TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Clifford G. Finley, Public Works Director
DATE:April 8, 2025
SUBJECT: Root Control Services Agreement
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Award General Services Agreement to Duke’s Root Control, Inc. of Elgin, IL, to perform root control services in the City’s wastewater pipelines and maintenance holes at various locations throughout the City, effective April 8, 2025, through April 30, 2030, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.
2. Approve a sole source designation for a General Services Agreement for root control services to Duke’s Root Control, Inc. pursuant to Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Section 3-10.202.
3. Authorize expense in the amount of $50,000 in FY 2024-25 from A/C #621- 8220-682-5699 (Wastewater Fund - Contracted Services Private/Other).
4. Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: Yes
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. $50,000 is included in the Adopted FY 2024- 25 Wastewater Fund Budget. Funds for the remaining term of the contract will be requested during the upcoming biennial budget processes.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Thousand Oaks maintains approximately 415 miles of sewer pipeline and 8,300 maintenance holes. Roots and grease are the leading causes of pipe fractures, reduced capacity, and operational disruptions. If not addressed, they can lead to sewer system overflows. Regular preventive maintenance helps preserve
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the integrity of the sewer system and minimize disruptions. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the City’s sewer mains approximately once every two years, and closed-circuit television inspection of approximately 40 miles of pipeline per year.
During regular maintenance activities, problem areas are identified that have root intrusion. These areas are initially cleaned and then added to an annual list to have those specific lines treated. The most efficient method of treating root control involves the use of herbicides, which target roots within the pipes and allows them to decay naturally. In contrast, mechanical root removal, which involves physically cutting roots via hydro cleaning, temporarily addresses the roots, and requires more frequent maintenance until the lines can be treated or rehabilitated.
Approximately 18,000 feet of pipeline are treated annually for root control. This approach helps address the root issues, extends the lifespan of sewer pipes, reduces long-term maintenance costs, and prevents hazardous sewer system overflows.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The scope of work includes foaming services by using Razorooter II, a diquat- based root control product, to alleviate root intrusion. Diquat is a fast-acting synthetic herbicide that disrupts photosynthesis, causing the roots to wilt and dry out quickly. Duke’s Root Control, Inc. (Duke’s) is the only licensed commercial applicator of this product in California. Razorooter II is the only diquat-based sewer root control product registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Diquat is classified as a non-carcinogen and holds a category “E” rating, which is the most favorable designation on the EPA’s chronic exposure toxicological scale for pesticides. The City has successfully partnered with Duke’s since 2013 to implement root control treatments using Razorooter. An approved sole source justification for Duke’s is already on file with the Finance Department. However, City Council sole source approval is required because the contract exceeds $75,000.
Each year, City staff will identify the areas to be treated, and Duke’s will complete the work. Compensation will be based on the number of maintenance holes and pipelines treated, per the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit B of the contract. The not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 accounts for potential rate increases through the term of the contract. Staff recommends approval of a five-year General Services Agreement with Duke’s (Attachment #1).
LEVINE ACT (California Government Code § 84308):
This item is subject to the Levine Act. City Councilmembers who have received a campaign contribution of more than $500 (aggregated) within the preceding 12 months from a party or their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant involved in this proceeding may do either of the following: (1) disclose Root Control Services Agreement
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the contribution on the record and recuse themselves from this proceeding; or if applicable (2) return the portion of the contribution that exceeds $500 within 30 days from the time the official knew or should have known about the contribution, and participate in the proceeding.
All parties and their agents/representatives must disclose on the record of this proceeding any aggregated contribution of more than $500 made to any Councilmember within the preceding 12 months. Councilmembers are prohibited from accepting, soliciting, or directing a campaign contribution of more than $500 (aggregated) from a party, their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is made. In addition, a party, their agent/representative, or a financially- interested participant is prohibited from contributing more than $500 (aggregated) to a Councilmember during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is made.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goal:
C. Operate City government in a fiscally and managerially responsible and prudent manner to ensure that the City of Thousand Oaks remains one of California's most desirable places to live, work, visit, recreate, and raise a family.
PREPARED BY: Patrick McCulloch, Utilities Maintenance Supervisor Attachments:
Attachment #1 – Duke’s Root Control, Inc. Agreement
DPW:1030-55\ev\Council\2025\040825\Root Control Services Agreement staff report.docx