Oxnard City staff on Dec. 16 asked the City Council to ratify the director of public works' emergency order and authorize an emergency public project agreement with Toro Enterprises Inc. for repairs to a water main that broke Sept. 18 at Oxnard Boulevard and Dade Street.

Assistant Director of Public Works Tim Beeman told the council the break “created a sinkhole” and caused significant flooding and asphalt damage. He said the failure occurred in cast‑iron pipe the city has previously identified as nearing the end of its useful life and “highly susceptible to breaks.”

Staff presented three recommendations: ratify the director’s emergency order dispensing with public bidding under Public Contract Code section 22050; authorize the city manager to execute an emergency public project agreement with Toro Enterprises Inc. not to exceed $130,000; and accept the director’s declaration terminating the emergency order once emergency work is complete. The presentation did not record a council vote or formal approval.

Beeman said valves at the intersection were inoperable, enlarging the shutdown area and affecting a large apartment complex and traffic on Oxnard Boulevard. Water‑division crews performed temporary repairs overnight to restore service and reopen the roadway; permanent repairs had been scheduled for Oct. 17, during which crews discovered a 10‑inch sewer lateral and a 36‑inch storm drain that expanded the work scope and required contractor resources.

The contractor’s initial estimate exceeded $100,000, Beeman said, and staff asked for a $130,000 not‑to‑exceed ceiling to cover any final adjustments when time‑and‑material tickets and delivery records are reconciled. He told the council that, as of the date of the report, the emergency circumstances had ceased and no further emergency action was required.

Funds for the agreement are available in the water operating fund (601), according to the presentation. The staff report and Beeman’s remarks constituted the presentation to the council; the transcript does not record any subsequent council action or vote on the recommendations.