Oxnard--The City Council approved urgent services performed by Toro Enterprises for on-call services related to the Sunkist fire during its Tuesday, April 30 meeting.
THE action authorizes a one-time General Fund’s available fund balance to the Fire Department’s operating budget totaling $42,668.
Fire Chief Alex Hamilton presented the item, which, per the City’s purchasing policy manual, allows the purchasing department to sign a contract at the City Manager’s discretion without obtaining price quotations or bids because of its expedient nature.
“On the evening of March 5, 2024, a major four-alarm fire occurred at 245 Colonia Road in the La Colonia area of the City,” he said. “The fire required the response of our two surrounding agencies plus Oxnard Fire and over 25 fire apparatus to control, resulting in the total loss of the former Sunkist Lemon Processing Factory.”
He said heavy equipment was required to remove the fire debris and knock down unstable portions of the building.
“Heavy equipment was requested via mutual aid from fire departments, but they’re unable due to mechanical maintenance issues,” he said. “We did give the property owner an opportunity to hire a contractor to facilitate the emergency demo. Unfortunately, that contractor didn’t have…
