Memorandum
Date: September 15, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Robin Borre, Special Districts Administrator
Subject: Authorize Special Districts Administrator/Assistant Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order not to exceed $120,000 to Owen Equipment for the purchase of a Valve Turning Trailer.
Executive Summary: (include fiscal and staffing impact narrative):
The FY 26/27 Special Districts Administration Capital Asset Budget includes an appropriation of $120,000 for a Valve Turning Trailer.
The Valve Turning Trailer will be used by Special Districts Administration and Utility Areas for all water and sewer systems and for the Geyser Pipeline. The Valve Turning trailer will be used to check and replace air release valves, exercise, open, close, and maintain heavy underground shut-off valves. isolation valves and fire hydrants. The equipment will help prevent the potential breakage of valves and could prevent a sewer spill.
The equipment uses a motorized torque wrench, boom for reaching over trees, bushes or fences, build in vacuum cleaning and GIS data logging. The torque is controlled by smart software that monitors the torque in real-time. If a valve is frozen or highly resistant, the system will automatically back off or safely cycle back and forth preventing valve damage.
The system enhances crew safety by eliminating possible stains, soft-tissue, back and shoulder injuries. Productivity will increase since one piece of equipment includes vacuum excavation, pressure washer, power generator and the turning machine. Additionally, emergency response will increase with the use of the equipment.
Staff reached out to five vendors for quotes for equipment. The range of quotes was $116,738.20 to $128,529.47. It was determined that Owen Equipment submitted the lowest quote and their product is in conformity with the district’s needs. Attached is a Solicitation Number Checklist approved by County Administration.
Staff respectfully request that your Board approve the purchase of the Valve Turning Trailer in the amount not to exceed $120,000 with Owen Equipment.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: $116,738.20 Amount Budgeted: N/A Additional Requested: 0 Future Annual Cost: 0
Consistency with Vision 2028 and/or Fiscal Crisis Management Plan (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Infrastructure ☐ Technology Upgrades
☐ Economic Development ☐ Disaster Recovery ☒ County Workforce ☐ Revenue Generation
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake ☒ Cost Savings
If request for exemption from competitive bid in accordance with County Code Chapter 2 Sec. 2-38, fill in blanks below:
Which exemption is being requested? N/A
How long has Agreement been in place? N/A
When was purchase last rebid? N/A
Reason for request to waive bid? N/A
Recommended Action:
Authorize Special Districts Administrator/Assistant Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order not to exceed $120,000 to Owen Equipment for the purchase of a Valve Turning Trailer.