Memorandum
Date: May 12, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Lars Ewing, Public Works Director
Subject: Waive Competitive Bidding for the Purchase of Hot Mix Asphalt for 2026 Road Maintenance Projects
Executive Summary:
The Department of Public Works will perform multiple road resurfacing projects during the 2026 construction season. These projects generally include localized pavement repairs, placement of asphalt leveling courses, and application of double chip seal and sealcoat treatments. Successful delivery of this work requires a consistent and reliable supply of hot mix asphalt that meets County specifications and can be transported and placed within required temperature and time constraints.
County road crews will haul asphalt directly from the supplier to active job sites. Due to the temperature-sensitive nature of hot mix asphalt, extended haul times can result in reduced workability, compromised compaction, and diminished pavement performance.
The Granite Construction asphalt plant located at the Highway 175 quarry near Lakeport is the only supplier within a practical hauling distance that allows County crews to maintain material quality and efficient operations. Use of more distant suppliers would:
* Result in excessive haul times incompatible with hot mix placement requirements
* Increase fuel and labor costs
* Reduce daily production efficiency of County crews
* Risk degradation of asphalt quality prior to placement
Based on these operational constraints, Granite Construction represents the only reasonably available source capable of meeting the County's material, schedule, and performance requirements for these projects.
County Code section 2-38.2(2) identifies the circumstances wherein the competitive bidding process may be waived. One circumstance includes situations where the unique nature of the goods or services precludes competition. In this case, the combination of geographic proximity, time-sensitive mat...
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