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ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A CONTRACT WITH AG-AIR, INC. FOR AERIAL SPRAYING SERVICES AT THE REGIONAL WASTEWATER CONTROL FACILITY
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve the Specifications and Addenda for Helicopter Aerial Spraying Services for Mosquito and Vector Control at the Regional Wastewater Control Facility, PUR 26-007 (Exhibit 1 to the Resolution).
2. Authorize a five-year contract with Ag-Air, Inc. of Oakdale, California, for Helicopter Aerial Spraying Services for Mosquito and Vector Control at the Regional Wastewater Control Facility, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $343,000. (Exhibit 2 to the Resolution).
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The Municipal Utilities Department’s (MUD) Regional Wastewater Control Facility (RWCF) is an advanced tertiary wastewater treatment facility with a 55 million-gallon per day capacity located adjacent to the San Joaquin River. The RWCF includes over 585 acres of treatment ponds and constructed wetlands.
The San Joaquin County Vector Control (SJCVC) requires periodic spraying of the treatment ponds and wetlands to control mosquito and midge fly populations (vectors).
Staff recommend that the City Council authorize a five-year contract with Ag-Air, Inc. of Oakdale, California, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $343,000 for Mosquito and Vector control at the RWCF.
DISCUSSION
Background
MUD staff operate and maintain the RWCF, which includes treatment ponds and constructed wetlands. The SJCVC requires treatment ponds and wetlands to be sprayed periodically to control vectors including mosquito and midge fly. The SJCVC also determines the frequency and type of chemicals necessary for vector control based on mosquito population testing and counts. Mosquito populations in the area have historically tested positive for West Nile and Zika viruses. Either virus can cause significant health risks.
Present Situation
An Invitation to Bid was publicly advertised on September 29, 2025, in the Legal Notice Section of The Record and on the City’s Bid Flash webpage. Additionally, staff emailed bid specifications to prospective bidders via Ask Stockton.
Respondents to the bid were required to have rotary-wing aircraft, pilot, aerial spraying equipment, labor, fuel, staging, and all other supplies needed to perform the aerial spraying services excluding adulticide and/or larvicide chemical which would be provided by MUD on SJCVC approval. Rotary-wing aircraft minimize overspray and drift while allowing precise application to the treatment ponds and wetlands.
Responsive bidders were required to hold all appropriate licenses required for operation of a rotary wing aircraft (helicopter) and a California Pest Control Operator’s license.
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the City received the following (one) sealed bid:
|
Company |
Location |
Estimated Annual Hours |
Estimated Annual Cost |
|
Ag-Air, Inc. |
Oakdale, CA |
30 |
$65,065 |
The bid allows for a maximum 3% increase for each succeeding year, providing there is evidence of a cost increase and the amount of that increase.
The bid submitted by Ag-Air is regular in all respects, meets the City’s requirements, and includes proper licensing. Over the past five years, the cost for these services has ranged from $1,550 to $2,148 per hour. Therefore, Ag-Air’s bid, which averages $2,169 per hour, is reasonable.
Staff recommend that the City Council authorize a five-year contract with Ag-Air, Inc. of Oakdale, California, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $343,000 for Mosquito and Vector control at the Regional Wastewater Control Facility.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is sufficient budget in account number 6513-000-630006-610-000-00-65-000-000 for the remainder of FY 2025-26. The cost for the first full year of the contract is $65,065. Funds for future years will be budgeted and presented to the City Council for approval during the annual budgeting process.
This action has no impact on the General Fund or any other unrestricted funds.