Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	Thomas M. Markus - City Manager Diane Stoddard - Assistant City Manager Casey Toomay - Assistant City Manager
FROM:	Dave Osborne - Field Supervisor
CC:	Dave Wagner - Director of Utilities Mike Lawless - Deputy Director of Utilities Bob Brower - Superintendent Beth Krishtalka - Assistant to Director
DATE:	March 25, 2016
RE:	2016 Chemical Root Control Program – Bid #B09034 Extension

Background

Established in 1998, the Utilities Department’s annual Chemical Root Control Program (Program) identifies sanitary sewer line segments for root control based on such factors as root infiltration blockages, TV inspection, maintenance records, pipe age, pipe material and above-ground conditions such as trees.  The chemical root control agent kills invasive root growth and inhibits re‑growth without permanently damaging the root-producing vegetation. Treated line segments are warranted for two years against root re-growth. Selected sanitary sewer line segments are also retreated every third year. The Program has contributed significantly to reduced root blockages, reduced sewer backup calls, reduced sanitary sewer overflows and improved customer service. Duke’s Root Control, Inc. (Duke’s) was the successful, approved low bidder for the 2009 - 2013 Bid #B09034. Duke’s later extended Bid #B09034 pricing for Program years 2014 and 2015.

Project Description

Staff has identified 68,635 feet of 8-inch pipe, and 5,091 feet of 12-inch pipe for 2016 Program treatment. Duke’s is willing to extend Bid #B09034 pricing through June 30, 2017. The cost of currently identified 2016 Program activities is $98,314, assuming extended B09034 pricing. Duke’s has provided satisfactory, responsive services to date.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends acceptance of Duke’s offer to extend Bid #B09034 pricing for treatment of 68,635 feet of 8-inch pipe, and 5,091 feet of 12-inch pipe for the 2016 Program, at a total estimated cost of $98,314.

Project Funding

Funding is from the Utilities Operations and Maintenance Budget.

Action

Approve extended Bid #B09034 pricing from Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for a total estimated cost of $98,314 for the 2016 Chemical Root Control Program.