Lake County approves 2025 chip-seal material contracts after corrected oil price

The Lake County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize purchase orders for materials for the county’s 2025 chip-seal resurfacing program, awarding rock materials to Granite Construction not to exceed $426,800 and oil emulsion materials to Western Emulsions Inc. for a corrected total not to exceed $845,804.07. The actions took place during a Board meeting on the chip-seal item.

The awards fund materials for nearly 36 miles of chip-seal resurfacing in the Lower Lake and Kelseyville areas. Interim Public Works Director Lars Ewing told the board the county issued two separate requests for proposals because the work requires two distinct materials — rock (chips) and a specific oil emulsion — and because delivery logistics and haul costs vary by bidder. "the road crew for the public works department is, currently in in the preparations phase, for 36 miles of resurfacing, chip seals in the Lower Lake and and Kelseyville areas," Ewing said.

The board first approved a purchase order to Granite Construction for rock materials not to exceed $426,800 by a 4-0 vote. It then initially approved a Western Emulsions purchase order listed in the meeting agenda as not to exceed $788,629; after the vote staff identified an accounting error that excluded tax, and the board moved to rescind that vote and reauthorize the oil contract with the corrected "not to exceed" amount of $845,804.07. A board member stated, "The correct figure should be $845,804.70." The rescission and the reauthorization each passed 4-0.

Ewing described the procurement as a proposal-based selection rather than a simple invitation for bids because bidders provided not just unit prices but also schedules and haul assumptions. He said selection committees reviewed both solicitations and recommended Granite Construction for the chips and Western Emulsions for the emulsion. The board opened the item for public comment but took no public testimony before the final votes.

Board members complimented the county road crew for recent resurfacing work. Supervisor Sabati asked about the status of the county’s chip spreader; Ewing said he believed the county was using a "relatively new chip spreader" and said he would follow up with Public Works staff to confirm and provide a definitive answer.

The Board authorized the Public Works Director to sign the resulting purchase orders. Staff did not add other conditions or amendments on the record. No statutes, ordinances, or grant sources were cited during the discussion on this item.