Camarillo Sanitary District
AGENDA REPORT
Date: May 28, 2025
To: Honorable Chairman and Board of Directors
From: Greg Ramirez, District Manager
Submitted by: Dave Klotzle, Assistant District Manager
Subject: Sewer Line Chemical Root Control - CSD Agreement 2025-5
BACKGROUND
The control of roots in Camarillo Sanitary District (CSD) pipelines is vital to a successful preventative maintenance program. The process of root control consists of the application of a chemical root control agent to sewer system pipelines in order to kill the root growth present in the pipelines and to inhibit regrowth without permanently damaging the vegetation producing the roots. Staff performs routine inspections to determine which pipelines need root control treatment and root removal is scheduled accordingly.
The current agreement for sewer line chemical root control expires on June 30, 2025.
DISCUSSION
On March 22, 2025, staff advertised a Notice Inviting Bids in the Camarillo Acorn and posted on the City of Camarillo PlanetBids portal Specification MC-2024-7 for Sewer Line Chemical Root Control, for a three-year pricing agreement starting July 1, 2025, with the option of two one-year extensions. In addition, the agreement allows for a price increase adjustment each year based on the cost-of-living increase measured by the February Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) Los Angeles.
On April 11, 2025, staff received one responsive bid from Duke’s Root Control, Inc. (Duke’s) via the City of Camarillo PlanetBids portal. Duke’s has met all bid requirements and submitted all necessary documents with their bid. Duke’s has successfully performed root control services for CSD in the past.
Staff recommends the approval of Maintenance Contract 2025-5 for sewer line chemical root control, with Duke’s Root Control, Inc., for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, for an amount not to exceed $900,000. Staff will determine which pipelines require
Sewer Line Chemical Root Control - CSD Agreement 2025-5 May 28, 2025
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root control treatment and schedule the work accordingly. The table on the following page provides estimated annual costs:
Fiscal Year Annual Cost
FY 2025/26 $300,000
FY 2026/27 $300,000
FY 2027/28 $300,000
Estimated Expenditure $900,000.00*
* Annual expenditures may vary and consider estimated CPI increases.
Staff also recommends the District Manager have authorization to extend the agreement for two additional one-year terms, provided that the total amount does not exceed the total expenditure of $1,500,000. During the one-year period extensions, the contractor will have the opportunity to submit revised rates that may exceed the CPI; however, the total not to exceed limit of $1,500,000 will remain. If revised pricing exceeds the CPI, staff would perform internal rate comparisons with neighboring agencies to ensure that proposed rates are justifiable prior to processing an agreement extension.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for the Maintenance Contract for sewer line chemical root control will be included in the FY 2025/26 Proposed Budget in the Camarillo Sanitary District Fund, Maintenance Services Account No. 871-3730-437.35-74.
CEQA DETERMINATIONS
The Maintenance Contract for sewer line chemical root is not subject to CEQA review pursuant to Section 15301(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines which exempts from CEQA review projects that involve the maintenance of existing structures and facilities.
This agenda item meets the criteria for this exemption because it involves the maintenance of the CSD’s pipelines.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Find the Maintenance Contract for sewer line chemical root control, exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines as operation of existing facilities; Sewer Line Chemical Root Control - CSD Agreement 2025-5 May 28, 2025
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2. Authorize the District Manager to execute CSD Agreement No. 2025-5 with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for a total authorized agreement amount not to exceed $900,000; and
3. Authorize the District Manager to execute any subsequent agreement amendments for a period of July 1, 2028, through June 30, 2030, provided that the total expenditure does not exceed $1,500,000.
ATTACHMENTS
1. CSD Agreement No. 2025-5
REFERENCE MATERIALS – AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT CITY HALL None