DWP board conditionally approves Garstin inspection contract, orders legal review of project management roles

The Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on March 24 to approve a construction inspection agreement for the Garstin Water Operations Facility Project — but only after attaching a condition that legal counsel first clarify who bears ultimate responsibility for managing the project on-site.[1]

Why a separate inspection firm?

The agreement became necessary because Verdantes, the firm already under contract with DWP for soils and materials testing, does not provide special inspection or construction observation services.[1] That gap prompted DWP staff to seek an on-call inspection agreement with a separate firm to cover those needs as construction progresses.

The agreement is structured as an on-call contract with no fixed dollar amount — a point that drew questions from Commissioner Cylwik. Chief Financial Officer Nathan Statham explained that the variable nature of special inspections made it impractical to pin down a single price, but noted that $95,000 has been set aside in the project budget to cover the work. Statham added that all expenses will be tracked through DWP's ERP system.[1]

A question of who's in charge

The debate that drew the most board scrutiny centered on the division of responsibilities between DWP staff and PBK, the firm handling construction submittal review for the project. Treasurer Craig Hjorth pressed for clarity on whether PBK — as what he described as the project manager — should instead be handling construction observation and special inspections. District Engineer Daniel Baguyo responded that PBK's scope covers submittal review only and stops at evaluating proposed construction procedures. General Manager Reggie Lamson added that DWP is well-equipped to manage construction on-site, noting that DWP staff can be present daily while PBK visits the site only once a month.[1]

Chair Bob Tarras echoed Hjorth's concern that a single entity should hold project management authority. Hjorth ultimately requested a formal legal review before the agreement takes effect — a condition the board folded into its 5-0 approval motion.[1]

The first special inspection is expected to take place in May or June, with DWP holding authority to authorize each inspection as it arises.[1]

Other board business

In other action, the board voted 5-0 to authorize purchase of a replacement vac/valve trailer, which is included in the FY 2026 Capital Machinery and Equipment budget. DWP may sell its aging trailer back to equipment supplier Wachs' rental program.[1]

On infrastructure updates, Wolf Reservoir is now full of system water, with final inspections expected to follow after April 1.[1] Smart meter (ally meter) installations are continuing across the valley — Fawnskin and Lake Williams have recently been served, with Moonridge next in line. The customer-facing smart meter portal, however, is moving slowly because the transmission mechanism between software providers Tyler and Sensus has not yet been configured.[1] Meanwhile, DWP's electric backhoe is headed back to the dealer for repairs, with a loaner unit filling in for now; staff confirmed the lemon law has been raised in conversations with manufacturer Case.[1]

What's next: The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for April, when commissioners are expected to receive the first full draft of the upcoming DWP budget. A budget hearing is targeted for the May board meeting. Residents can reach the DWP Board Secretary at (909) 866-5050 for accessibility accommodations or general inquiries.