TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HYE JIN LEE, PE, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
SUBJECT
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Professional Services Agreement - Green Badge, LLC dba UgMO Technologies for Wireless Digital Soil Moisture Sensing System Monitoring and Maintenance Services.
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RECOMMENDATION
Award a Professional Services Agreement to Green Badge, LLC dba UgMO Technologies for $167,212 for Wireless Digital Soil Moisture Sensing System Monitoring and Maintenance Services and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents on behalf of the City.
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FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of $167,212 for the scope of services is included in the FY 2025-26 Public Parks and Building Sites Fund and the Landscape and Lighting Fund (360), and Assessment District Funds (361) Budget.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above furthers the City's values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
* Positive City Image
* Effective Technology
* Responsible Long-Range Planning
Revenue: Click or tap here to enter text.
Expenditure: 3607220-43580, 3607210-43580, 3607260-43580,36172601-43580, 36172602-43580, 36172603-43580, 36172606-43580, 36172607-43580
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BACKGROUND
??In 2015, to minimize impact on the City's water system and support sustainable landscape management, outdated irrigation timers were replaced at various parks with a wireless soil moisture monitoring system. The system utilizes underground sensors to measure the actual moisture content of the soil and transmits real-time data to the sprinkler control units, allowing for precise irrigation based on the landscape's needs. The result is significant water conservation, improved landscape health, and reduced irrigation costs.
?Since 2015, the system has been installed and maintained in twelve City parks.
1. ?Bob McLeod 7. Mountain View
2. ?Centennial Square 8. Oak Tree
3. ?Cypress Trails 9. Sebring
4. ?Heritage 10. Shady Grove
5. ?Liberty 11. Villa
6. ?Monte Vista 12. Walnut
?The technology, known as the Underground Monitoring Wireless Digital Soil Moisture Sensing System (UgMO), was essential in earning the City a water use exemption from the State of California during previous drought restriction measures, allowing continued irrigation with minor restrictions.
?In addition to managing the existing network of UgMo systems in parks, Public Works staff conducted a comprehensive evaluation in 2021 to assess the feasibility of expanding the system to additional landscaped areas across the City. The focus of this initiative was to further enhance water conservation efforts and reduce irrigation-related expenditures by leveraging the proven efficiency of the UgMO technology in high usage zones beyond the original twelve parks. Following this assessment, several new sites, including parkways, medians, and other public landscapes were identified as suitable for integration into the system.
?These additional areas were subsequently approved and incorporated into the existing maintenance contract, enabling a seamless expansion without the need for a separate procurement process. Since the addition, the newly monitored sites have consistently demonstrated a measurable reduction in water consumption, contributing to long term operational cost savings. The expansion has not only supported the City's sustainability goals but also strengthened its drought resilience by promoting smart irrigation practices in more areas of the urban landscape.?
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
??Historically, the City contracted a third-party vendor to oversee the maintenance and monitoring of the UgMO wireless soil moisture monitoring system. While the previous agreement supported the City's water conservation efforts, Public Works staff have now identified a more cost-effective solution by working directly with the technology provider, UgMO Technologies. This direct partnership eliminates the need for a third-party vendor and reduces overall costs, both immediately and in the long term.
?The UgMO system currently in place is manufactured by UgMO Technologies, making them the sole proprietor for the system. The system controls the amount of water applied to turf and landscaped areas in City parks and Maintenance Districts, helping to conserve water and reduce resource use. The continued use of the UgMO system ensures efficient irrigation management, resulting in ongoing water and resource savings for the City. By establishing a Professional Services Agreement directly with UgMO Technologies, the City opts out of replacing the entire system while simultaneously saving costs for the monitoring and maintenance services of the system.
?The proposed agreement includes the following cost breakdown:
?Wireless Digital Soil Moisture System Monitoring and Maintenance Services
?Annual Routine Monitoring & Maintenance
?$159,212
?Emergency and Unanticipated Services
?$ 8,000
?Total Amount
?$167,212
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?In accordance with Chapter 3.32 of the Chino Municipal Code, the City Council may approve sole source purchases when goods or services are only available from one provider. On July 28, 2025, staff determined Green Badge, LLC dba Ugmo Technologies is the sole source for the Wireless Digital Soil Moisture Sensing System and recommends awarding a Professional Services Agreement in the amount of $167,212.
?Attachment: New Agreement: Green Badge, LLC dba UgMO Technologies ?