Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-004, approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Birkhoff, Hendricks, and Carter, L.L.P. for the Webb Chapel Road Water and Wastewater Utility Improvement Project in the amount of $104,100; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Public Works Department
BACKGROUND:
This agenda item is a key project within the City’s ongoing investment in aging water and wastewater infrastructure, intended to improve system reliability, reduce service disruptions, and address known capacity and condition deficiencies. As part of this effort, the City has identified critical sewer line issues along Brookhollow Drive and within the Valwood Park subdivision, extending from Valwood Parkway south of Rawhide Parkway. These areas have experienced operational challenges during heavy rainfall, underscoring the need for targeted infrastructure improvements.
In October 2024, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Farmers Branch and Birkhoff, Hendricks, & Carter, L.L.P., for engineering services necessary to prepare and plan the construction of the Webb Chapel Water and Wastewater Improvement Project.
However, there needs to be a revision of the scope of work to expand the scope to include engineering design modifications to improve sewer system performance, including adjusting sewer line slopes to reduce the risk of backups during storm events, lowering the main sewer line along Webb Chapel Road, and designing a new sewer main within affected alleyways. These improvements represent a proactive step in modernizing aging infrastructure and mitigating future system failures. The staff is proposing a revision to increase the Scope of Work under the existing Professional Services Agreement by $104,100.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council will consider approval of Resolution No. 2026-004, authorizing a first amendment to the Webb Chapel Water and Wastewater Professional Services Agreement with Birkhoff, Hendricks, & Carter, L.L.P. The amendment supports additional engineering services necessary to address identified sewer line deficiencies serving Brookhollow Drive and the Valwood Park subdivision.
The Webb Chapel Water and Wastewater Improvement Project is currently in the design phase and is planned for implementation in four (4) phases over multiple years. This phased approach allows the City to manage project costs, minimize construction impacts to residents and businesses, and maintain service continuity throughout construction.
Phase I is currently under construction and focuses on replacing and restoring a broken waterline crossing Farmers Branch Creek. Subsequent phases will continue to address prioritized water and wastewater infrastructure needs within the project area as part of the City’s long-term infrastructure renewal strategy.
Funding for this project is provided through the City’s 2024 Water Infrastructure Bond authorization in the amount of $5.5 million. Phases II through IV will be funded under the same bond authorization, consistent with Council’s commitment to reinvest in critical water and wastewater infrastructure.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted funds are available in the Water Transmission and Distribution/Infrastructure Bond Capital Improvement Program Fund and the Non-Bond Utility Capital Improvement Program Fund.
DISTRICT:
District 4
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-004 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-004 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-004
2. Exhibit A - Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement
3. Resolution No. 2024-169
4. Professional Services Agreement