FPUD board ratifies emergency paving contract

Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD) board approval is needed for the award of contracts exceeding $22,000, although in emergency circumstances the general manager can exceed that amount and the expenditure must subsequently be ratified by the FPUD board. Such action took place July 27, when FPUD's board voted 5-0 to ratify a $44,918.70 contract with Joe's Paving for emergency repair work near the intersection of South Mission Road and Fallbrook Street.

During Memorial Day weekend, a leak occurred on South Mission Road near Fallbrook Street. Although the leak was repaired immediately, it caused significant road damage and FPUD staff also felt that additional investigations and pipeline replacements were prudent to ensure that no additional leaks would take place in the area.

In early June, the construction work was performed by FPUD staff over two nights, which mitigated the traffic issues involved in closing down South Mission Road for the repairs.

"The paving work associated with the line break and associated replacement pipeline work had been paved with temporary paving," said FPUD general manager Brian Brady.

That temporary paving was continuing to deteriorate, which created potential safety concerns, so FPUD staff prepared a bid package for longer-term paving and Brady used his general manager's authority to declare an emergency which allows for emergency purchases exceeding $22,000. "In order to meet the county requirements and ensure public safety I authorized the paving work," Brady said.

Joe's Paving provided the only proposal and sought $44,918.70. FPUD staff reviewed the Valley Center company's bid and determined that it was reasonable for the work required.

The section of FPUD's Administrative Code which allows for emergency purchases over $22,000 also requires that the purchase shall be subsequently reported to the FPUD board and ratified by a board vote.