City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: August 18, 2026
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works-City Engineer Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Rosemary Lozada, Management Analyst
Subject
Services Agreement with Ron's Maintenance, Inc.
Recommendation
A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, because the project consists of the maintenance, repair or minor alteration of existing facilities and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing or former use;
B. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with Ron’s Maintenance, Inc., in substantially the same form as submitted, for catch basin cleaning services as part of the City’s continued effort to comply with the Los Angeles River Trash Total Maximum Daily Loads Program included in the Municipal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, for a total amount not-to-exceed $333,094, for a three-year term; and C. Authorize a contingency amount of 15% (or $49,965) for extra basin inspections or cleaning services that may be needed, and grant authority to the City Administrator to issue Change Orders for an amount up to the contingency amount, if necessary.
Background
The current National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Waste Discharge Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles County (also known as the Municipal NPDES Permit) contains requirements to prohibit, eliminate, and/or reduce stormwater and urban runoff pollutant loads. As part of the City’s continued effort to comply with the Los Angeles River Trash Total Maximum Daily Loads Program included in the Municipal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NPDES Permit, the City is recommending that City Council approve a services agreement with Ron’s Maintenance, Inc. (RMI) for catch basin cleaning services.
In February 2024, the City of Culver City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for catch basin cleaning services. Four proposals were received, with RMI being the most qualified respondent offering the most cost-effective proposal. Piggybacking on Culver City's competitively awarded contract will allow the City of Vernon to secure RMI’s competitive pricing without being subjected to rate increases that were implemented in July of 2026, resulting in immediate cost savings for the City.
RMI's quote dated July 7, 2026 proposes cleaning services for the City’s 907 catch basins for the price of $30.00 per cleaning per catch basin with a frequency of four (4) cleanings per basin each year. The pricing and cleaning frequency is aligned with the Culver City proposal which calls for a minimum of one inspection and cleaning of catch basins between July 1 and September 30 of each year (during the dry season); and three total inspections and cleanings between October 1 to April 30 (the wet season). RMI proposes a 2% increase for the second and third year of the services agreement for a total cost not-to-exceed $333,094 for the three-year term.
Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.110(A)(5), it is the opinion of Public Works Department staff and the Finance Director that executing an agreement with RMI is advantageous to the City, as RMI’s services are being offered to the City at the same prices, terms and conditions as in a previous award from another public agency by competitive bid or through a negotiated process.
Additionally, Staff recommends a contingency amount of 15% (or $49,965) to cover additional inspections or cleaning services that may be required due to any unanticipated increases in rainfall. Ensuring that the catch basins are clean will not only allow the City to comply with NPDES requirements but it will also aid with flood control in periods of heavy rainfall. Pursuant to VMC
3.32.030(A), contracts that exceed $100,000 shall require City Council approval.
The Services Agreement with RMI has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney's office.
Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 3: Advance Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $383,059, including the 15% contingency. Sufficient funds are available in the Measure W, Public Works Department, Street Maintenance Division, Repairs & Maintenance Account No. 025-040-430-529000 for the current fiscal year and funds will be budgeted in subsequent years.
Attachments
1. Services Agreement with Ron’s Maintenance, Inc.