Title
[Contract] Purchase of Replacement Sewer Rodder Truck [Two-Thirds Vote Required]
End
FileID
File ID: 2026-00821
End
Location
Location: Citywide
End
Recommendation
Recommendation: Pass a Motion by two-thirds vote pursuant to City Code Section 3.56.230.E: 1) suspending competitive bidding in the best interest of the City for the purchase of a replacement sewer rodder truck; 2) awarding a contract to Owen Equipment Sales for the purchase of a replacement sewer rodder truck for an amount not-to-exceed $682,338; and 3) authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute a contract with Owen Equipment Sales for the purchase for an amount not-to-exceed $682,338.
End
Contact
Contact: Stacey Chatman, Program Specialist, (916) 808-6711, schatman@cityofsacramento.org; Alison Kerstetter, Fleet Manager, (916) 808-1163, akerstetter@cityofsacramento.org; Department of Public Works
End
Presenter
Presenter: None
End
Attachments
Attachments:
1-Description / Analysis
2-Contract
End
Description/Analysis
IssueDetail
Issue Detail: The Department of Public Works’ Fleet Management Division is responsible for procuring, maintaining, and replacing vehicles and equipment that support all City operations. As part of the FY2026 replacement schedule, Fleet is replacing a 2016 rodder truck (Unit No. 12358) used by the Department of Utilities for wastewater system maintenance. The unit has reached the end of its service life and can no longer reliably support operational needs.
Rodder trucks provide high-pressure water and specialized root-cutting capabilities essential for maintaining and cleaning sewer lines. Sacramento’s extensive tree canopy contributes to frequent root intrusions, making this equipment critical for maintaining system flow and preventing blockages. Unlike combination cleaners or jetters, rodder trucks are uniquely effective at removing root obstructions.
During replacement research, staff identified that most manufacturers have discontinued production of full-capacity rodder trucks. While standalone rodder units are still available, they offer reduced performance and are not sufficient for Utilities’ operational requirements. OK Champion is one of the few remaining manufacturers producing rodder trucks, and their units are already deployed in other major jurisdictions. Owen Equipment, located in Fairfield, California, is the nearest authorized dealer capable of providing the required configuration.
Due to the limited availability of qualified manufacturers and vendors, staff recommends suspending competitive bidding and awarding a contract to Owen’s Equipment for the replacement of the existing 2016 rodder truck (Unit No. 12358).
End
PolicyConsiderations
Policy Considerations: The recommendations in this report are consistent with Sacramento City Code chapter 3.56. City Code section 3.56.230.E authorizes the City Council, upon a two-thirds vote, to suspend competitive bidding when it is determined to be in the best interest of the City. Section 3.56.090 requires Council approval to authorize the City Manager to execute contracts for purchases that are $250,000 or more.
End
EconomicImpacts
Economic Impacts: None.
End
EnvironmentalConsiderations
Environmental Considerations:
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): No environmental review is necessary because the recommendations in this report involve the purchase of fleet equipment and related services which are not considered to be a project in accordance with Section 15378(b)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines.
End
Sustainability
Sustainability: Not applicable.
End
Commission/Committee Action
Commission/Committee Action: None.
End
RationaleforRecommendation
Rationale for Recommendation: The Department of Utilities relies on specialized sewer and wastewater maintenance equipment-including combination cleaners, jetters, vacuum trucks, and hydro-excavators-to maintain system flow and address blockages. Rodder trucks are a specialized subtype of combination cleaners and are the only equipment proven effective for removing root intrusions. Given Sacramento’s extensive urban canopy and the frequency of root-related blockages, maintaining access to this capability is operationally essential.
The City’s existing rodder truck, fleet unit number 12358, has reached the end of its service life and requires replacement. During procurement research, staff determined that most manufacturers have discontinued production of rodder trucks. While standalone rodder units remain available, they lack the power and performance of truck-mounted systems and do not meet the City’s operational needs.
OK Champion is one of the only remaining manufacturers producing full-capacity rodder trucks, and their products have a proven track record, including deployment in the City of Los Angeles. Owen Equipment, located in Fairfield, California, is the nearest authorized dealer. Due to the extremely limited market, the City’s operational need for root-removal capability, and the availability of a qualified nearby vendor, suspending competitive bidding and awarding a contract to Owen Equipment is in the City’s best interest.
End
FinancialConsiderations
Financial Considerations: Sufficient funding exists in the Department of Public Works, Fleet Management Division, FY2026/27 Approved Operating Budget (Fleet Fund, Fund 6501) to execute the contract.
End
LocalBusinessEnterprise
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Owen Equipment Sales is not an LBE. Upon approval of the suspension of competitive bidding this requirement is waived.
End