ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT - AECOM

ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT - CAROLLO

ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT - HDR

Attachments:

ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT - BLACK & VEATCH

ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT - GHD

During peak demand periods, engineering consulting services are needed to augment the Districts’ staff

responsible for design, construction support, and the development of special engineering studies and

reports in support of design and construction, for various wastewater and solid waste projects. It is more

cost and time-effective to use an on-call consultant to perform these services rather than issue separate

Requests for Proposals for each project. Due to the number and variety of upcoming capital

improvement projects, having multiple on-call consultants would ensure that one is available with the

necessary expertise. Proposals were solicited and received from 13 consulting firms. AECOM Technical

Services, Inc., (AECOM), Black & Veatch Corporation (B&V), Carollo Engineers, Inc., (Carollo), GHD,

Inc., (GHD), and HDR Engineering, Inc., (HDR) were all deemed highly qualified to provide the

required services at competitive rates. Services will be used on an as-needed basis for potentially all

Districts. In accordance with the Purchasing Policy, District No. 2 will issue and administer the proposed

agreements, and expenditures will be allocated according to actual costs attributable to each District. All

contracts over $100,000 issued using the On-Call Engineering Consulting Services will be reported to

District No. 2. Contracts specific to Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District, District No. 14, or District

No. 20 will also be reported to those Districts. This item is consistent with the Districts’ Guiding

Principle of commitment to fiscal responsibility and prudent financial stewardship. A recommendation

was made to approve and order executed On-Call Engineering Consulting Services agreements with

AECOM, B&V, Carollo, GHD, and HDR, each in the amount of $5,000,000 for a three-year period.

Upon motion of Director Lainez, duly seconded and unanimously carried by a roll-call vote, the Board of

Directors of County Sanitation District No. 2 of Los Angeles County found and determined that it would

be to the advantage of the District to enter into On-Call Engineering Consulting Services agreements

with AECOM Technical Services, Inc., Black & Veatch Corporation, Carollo Engineers, Inc., GHD, Inc.,

and HDR Engineering, Inc., providing for engineering consulting services each in the amount of

$5,000,000 for a three-year period, as set forth in the Agreements and under terms and conditions

contained therein. All the terms and conditions of the On-Call Engineering Consulting Services,

Contracts Nos. 5825, 5826, 5827, 5828, and 5829, respectively, dated July 8, 2026, were accepted and

approved, and the Chairperson and Secretary were authorized to execute the Agreement on behalf of the

District.

DISCUSSION ITEM

Re: Update on Items Discussed at Personnel Committee Meeting

The Chief Engineer and General Manager explained the nature of the Personnel Committee and the

Financing Authority meetings, which are comprised of the Chairpersons of all active Districts and during

which high-level discussions take place, including information on rates, projects, and updates on various

issues. In the future, information on these discussions will also be presented to all Directors so they are

better informed and advised on any issues discussed in the Personnel Committee Meetings. Additional

information on any subject may be obtained by contacting the Chief Engineer and General Manager.

Financing Authority Actions. The Financing Authority met on June 24, 2026. During this meeting, the

Authority approved and authorized the Joint Outfall System (JOS) revenue bonds and

refunding/refinancing District No. 20 bonds. As discussed at previous Board meetings during the rate

process, the reserves have been depleted. To continue the JOS Capital Improvement Program, the

Districts will issue bonds annually over at least the next five years. The current issuance will be for up to

$500 million. Pricing will take place in early August. District No. 20 (Palmdale) had previously issued

bonds; those bonds are now refundable. Approval was given to issue the bonds and to monitor to ensure

money is being saved.

At the Personnel Committee meeting on June 24, 2026, the following items were discussed:

Waste-by-Rail System (WBR). Puente Hills Landfill’s (PHLF) Conditional Use Permit required the

Districts to build a WBR and an intermodal facility to transfer trash into containers for remote disposal.

The use of this facility has not been necessary due to decreasing tonnage at District’s facilities. The

WBR would take refuse from Los Angeles County to a District-owned landfill in Imperial County. The

Districts is also responsible for post-closure maintenance for the PHLF and the Spadra Landfill into

perpetuity. Currently there are enough funds for 25 to 30 years. The WBR was intended to be an

additional revenue source for post closure funding. Some landfills, such as Chiquita, which recently

closed, and Sunshine Canyon Landfill in the City of Los Angeles, are scheduled to close in the next

decade, creating a need for additional regional solid waste capacity. The Districts is not able to be

cost-competitive with private companies that collect, transfer, and dispose of solid waste. A Request for

Expressions of Interest was sent out last year, and there was interest expressed by respondents in

operating or leasing WBR and its related facilities. The Districts will evaluate and discuss this further at

future Personnel Committee meetings. The next Personnel Committee meeting will be on September 23,

2026.

Clearwater Effluent Outfall Tunnel. Project schedule milestones of the work on the Clearwater Effluent

Outfall Tunnel were discussed. A tunnel breach occurred on July 9, 2025. The contractor will begin

repairs at that location. An interim fix will allow the contractor to clear out the area where the breach

occurred. The permanent breach repair is estimated to be completed by May 2027, assuming everything

goes smoothly and there are no complications. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) needs to be repaired

and extricated from its stuck position. The estimated total costs associated with the breach event are

$150-200M, including costs related to repair of the TBM. The contractor has submitted claims with the

insurance company, which has paid $4.5M. Additional insurance claims will be submitted by the

contractor. The total overall cost was originally $800M. There have been no determinations or

settlements regarding financial responsibility. Future discussions will be held by the Personnel

Committee, and the Directors will be updated.

In response to Director McOsker, City of Los Angeles City, the Chief Engineer and General Manager

explained that the tunnel breach occurred at mile five, while the tunnel boring machine was at mile six of

seven. The contractors must inspect from mile five to six. The TBM was partially submerged.

Components and replacement parts have been ordered for the TBM. At this time, it is unclear exactly

how much time and effort will be required to dislodge the TBM.

Scholl Canyon Landfill (SCLF) Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) Status. SCLF is owned by the City of

Glendale (City) and Los Angeles County and has been operated by the Districts since the landfill's

inception in 1961 through a JPA. Net revenue from the landfill goes to the City of Glendale. Over the last

few years, tonnage has declined, and some haulers have shifted their tonnage elsewhere, resulting in

lower net revenue. The City wants a private operator at the site to reduce costs and generate additional

net revenue. The current JPA is a five-year term that expires on October 6, 2027, and the City has

unofficially notified the Districts that the JPA will not be extended. There are approximately 25

employees at the site, plus support staff at the Joint Administration Office. In lieu of layoffs, the goal is

to find openings or other positions within the Districts for those employees.

ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion of Director Santa Ines, the meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

ATTEST:

_______________________________

RECHELLE Z. ASPERIN

Secretary to the Board