Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
Submitted by: Gabriel Guerrero-Gabany
From: Public Works
AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO BIG BEN ENGINEERING, INC. FOR EMERGENCY SEWER LINE REPAIRS
| Expense: | $78,100 | Total Cost |
| $71,000 | Construction Cost | |
| $ 7,100 | Contingency (10%) | |
| Budget: | $78,100 | Sewer Fund (402-80600-6001) |
The City of Placentia owns and maintains sanitary sewer lines throughout the City. During a routine maintenance inspection on September 28, 2026 of the sewer lines on Bradford Ave and the Alley south of Center Street, the City discovered in both locations that a portion of the pipe is broken. At the Center street location, a large void has formed above the pipe. Both sewer line locations are at an increased risk of collapse which could lead to a sewer overspill and a disruption of service to residents.
Since then, Staff reached out to Big Ben Engineering, Inc. for a quote to perform immediate repairs at both locations. The cost to perform these repairs is $71,000. Public Works staff then proceeded with directing the contractor to begin emergency corrective work on Monday, October 5, 2026. The repair work includes removing the existing sewer line, replacement of the broken sections, trench backfill, and pavement restoration.
It is recommended that the City Council:
- Approve a Public Works Agreement with Big Ben Engineering Inc., for Emergency Sewer Line Repairs in the amount of $71,000; and
- Authorize the Acting City Administrator or her designee to approve contract change orders up to ten percent (10%) of the contract amount, or $7,100, for a total construction contract not-to-exceed amount of $78,100; and
- Authorize the Acting City Administrator and/or her designee to execute all necessary documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
The item conforms to Strategic Goal No. 3: Infrastructure, Facilities, and Public Spaces by maintaining and enhancing streets, parks, and public facilities to ensure they are well-appointed, clean, attractive, and reflective of the city's commitment to quality.
The City of Placentia owns and maintains sanitary sewer lines throughout the City. During a routine maintenance inspection on September 28, 2026 of the sewer lines on Bradford Ave and the Alley south of Center Street, the City discovered in both locations that a portion of the pipe was broken. At the Center Street location, a large void has formed above the pipe. Both sewer line locations are at an increased risk of collapse which could lead to a sewer overspill and a disruption of service to residents.
Since then, Staff reached out to Big Ben Engineering, Inc. for a quote to perform immediate repairs at both locations. The cost to perform these repairs is $71,000. Public Works then proceeded with directing the contractor to begin emergency corrective work on Monday, October 5, 2026. The emergency determination by the Acting City Administrator and the exemption from competitive bidding are in conformance with Section 3.08.140 of the Placentia Municipal Code for purchases during an emergency situation. The repair work includes removing the existing sewer line, replacement of the broken sections, trench backfill, and pavement restoration. Work is anticipated to be complete by 10/16.
The total construction cost for the Emergency Sewer Repairs amounts to $78,100. This cost consists of the proposal amount submitted by Big Ben Engineering in the amount of $71,000, and a construction contingency in the amount of $7,100. Sufficient funding for this project is available in account 402-80600-6001.