TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER
DATE: MAY 26, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR GRAFFITI REMOVAL SERVICES (FUNDING SOURCE: LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FUND)
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SUMMARY
The City outsources Citywide graffiti removal services. Graffiti removal service areas include all City owned and maintained facilities, parks, and rights-of-way within City limits. The City has compiled a list of “hot spots” that are patrolled and addressed weekly. Additionally, the graffiti removal contractor performs on-call removal services at the City’s request. Currently, all costs for graffiti removal are included in a flat monthly rate.
In March 2026, staff solicited bids to explore competitive pricing for graffiti removal services. Two bids were received from Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc., and Altitude Wash. Staff has determined Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc., to be the lowest responsible, responsive bidder.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council award a contract to Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc. for graffiti removal services and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement in an amount of $4,500 monthly or $54,000 annually, for an initial contract term of three years with two optional one-year extensions, for a total authorized contract amount of $270,000.
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ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Delay awarding contract and request more information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The proposed cost by Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc. for graffiti removal services is $4,500 monthly or $54,000 annually. Funding for these services is available in the Community Services Department’s operating budget within the Landscape and Lighting District Fund.
The costs to carry out this project, research this issue, prepare documentation, and complete this report are estimated to be $1,300. These costs are in staff time allocated to the project and are included in the operating budget of the Community Services Department.
ANALYSIS
The City of Claremont has a zero-tolerance policy for graffiti. Any graffiti that is reported must be mitigated within 24-to-48 hours.
In March 2026, the Notice Inviting Bids for graffiti removal services was directly sent to five vendors and posted on the City’s website. The Bid Form included a per occurrence square foot removal cost using different methods and a lump sum monthly cost. Removal methods include painting, power washing, chemicals, and sand blasting. Additionally, there is an emergency call-out charge for after-hours, weekends, and emergencies. At the close of the bid period, two bids for graffiti abatement services were received, opened, and evaluated. The two bids were from Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc. and Altitude Wash.
Urban Graffiti Enterprises proposed a lump sum cost of $4,500 monthly for graffiti removal services. The lump sum cost includes weekly “hot spots” inspections and removal services regardless of the removal application or size of the graffiti. Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc., emergency callouts, afterhours, and/or weekend work are all included in the lump sum monthly charge.
Altitude Wash provided a per occurrence cost for graffiti removal with a minimum call-out of $375. The call-out fee includes a service charge and three square feet of graffiti removal by paint. An emergency call-out of $395 with two-hour response time, plus the applicable square foot charge for service. Additionally, Altitude Wash charges extra fees for varied height ranges, and other varied services.
After review of both proposals, staff determined Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc., to be the lowest, most responsive, responsible contractor. Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc. has provided graffiti removal services to the City for approximately twenty years and has proven to be a reliable, established, and reputable graffiti removal company. Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc. Staff recommends entering into an agreement with Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds this report in compliance with Council Priorities, Economic Sustainability, General Plan, and the 2024-26 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jeremy Swan Cari Dillman
Community Services Director Community Services Manager