City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: October 1, 2024
From: Daniel Calleros, Interim City Administrator
Department: City Administration
Submitted by: Lilia Hernandez, Assistant to the City Administrator Subject
Report on Emergency Sewer Repairs Approved by the City Administrator Recommendation
Receive and file the report on direct award of emergency sewer repair work to Faze 1 Corporation (doing business as Premier Pipe, Inc.) as approved by the City Administrator pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 3.32.250 for a total amount of $258,150.
Background
On May 7, 2024 and July 31, 2024, the City Administrator approved payment to Faze 1 Corporation, doing business as Premier Pipe, Inc., (Premier Pipe), for emergency sewer repairs completed in sewer lines at various locations including 2638 Vernon Avenue, 4501 Downey Road, and 4879 Fruitland Avenue. Emergency work performed by Premier Pipe was approved by the City Administrator pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.250, which authorizes emergency work, regardless of the amount, when circumstances necessitate the “immediate purchase of supplies, equipment, or services to address an immediate and unforeseen risk to health, life, property or the environment.” In November 2023, the City responded to a sewer backup at 2638 Vernon Avenue. The sewer backup was caused by heavy grease discharge, causing a blockage that could potentially lead to an overflow spill. As a result of the time-sensitive nature of the emergency, the City sought an experienced contractor to perform the difficult task of jet-cleaning the pipes and controlling any hazardous materials from entering the sewer system. Failure to adequately address the issue in a timely manner could have led to an overflow spill, resulting in a severe health and safety hazard.
The sewer line repairs/maintenance were assigned to Premier Pipeline without a competitive process pursuant to the emergency purchasing provisions allowed in VMC Section 3.32.250, as Premier Pipeline was qualified and immediately available to complete the work.
During that time, City staff responded to a sewer backup at 4501 Downey Road to clean/repair the sewer lines. While conducting the repairs, the City’s equipment malfunctioned, causing crews to stop work on all repairs. The sewer repairs were an urgent need, as the backup could not be left untreated due to the potential for residue buildup and debris eroding the pipes' inner walls, possibly resulting in leaks or even bursting pipes. Considering Premier Pipe's work to address the backup on Vernon Avenue, the City engaged the contractor to complete the cleaning of the sewer lines at 4501 Downey Road. Additionally, City staff were called to 4879 Fruitland Avenue to address another sewer issue when the City's truck broke down, rendering crews unable to immediately assist with resolving the issue. With the consistent rain experienced in the region, additional sewer system problems arose when the lines overflowed and seeped into the storm drains and Premier Pipe was contacted to assist.
Due to the nature of the emergency repairs at the locations noted above, the procurement of the services rendered by Premier Pipe is exempt from competitive bidding/selection and can be approved as an emergency pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 3.32.250, as hazardous materials discharges pose an immediate and unforeseen risk to health, life, and the environment.
This report to City Council detailing the circumstances of the emergency work performed by Premier Pipe is being provided pursuant to the VMC Section noted above.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of the emergency repair work was $258,150. Sufficient funds to cover this amount were available in the General Fund, Public Works Department, Street Maintenance Division, Repairs and Maintenance Account No. 011-040-430-529000 for the fiscal year 2023- 2024.
Attachments
None.