AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Waiving Bid Process and Authorizing Purchase of Power Cable from Anixter Inc. of Benicia for White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Electrical Building Project and Approve Interfund Charge in the Amount of ($324,620.10) (EU)
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MEETING DATE:
July 1, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Melissa Price, Assistant Electric Utility Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution waiving bid process and authorizing purchase of power cable from Anixter Inc. of Benicia for White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Electrical Building Project and approve interfund charge in the amount of $324,620.10.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On May 20, 2026, by Resolution 2026-104, City Council authorized Lodi Electric Utility (LEU) to “obtain bids and purchase power cable from the lowest responsive bidder in an amount not-to-exceed $400,000.”
In an effort to expedite the purchase as requested by the Public Works Department to avoid project delays, LEU staff quickly obtained quotes from five vendors as listed below and submitted a purchasing requisition to the Finance Department for issuance of a Purchase Order. LEU staff reached out to six vendors total in an effort to ensure a thorough competitive process was completed, ensuring the best value to the City.
Vendor Name Amount Delivery Time
Anixter Inc. $324,620.10 3-5 days
Main Electric $326,666.03 3-5 days
One Source $329,848.58 3-5 days
MSC $385,770.53 2 weeks
Willie Electric $313,253.85 14-16 weeks
Alameda Electric No Quote N/A
Upon receiving the requisition and all supporting documentation, including five vendor quotes, the Finance Department determined that obtaining multiple quotes did not adhere to the formal bid process as outlined in the City’s Purchasing Policy and Lodi Municipal Code and therefore required council approval to waive the bid process.
Among other tasks, a formal bid process requires specifications and plans be subject to review by City Council prior to solicitation of bids, advertisement and notice inviting bids, a public bid opening, and award of contract.
This formal bid process can take eight weeks or longer, exposing the City to fluctuating markets, increased demand and potential material price increases associated with electric materials as well as additional extended daily overhead costs associated with the construction project as contractors are unable to complete the project until such time as LEU is able to deliver power to the new building.
In 2023, City Council recognized these continuing challenges for LEU and enacted changes to provide greater purchasing flexibility via Ordinance 2018 (Attachment 1) which authorizes inventory item purchases up to $250,000 by LEU. However, in this particular instance, the total purchase amount will exceed the $250,000 limit authorized by Ordinance 2018.
Therefore, LEU is requesting City Council waive the bid process and authorize the purchase of power cable from Anixter Inc. of Benicia for $324,620.10 in accordance with Lodi Municipal Code, Section 3.20.070(5) which states “bidding shall be dispensed when the City Council determines that the purchase or method of purchase would be in the best interests of the City.” Procurement delay from the original City Council authorization in May has already resulted in a nearly $17,000 price increase for the materials. Current pricing from the vendor will be held until July 10, 2026. Any delay will likely result in a price increase based on current market volatility.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Total cost for purchase of power cable, including tax and freight is $324,620.10.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
The power cable will be purchased through the LEU Enterprise Inventory Account (500.13496). An interfund charge will then be completed to allocate the cost to the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Electrical Building Improvements Project (53199000.77020 - PWWA-0010.Contracts), ensuring that all project-related expenses are accurately accounted for within the Capital Improvement Project.