City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: January 20, 2026
From: Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Department: City Administration
Submitted by: Lilia Hernandez, Assistant to the City Administrator Subject
Report on Emergency Purchase Approved by the City Administrator Recommendation
Receive and file the report on the emergency sewer repairs performed by Ocean Blue Environmental Services, Inc. for a total amount of $525,658.35 as approved by the City Administrator pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 3.32.250.
Background
On July 29, 2025, the City responded to a report of grease on the street at 5400 Alcoa Avenue.
The sewer backup was caused by the discharge of heavy grease into the city-owned sewer main, resulting in a blockage that led to an overflow spill out from the sewer manhole. Due to the timesensitive nature of the emergency, and with the City’s Vactor truck out of service, staff sought an experienced contractor to perform the difficult task of jet-cleaning the pipes and controlling any hazardous materials from entering the storm drain system.
Failure to adequately address the issue in a timely manner could have resulted in an overflow spill, and led to a severe health and safety hazard. Increases in bacteria resulting from a spill can pose serious health risks with symptoms including abdominal cramping, diarrhea, ear and eye infections, liver infections, ulcers, and muscle aches. Moreover, spills entering the storm drain system may result in significant environmental impacts and can lead to regulatory penalties or fines imposed by state or federal agencies. Staff had to act immediately to contain the situation and prevent any additional damage and health risks, thus the repairs/maintenance were assigned to Ocean Blue Environmental Services, Inc. (Ocean Blue) without a competitive process pursuant to the emergency purchasing provisions identified in Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.250.
Ocean Blue performed the emergency work over several days, which involved using a CCTV camera to locate areas with heavy grease, cleaning the sewer system with a hydrojet, and vacuuming the solid waste, including food and grease debris in the main sewer lines affected by the blockage. In addition, Ocean Blue transported and disposed of all solid waste collected.
On November 19, 2025, the City Administrator approved payment to Ocean Blue in the amount of $525,658.35 for the emergency work performed to restore waste flow and prevent health/environmental issues. The work met the criteria outlined in the VMC for emergency services as such discharges pose an immediate and unforeseen risk to health, life, and the environment. This report to the City Council regarding the circumstances of the emergency work is being provided as required by VMC Section 3.32.250.
The City is now equipped with a new Vactor truck and staff would be able to perform any necessary cleanup work should a similar emergency arise in the future.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact was $525,658.35. Sufficient funds were available in the General Fund, Public Works, Street Maintenance, Repairs & Maintenance Account No. 011-040-430-529000 for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
None.