The Oxnard City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, focused on the approval of a significant sewer main replacement project along Ventura Road and Rice Avenue. Tim Beeman, assistant director of public works, presented the details of agreement 32500499 with Boyes Construction LLC, recommending a total project budget of $5,937,896.

The council was asked to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with Blois Construction LLC for $4,750,316, along with a contingency fund of $712,504.48, bringing the total project cost to a maximum of $5,462,864. Additionally, a budget appropriation of $170,896 from the wastewater operating fund was proposed to support the project.

Beeman explained that the city's wastewater division manages over 400 miles of sanitary sewer mains, and the Ventura Road and Rice Avenue project is part of an integrated master plan to replace and upsize critical sections of the sewer system. The project will address two specific locations: approximately 1,900 feet of 24-inch sewer main from Latico Avenue to Camino Del Sol, and about 3,082 feet of 15-inch sewer main between Doris Avenue and Little Farms Road.

The need for this replacement was confirmed through site visits and hydraulic modeling, which identified surcharge conditions in the existing system. Beeman noted that the construction area is congested with utilities, necessitating a 15% contingency to manage potential complications during the project.

The council received three bids for the project, with Blois Construction being the lowest responsive bidder. The financial implications of the project were thoroughly outlined, emphasizing the importance of the additional contingency to accommodate any unforeseen challenges during construction.

In conclusion, the council's approval of this project is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Oxnard's wastewater infrastructure and ensuring efficient service for residents. The next steps will involve finalizing the agreement with Blois Construction and commencing the necessary preparations for the sewer main replacement.