COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Shad S. Springer, Director of Utilities
DATE: January 20, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with S.E.
Chambers Construction, Inc. for Utility Locating and Marking Services
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution authorizing an agreement with S.E.
Chambers Construction, Inc. for Utility Locating and Marking Services.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving an agreement with S.E. Chamb ers Construction, Inc. for Utility Locating and Marking Services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria (City) owns and operates extensive underground utility infrastructure and is legally required under California Government Code Section 4216 to locate and mark City-owned utilities prior to excavation upon request. Due to fluctuating demand, strict response timeli nes, and specialized equipment needs, the City has historically relied on an outside contractor, coordinated by City staff, to meet these obligations efficiently.
The City’s underground infrastructure includes approximately 240 miles of water mains, 260 miles of sewer mains, 130 miles of storm drain, 15 miles of fiber optic cable, 48 traffic signals, and over 7,000 streetlights. During the previous fiscal year, the City responded to more than 2,900 utility locate requests across these systems. Demand varie s with construction activity but consistently requires timely and accurate response to maintain safety, service reliability, and legal compliance.
DISCUSSION:
On July 30, 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Utility Locating and Marking Services via PlanetBids. The RFP was distributed broadly, notifying over 300 vendors. Eleven firms expressed interest, and seven complete proposals were submitted.
A multi -department selection committee representing Utilities, Public Works, and Information Technology (IT) evaluated proposals based on experience, technical 2 approach, understanding of City needs, and cost. S.E. Chambers Construction, Inc. received the highest overall score from reviewers. The firm demonstrated strong relevant experience, a c lear understanding of regulatory and operational requirements, and competitive pricing.
Following selection, staff negotiated contract terms with S.E. Chambers Construction, Inc.
The agreement, reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney, includes a three- year base term with two optional one-year extensions.
Approval of this agreement allows the City to continue providing timely, accurate utility marking services necessary for public safety, infrastructure protection, and regulatory compliance.
Alternatives:
The City Council may:
1. Decline to authorize the agreement, reject the proposal, and direct City staff to reissue the RFP. This would require the City to extend the current contract until such time a new RFP could be advertised, scored, award ed, and brought back to Council for approval. This option is not recommended, as the pricing is competitive and S.E. Chambers Construction, Inc. currently provides these services for the City.
2. Decline to authorize the agreement and d irect staff to perform this operation in - house. This option is not recommended, as the City does not currently possess the specialized equipment required across all utility types, and projected costs would likely exceed the proposed contract pricing.
Fiscal Considerations
The proposed contract is not-to-exceed and work will be billed throughout the year based on the response to calls. Funding for this program is budgeted across the three different departments and is billed accordingly based on which utilities are marked.
Impact to the Community
Timely and accurate utility marking reduces the risk of utility strikes, service disruptions, and public safety hazards associated with underground construction.
Impact to the City
Execution of this agreement allows the City to remain co mpliant with Government Code Section 4216, minimize repair costs from utility damage, and enable City staff to focus on other mission-critical responsibilities.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution-Utility Locating and Marking Services
B. Agreement-Utility Locating and Marking Services