Oxnard official seeks council ratification for emergency water‑main repairs and $260,000 contract

Chris Peyton, Oxnard City water division manager, asked the City Council to ratify an emergency order and authorize a public project agreement with Toro Enterprises Inc. not to exceed $260,000 to cover two emergency repairs to water mains near 800 East Pleasant Valley Road.

Peyton said the item would (1) ratify the director of public works’ emergency order to dispense with public bidding under Public Contract Code section 22050; (2) authorize the city manager to execute an emergency public project agreement with Toro Enterprises Inc. for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $260,000 for two repairs; and (3) declare termination of the emergency order when appropriate. "On 02/03/2026, a 12 inch cast iron water main break occurred near 800 East Pleasant Valley Road causing a sinkhole, flooding, and asphalt damage," Peyton said, adding that the westbound lanes were closed and traffic was redirected.

The two breaks occurred days apart, Peyton said. "On 02/08/2026, the second main break occurred east of the previous main break," he said; that break was a 6‑inch failure that required replacement of roughly 20 feet of pipe. Peyton described the affected pipe as a circa‑1964 cast iron main that is vulnerable to failure from normal wear and tear.

Peyton said crews contacted Toro Enterprises Inc. on an urgent basis and made repairs on the 12‑inch main that included placement of sand and slurry, paving and pavement markings on the westbound lanes. He reported the initial estimated cost "exceeded a $100,000," and that March 3, 2026 was the first available council meeting after receiving Toro's estimate. "Staff is proceeding with the stand alone emergency public project agreement with a not to exceed of $260,000," Peyton said, citing Oxnard City purchasing rules and state law that allow emergency work to proceed without competitive bidding when conditions meet statutory requirements.

As of the date of Peyton’s report, he said the immediate emergency circumstances have ceased and no further emergency action is required. Peyton noted the requested not‑to‑exceed amount is slightly above the current estimate from Toro to allow for final adjustments once time‑and‑material tickets and delivery receipts are reviewed. Funds for the agreement are available in the Water Operating Fund (601).

The City Council was asked to review and ratify the emergency order and to authorize the city manager to execute the emergency public project agreement. The transcript records the staff presentation and request but does not record a council vote or formal motion on the item.