City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
June 8, 2026
To: Cit
y Council
Fr
om: Public Works Department
Ron Fuchiwaki, Public Works Director
S
ubject: A ward contracts to Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. and Hill Brothers Chemical Co. for the purchase of chemical supplies for the Simi Valley Water Quality Control Plant, Specification No. SV 26-29
S
taff Recommendation
It i
s recommended that the City Council:
1. Aw
ard a contract (Attachment A) to Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. ( Kemira) in the not-to-exceed amount of $686,936.25 for the purchase of ferric chloride at the Water Quality Control Plant (WQCP) for a period of two (2) years, with the option to extend for two (2) additional two (2)-year terms, Specification No. SV 26- 29; and,
2. A
ward a contract (Attachment B ) to Hill Brothers Chemical Co. ( Hill Brothers) in the not -to-exceed amount of $453,667.50 for the purchase of ammonia at the WQCP for a period of two (2) years, with the option to extend for two (2) additional two (2)-year terms, Specification No. SV 26-29; and,
3. A
uthorize the City Manager to approve and execute any contract amendments to the contracts referenced in Recommendations 1 and 2, above, to incorporate future budgeted and appropriated funds and extend by up to two (2) additional two (2)-year terms in accordance with the contract terms.
B
ackground
Th
e Simi Valley Water Quality Control Plant ( WQCP) requires ferric chloride and ammonia for wastewater treatment. These chemicals help meet permitted effluent discharge requirements by aiding in the removal of suspended solids, organic matter, and nutrients, while also supporting the disinfection process. Together, they significantly improve the quality of effluent produced at the WQCP and discharged to the Arroyo Simi.
The current contracts for ferric chloride and ammonia expire on June 30, 2026.
D
iscussion
On
March 11, 2026, the City solicited bids for the purchase of ferric chloride and ammonia.
A notice inviting bids was published in the Ventura County Star and posted on the City’s website. Specifications were made available at the Public Works counter and sent to Agenda Item No.
Consent (9)
seven (7) vendors on the City’s bidders list. On April 2, 2026, five (5) bids were received, with the following results:
Vendor Ferric Chloride Ammonia
Hill Brothers Chemical Co – Brea, CA - $453,667.50
Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. – Lawrence, KS $686,936.25 - Pencco, Inc. – San Felipe, TX $694,443.75 -
*Olin – Houston, TX - -
*Univar – Kent, WA - -
*Vendor submitted a letter declining to bid
Staff reviewed and evaluated the bids and determined that the low bids, submitted by Kemira and Hill Brothers , are responsive. Two vendors are recommended for award because neither firm submitted bids for both chemicals; Kemira submitted a bid for Ferric Chloride only, while Hill Brothers submitted a bid for Ammonia only . Kemira and Hill Brothers are responsible bidders with a history of successfully supplying chemicals to the City. The initial term of the contract is July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, with the option of two (2) additional two (2) year terms. The bid specifications w ere developed based on estimated quantities that could be needed during the contract periods for the purpose of locking in the contract prices per ton and determining the low bidders. Because the estimated quantities are not an assurance by the City, the actual expenditures may vary from the bids during the terms of the contracts.
Financial Impact
The cost of both contracts will total $1,140,603.75. The proposed FY 2026-27 Budget for the Sanitation Operating Fund includes $600,000 in funding for the first year of the agreements, with a similar amount requested in FY 2027-28. No additional appropriation is required. Funding remains contingent upon City Council approval of the proposed FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 Public Works operating budgets.
City Council Priority
This Project supports the Reliable Infrastructure Pillar of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I move to:
1. Award a contract to Kemira with a not -to-exceed amount of $686,936.25 for the purchase of ferric chloride at the WQCP for a period of two (2) years, with the option to extend two (2) additional two (2)-year terms, Specification No. SV 26-29; and,
2. Award a contract to Hill Brothers with a not -to-exceed amount of $453,667.50 for the purchase of ammonia at the WQCP for a period of two (2) years, with the option to extend two (2) additional two (2)-year terms, Specification No. SV 26-29; and, 2 3. Authorize the City Manager to approve and execute any contract amendments to the contracts referenced in Recommendations 1 and 2, above, to incorporate future budgeted and extend the contract by up to two (2) additional two-(2) year terms in accordance with the contract terms.
Summary
The WQCP requires f erric chloride and ammonia for wastewater treatment. These chemicals help meet permitted effluent discharge requirements by aiding in the removal of suspended solids, organic matter, and nutrients, while also supporting the disinfection process. Together, they significantly improve the quality of effluent produced at the WQCP and discharged to the Arroyo Simi. The current contracts for Ferric Chloride and Ammonia expire on June 30, 202 6. It is recommended that the City Council award a contract to Kemira with a not-to-exceed amount of $686,936.25 for the purchase of Ferric Chloride, award a contract to Hill Brothers with a not -to-exceed amount of $453,667.50 for the purchase of Ammonia, for a grand total of $1,140,603.75, and authorize the City Manager to approve any subsequent contract amendments to incorporate future budgeted funds into the contract amount , and to extend the contract by up to two (2) additional two (2)-year terms in accordance with the contract terms.
Prepared by: Matt Mckenna, Senior Management Analyst
Attachments:
Attachment A – Contract - Kemira
Attachment B – Contract – Hill Brothers
3 A ttachment A
2-Attachment A -Contract Kemira 6/3/26
AGREEMENT NO. 3260141
Services Agreement
CONTRACTOR: Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. DATE MAILED: June 8, 2026 B
elow you will find a checklist relating to Insurance and other requirements that are required for doing business with the Ci ty of Simi Valley. Only those items checked- off are MANDATORY, however if your standard policies exceed the minimum requirements please include. Commercial general liability insurance must meet or exceed the requirements of ISO -CGL Form No. CG 00 01 11 85 or 88, or equivalent. The amount of insurance set forth below will be a combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage for the policy coverage. Liability policies will be endorsed to name the City, its officials, and employees as “additional insureds” under said insurance coverage and to state that such insurance will be deemed “primary” such that any other insurance that may be carried by the City will be excess thereto. Such insurance must be on an “occurrence,” not a “claims made,” basis and will not be cancelable or subject to reduction except upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the City.
Comprehensive General Liability, including coverage for premises, products and completed operations, independent contractors, personal injury and contractual obligations with combined single limits of coverage of at least $2 ,000,000 per occurrence. Auto Liability, including owned, non-owned and hired vehicles with at least:
$500,000 per occurrence.
$1,000,000 per occurrence.
As required by State Statutes. A copy of your current policy must be submitted naming yourself and or your company. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: as required by State Statutes. (Not needed if Self -employed with no employees and CONTRACTOR signs statement to this effect.)
Errors & Omissions or Malpractice or Professional Liability: depending on type of contract/service. At least $5 00,000 per occurrence. Business License: The CONTRACTOR must have a current City of Simi Valley license on file at City Hall or purchase said license (at no cost to the City).
P
LEASE NOTE: ALL APPLICABLE INFORMATION LISTED ABOVE MUST BE OBTAINED AND ON FILE, PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A CITY
PURCHASE ORDER BEING SENT TO YOU (VIA EMAIL OR HARD COPY) BY THE RISK MANAGER/PURCHASING AGENT, THUS AUTHORIZING COMMENCEMENT OF WORK FOR THE CITY.
Submitted by (complete all blanks): COLOR COPY REQUIRED BACK TO THE CITY Company Name: Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. By (Print name & title): Tina Harmon Commercial Support Manager
Company Street Address: 4321 West 6th Street Vendor’s Authorized Signature required:
City, State, Zip: Lawrence, KS 66049 Date signed:
Phone: (785) 842-7424 Agreement Date & Expiration Date: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028, with the option to extend two additional two-year terms.
Services Rendered: Purchase of Ferric Chloride as specified on Specification No. SV 26-29
Agreement Amount: $686,936.25
Originator/Department Contact: Albert Sexton Date initiated:
D
epartment Head Review: City Manager Approval :
R
eturn the original fully executed form to the City Clerk's office Attach: SV 26-29 Bid Submission Form
4 1.GENERALLY. The materials, supplies, or services (collectively, “Purchase”) covered by this purchase order (“order”) must be furnished by Seller subject to all the terms and conditions contained in this order whic h S
eller, in accepting this order, agrees to be bound by and comply with in all particulars. No other terms or conditions are binding upon the parties unless subsequently agreed to in writing. Written acceptance or shipment of all or any portion of the Purchase covered by this order constitutes unqualified acceptance of all terms and conditions in this order. The terms of any proposal referred to in this order are included and made a part of the order only to the extent it specified the Purchase ordered, the price, and the delivery, and then only to the extent that such terms are consistent with the terms and conditions of this order.
2.INSPECTION. The Purchase furnished must be exactly as specified in this order, free from all defects in Seller’s performance, design, workmanship, and materials, and, except as otherwise provided, is subject to inspection and test by City at all times and places. If, before final acceptance, any Purchase is found to be incomplete, or not as specified, City may reject it, require Seller to correct it without charge, or require delivery of such Purchase at a reduction in price that is equitable under the circumstances. If seller is unable or refuses to correct such items within a time deem ed
r
easonable by City, City may terminate the order in whole or in part. Seller bears all risks as to rejected Purchases and, in addition to any costs for which Seller may become liable to City under other provisions of this order, must reimburse City for all transportation costs, other related costs incurred, or payments to Seller in accordance with the terms of this order for unaccepted Purchases. Notwithstanding City’s acceptance of any Purchase, Seller is liable for latent defects, fraud, or such gross mistakes as constitute fraud.
3.CHANGES. City may make changes within the general scope of this order in drawings and specifications for specially manufactured supplies, place of delivery, method of shipment or packing of the order by giving notice t o
S
eller and subsequently confirming such changes in writing. If such changes affect the cost of or the time required for performance of this order, an equi
table adjustment in the price or delivery or both must be made. N o c
hange by Seller is allowed without City’s written approval. Any claim by Seller for an adjustment under this section must be made in writing within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt by Seller of notification of such change unless City waives this condition in writing. Nothing in this section excuses Seller from proceeding with performance of the order as changed.
4. T
ERMINATION. City may terminate this order at any time, either verbally or in writing, with or without cause. Should termination occur, City will pay Seller as full performance until such termination the unit or pro rata order price for the performed and accepted portion of the Purchase. City may provide written notice of termination for Seller’s default if Seller refuses or fails to comply with this order. If Seller does not cure such failure within a reasonable time period, or fails to perform the Purchase within the tim e
s
pecified (or allowed by extension), Seller will be liable to City for any excess costs incurred by City.
5.TIME EXTENSION. City may extend the time for completion if, in City’s sole determination, Seller was delayed because of causes beyond Seller’s control and without Seller’s fault or negligence. In the event delay was caused by City, Seller’s sole remedy is limited to recovering money actually and necessarily expended by Seller because of the delay; there is no right to recover anticipated profit.
6.REMEDIES CUMULATIVE. City’s rights and remedies under this order are not exclusive and are in addition to any rights and remedies provided by law.
7.TITLE. Title to materials and supplies purchased under this order pass directly from Seller to City upon City’s written acceptance following an actual inspection and City’s opportunity to reject.
8. PAYMENT. City will pay Seller after receiving acceptable invoices for materials and supplies delivered and accepted or services render ed and ac
cepted. City will not pay cartage, shipping, packaging or boxing expenses unless specified in this order. Drafts will not be honored.
9.INDEMNIFICATION. Seller agrees to indemnify and hold City harmless from and against any claim, action, damages, costs (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees), injuries, or liability, arising out of the Purchase or the order, or their performance, except for such loss or damage arising from City’s sole negligence or willful misconduct. Should City be named in any suit, or should any claim be brought against it by suit or otherwise, whether the same be groundless or not, arising out of the Purchase or order, or their performance, Seller will defend City (at City’s request and with counsel satisfactory to City) and indemnify City for any judgment rendered against it or any sums paid out in settlement or otherwise. For purposes of this secti on
“
City” includes City’s officers, elected officials, and employees. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing provisions will survive termination of this order. The requirements as to the types and limits of insurance coverage to be maintained by Seller, and any approval of such insurance by City, are not intended to and will not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations otherwise assumed by Seller pursuant t o
t
his order, including, without limitation, to the provisions concerni ng i
ndemnification.
10.WARRANTY. Seller agrees that the Purchase is covered by the most favorable commercial warranties the Seller gives to any customer for t he s
ame or substantially similar supplies or services, or such other mor e f
avorable warranties as is specified in this order. Warranties will be effectiv e not
withstanding any inspection or acceptance of the Purchase by City.
11.ASSIGNMENT. City may assign this order. Except as to any payment due under this order, Seller may not assign or subcontract the order without City’s written approval. Should City give consent, it will not relieve Seller from any obligations under this order and any transferee or subcontractor will be considered Seller’s agent.
12. AUTHORIZED SIGNER. Each individual executing this Agreem ent r
epresents and warrants that they are duly authorized to execute this Agreem ent and bi
nd the party on whose behalf they are signing.
1 3.INSURANCE. Seller must provide the insurance indicated on the face sheet of this order.
14.PERMITS. Seller must procure all necessary permits and licenses, and abi
de by all federal, state, and local laws, for performing this order.
15.INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. City and Seller agree that Seller will act as an independent contractor and will have control of all work and the manner in which is it performed. Seller will be free to contract for similar service to be performed for other employers while under contract with City.
Seller is not an agent or employee of City and is not entitled to participate i n any
pension plan, insurance, bonus or similar benefits City provides for its employees. Any provision in this order that may appear to give City the right to direct Seller as to the details of doing the work or to exercise a measure of control over the work means that Seller will follow the direction of the City as to end results of the work only.
16.WAIVER. City’s review or acceptance of, or payment for, work product prepared by Seller under this order will not be construed to operate as a
w
aiver of any rights City may have under this Agreement or of any cause of action arising from Seller’s performance. A waiver by City of any breach of any term, covenant, or condition contained in this order will not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant, or condition contained in this order, whether of the same or different character.
17.INTERPRETATION. This Agreement was drafted in, and will be c
onstrued in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and ex
clusive venue for any action involving this agreement will be in Ventura County.
5 6
7 8
Attachment B
4-Attachment B -Contract Hill Brothers 6/3/26
AGREEMENT NO. 3260142
Services Agreement
CONTRACTOR: Hill Brothers Chemical Co DATE MAILED: June 8, 2026 Below you will find a checklist relating to Insurance and other requirements that are required for doing business with the Ci ty of Simi Valley. Only those items checked- off are MANDATORY, however if your standard policies exceed the minimum requirements please include. Commercial general liability insurance must meet or exceed the requirements of ISO -CGL Form No. CG 00 01 11 85 or 88, or equivalent. The amount of insurance set forth below will be a combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage for the policy coverage. Liability policies will be endorsed to name the City, its officials, and employees as “additional insureds” under said insurance coverage and to state that such insurance will be deemed “primary” such that any other insurance that may be carried by the City will be excess thereto. Such insurance must be on an “occurrence,” not a “claims made,” basis and will not be cancelable or subject to reduction except upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the City.
Comprehensive General Liability, including coverage for premises, products and completed operations, independent contractors, personal injury and contractual obligations with combined single limits of coverage of at least $2 ,000,000 per occurrence. Auto Liability, including owned, non-owned and hired vehicles with at least:
$500,000 per occurrence.
$1,000,000 per occurrence.
As required by State Statutes. A copy of your current policy must be submitted naming yourself and or your company. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: as required by State Statutes. (Not needed if Self -employed with no employees and CONTRACTOR signs statement to this effect.)
Errors & Omissions or Malpractice or Professional Liability: depending on type of contract/service. At least $5 00,000 per occurrence. Business License: The CONTRACTOR must have a current City of Simi Valley license on file at City Hall or purchase said license (at no cost to the City).
PLEASE NOTE: ALL APPLICABLE INFORMATION LISTED ABOVE MUST BE OBTAINED AND ON FILE, PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A CITY
PURCHASE ORDER BEING SENT TO YOU (VIA EMAIL OR HARD COPY) BY THE RISK MANAGER/PURCHASING AGENT, THUS AUTHORIZING COMMENCEMENT OF WORK FOR THE CITY.
Submitted by (complete all blanks): COLOR COPY REQUIRED BACK TO THE CITY Company Name: Hill Brothers Chemical Co.
By (Print name & title): Frank Alari, Director of Sales – West Region
Company Street Address: 3000 East Birch Street #108
Vendor’s Authorized Signature required:
City, State, Zip: Brea, CA 92821
Date signed:
Phone: (714) 579-3333
Agreement Date & Expiration Date: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028 with the option to extend two additional two-year terms.
Services Rendered: Purchase of Ammonia as specified on
Specification No. SV 26-29
Agreement Amount: $453,667.50
Originator/Department Contact: Albert Sexton Date initiated:
Department Head Review: City Manager Approval :
Return the original fully executed form to the City Clerk's office
Attach: SV 26-29 Bid Submission Form
9 1.GENERALLY. The materials, supplies, or services (collectively, “Purchase”) covered by this purchase order (“order”) must be furnished by Seller subject to all the terms and conditions contained in this order whic h S
eller, in accepting this order, agrees to be bound by and comply with in all particulars. No other terms or conditions are binding upon the parties unless subsequently agreed to in writing. Written acceptance or shipment of all or any portion of the Purchase covered by this order constitutes unqualified acceptance of all terms and conditions in this order. The terms of any proposal referred to in this order are included and made a part of the order only to the extent it specified the Purchase ordered, the price, and the delivery, and then only to the extent that such terms are consistent with the terms and conditions of this order.
2.INSPECTION. The Purchase furnished must be exactly as specified in this order, free from all defects in Seller’s performance, design, workmanship, and materials, and, except as otherwise provided, is subject to inspection and test by City at all times and places. If, before final acceptance, any Purchase is found to be incomplete, or not as specified, City may reject it, require Seller to correct it without charge, or require delivery of such Purchase at a reduction in price that is equitable under the circumstances. If seller is unable or refuses to correct such items within a time deem ed
r
easonable by City, City may terminate the order in whole or in part. Seller bears all risks as to rejected Purchases and, in addition to any costs for which Seller may become liable to City under other provisions of this order, must reimburse City for all transportation costs, other related costs incurred, or payments to Seller in accordance with the terms of this order for unaccepted Purchases. Notwithstanding City’s acceptance of any Purchase, Seller is liable for latent defects, fraud, or such gross mistakes as constitute fraud.
3.CHANGES. City may make changes within the general scope of this order in drawings and specifications for specially manufactured supplies, place of delivery, method of shipment or packing of the order by giving notice t o
S
eller and subsequently confirming such changes in writing. If such changes affect the cost of or the time required for performance of this order, an equi
table adjustment in the price or delivery or both must be made. N o c
hange by Seller is allowed without City’s written approval. Any claim by Seller for an adjustment under this section must be made in writing within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt by Seller of notification of such change unless City waives this condition in writing. Nothing in this section excuses Seller from proceeding with performance of the order as changed.
4. T
ERMINATION. City may terminate this order at any time, either verbally or in writing, with or without cause. Should termination occur, City will pay Seller as full performance until such termination the unit or pro rata order price for the performed and accepted portion of the Purchase. City may provide written notice of termination for Seller’s default if Seller refuses or fails to comply with this order. If Seller does not cure such failure within a reasonable time period, or fails to perform the Purchase within the tim e
s
pecified (or allowed by extension), Seller will be liable to City for any excess costs incurred by City.
5.TIME EXTENSION. City may extend the time for completion if, in City’s sole determination, Seller was delayed because of causes beyond Seller’s control and without Seller’s fault or negligence. In the event delay was caused by City, Seller’s sole remedy is limited to recovering money actually and necessarily expended by Seller because of the delay; there is no right to recover anticipated profit.
6.REMEDIES CUMULATIVE. City’s rights and remedies under this order are not exclusive and are in addition to any rights and remedies provided by law.
7.TITLE. Title to materials and supplies purchased under this order pass directly from Seller to City upon City’s written acceptance following an actual inspection and City’s opportunity to reject.
8. PAYMENT. City will pay Seller after receiving acceptable invoices for materials and supplies delivered and accepted or services render ed and ac
cepted. City will not pay cartage, shipping, packaging or boxing expenses unless specified in this order. Drafts will not be honored.
9.INDEMNIFICATION. Seller agrees to indemnify and hold City harmless from and against any claim, action, damages, costs (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees), injuries, or liability, arising out of the Purchase or the order, or their performance, except for such loss or damage arising from City’s sole negligence or willful misconduct. Should City be named in any suit, or should any claim be brought against it by suit or otherwise, whether the same be groundless or not, arising out of the Purchase or order, or their performance, Seller will defend City (at City’s request and with counsel satisfactory to City) and indemnify City for any judgment rendered against it or any sums paid out in settlement or otherwise. For purposes of this secti on
“
City” includes City’s officers, elected officials, and employees. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing provisions will survive termination of this order. The requirements as to the types and limits of insurance coverage to be maintained by Seller, and any approval of such insurance by City, are not intended to and will not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations otherwise assumed by Seller pursuant t o
t
his order, including, without limitation, to the provisions concerni ng i
ndemnification.
10.WARRANTY. Seller agrees that the Purchase is covered by the most favorable commercial warranties the Seller gives to any customer for t he s
ame or substantially similar supplies or services, or such other mor e f
avorable warranties as is specified in this order. Warranties will be effectiv e not
withstanding any inspection or acceptance of the Purchase by City.
11.ASSIGNMENT. City may assign this order. Except as to any payment due under this order, Seller may not assign or subcontract the order without City’s written approval. Should City give consent, it will not relieve Seller from any obligations under this order and any transferee or subcontractor will be considered Seller’s agent.
12. AUTHORIZED SIGNER. E ach individual executing this Agr eement r
epresents and warrants that they are duly authorized to execute this Agreem ent and bi
nd the party on whose behalf they are signing.
1 3.INSURANCE. Seller must provide the insurance indicated on the face sheet of this order.
14.PERMITS. Seller must procure all necessary permits and licenses, and abi
de by all federal, state, and local laws, for performing this order.
15.INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. City and Seller agree that Seller will act as an independent contractor and will have control of all work and the manner in which is it performed. Seller will be free to contract for similar service to be performed for other employers while under contract with City.
Seller is not an agent or employee of City and is not entitled to participate i n any
pension plan, insurance, bonus or similar benefits City provides for its employees. Any provision in this order that may appear to give City the right to direct Seller as to the details of doing the work or to exercise a measure of control over the work means that Seller will follow the direction of the City as to end results of the work only.
16.WAIVER. City’s review or acceptance of, or payment for, work product prepared by Seller under this order will not be construed to operate as a
w
aiver of any rights City may have under this Agreement or of any cause of action arising from Seller’s performance. A waiver by City of any breach of any term, covenant, or condition contained in this order will not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant, or condition contained in this order, whether of the same or different character.
17.INTERPRETATION. This Agreement was drafted in, and will be c
onstrued in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and ex
clusive venue for any action involving this agreement will be in Ventura County.
10 11
12 13