Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.I
Meeting Date: June 10, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Amendment No. 2 to the On-Call Agreement for Concrete Installation, Repair and Maintenance Services between the City of Cathedral City and Desert Ants Engineering, Inc.
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve Amendment No. 2 to the On-Call Agreement for Concrete Installation, Repair and Maintenance Services between the City of Cathedral City and Desert Ants Engineering, Inc., extending the term of the agreement for one (1) additional year, and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2.
BACKGROUND:
The Public Works Maintenance Division manages several service agreements to address specialized service needs in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Rather than employing full-time staff for specialized tasks, the division contracts services such as traffic signal repair and maintenance, concrete repairs, and graffiti abatement. These activities often require specialized expertise, certifications, and equipment. Contracting allows the city to ensure high-quality service delivery, maintain operational flexibility, and concentrate internal resources on core maintenance functions that demand ongoing attention.
This agenda item provides for a one (1) year extension of the as-needed agreement for concrete installation, repair, and maintenance services.
Concrete Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Services As-Needed Contract On August 24, 2022, the city entered into an as-needed agreement with Desert Ants Engineering, Inc. (Desert Ants) for concrete installation, repair, and maintenance services.
Additionally, a one (1) year extension was approved by City Council through Amendment No. 1 on May 28, 2025, which extended the agreement to August 24, 2026.
The scope of work under this agreement includes, but is not limited to:
City-Owned properties
Installation and repair of concrete sidewalks.
Installation and repair of ADA-compliant ramps.
Installation and repair of curbs and gutters.
The Public Works Maintenance Division utilizes Desert Ants on an as-needed basis to address concrete-related issues, include and not limited to, repairs of corner ramps, spandrels, curb and gutters to ensure the timely upkeep of city infrastructure. In part, these services play a critical role in maintaining drainage and ADA compliance across public areas managed by the city.
DISCUSSION:
The service agreement for concrete installation, repair, and maintenance services is set to expire on August 24, 2026. This service agreement has one (1) remaining one-year extension available.
Desert Ants has consistently met contractual performance standards, demonstrated responsiveness, and delivered services in a timely and professional manner, particularly in addressing ADA compliance and public safety needs. In recognition of their satisfactory performance and to maintain continuity of essential public services, avoid service disruptions, and ensure cost efficiency, staff recommend exercising the option to extend this agreement for one additional year, effective from the Amendment No. 1 expiration date. The proposed amendment for the one-year extension is included as an attachment to this staff report.
In addition to this one-year extension, Amendment No. 2 updates and adds several provisions of the agreement to align with the city’s current standard professional services agreement. These sections have been added to the city’s standard professional services agreement and are included in the attached amendment.
Assembly Bill 339 Compliance
Assembly Bill 339 (AB 339) requires public agencies to provide notice and an opportunity to meet and confer with recognized employee organizations regarding certain contracted services. In compliance with AB 339 requirements, city staff met with the applicable employee union on May 18, 2026, to discuss the proposed extension of this as-needed concrete installation, repair, and maintenance services agreement. After conference with the union representatives, it was determined that compliance with AB 339 was satisfied and no conflict exist, thus staff has satisfied the applicable meet and confer requirements.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Amendment No. 2 and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This service is currently budgeted in the Public Works Maintenance Division accounts listed below and is included in the City’s FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 Biennial Budgets.
Service Provider
Name Account Name Account Code
Annual Budget
(Not to
Exceed)
Desert Ants
Engineering, Inc.
Major Repairs and
Replacements
241-400-460-461-8300-8302
243-400-460-461-8300-8302 $85,000
Public Works Maintenance
The cost of the required service is based on the hourly rates and unit prices established in the original agreements. All work is performed on an as-needed basis and only upon authorization by the City. Total costs and funding sources will be identified at the time each service is authorized. If a proposed service exceeds the Department’s approval threshold, City Council approval will be obtained prior to issuing a notice to proceed.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal C: Fiscal Stability and Sustainability
Action C-2: Develop an inventory of contract services that are due for bid and request proposals.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Desert Ants Engineering, Inc. Amendment No. 2