Administrative
Report
H.6., File # 22-4380 Meeting Date: 7/19/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
APPROVE A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH DUKE’S ROOT CONTROL TO PROVIDE SEWER LINE ROOT FOAMING SERVICES FOR AN ANNUAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $316,000 AND A TOTAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $948,000, FOR THE TERM JULY 19, 2022 TO JULY 18, 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Approval of this three-year agreement with Duke’s Root Control will provide for regular root foaming service in the City’s sewer main lines. Killing tree roots that have grown into sewer lines through application of an herbicidal foam greatly reduces the likelihood of system blockages and is part of the City’s sanitary sewer maintenance program. The services would be provided for a total three-year cost not to exceed $948,000.
BACKGROUND
The City’s sewer system contains approximately 600,000 lineal feet of main lines. Roughly 400,000 lineal feet of the system are located in areas where the presence of trees can potentially lead to problems with roots damaging or obstructing the pipes. Approximately 75% of all sewer blockages and overflows involve tree root intrusion into main lines. The most effective way to proactively address this issue is periodic application of an herbicidal foam that kills the roots and lets them decay naturally and slough off. Trees and other above ground vegetation are not harmed by this process.
The chemical root control agent is approved by the Los Angeles Sanitation District and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
The service was most recently performed between July 2017 and July 2020.
As the Public Works Department doesn’t have the resources to provide this service in-house, the City periodically contracts out with licensed vendors to complete the work. On May 5, 2022, the Financial Services Department, on behalf of the Public Works Department, conducted a request for proposals (RFP) process for a new agreement. Only one response was received, from Duke’s Root Control, which is the vendor that provided the most recent service for the City. Duke’s will provide all necessary labor, materials, and equipment to perform the service at a cost of $1.58 per lineal foot.
As 200,000 lineal feet of main lines are expected to be serviced during each year of the agreement, the annual cost is estimated to be $316,000. Duke’s Root Control has extensive experience performing the desired service and provided the City with quality, reliable service during past agreements.
COORDINATION
This item was coordinated with the Financial Services Department. The City Attorney’s Office
H.6., File # 22-4380 Meeting Date: 7/19/2022
This item was coordinated with the Financial Services Department. The City Attorney’s Office prepared the agreement and has approved it as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost for an outside agreement for root foaming services will not exceed $316,000 per year and $948,000 for the three-year term. Funding for the agreement is available in the Public Works Department’s Wastewater Fund Budget and the Capital Projects Fund - Sanitary Sewer Facilities Rehabilitation Project.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Agreement - Duke’s Root Control
· Insurance - Duke’s Root Control