The Post Falls City Council meeting on September 16, 2025, highlighted a significant step forward in the city's water reclamation efforts with the proposed sole source procurement of a second dewatering unit. This decision aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the wastewater treatment process, ensuring that the city can effectively manage its solid waste.

Andrew Arbini, the Projects Division Manager for Public Works, presented the request, emphasizing the importance of redundancy in the dewatering process. Currently, the facility operates with one primary dewatering unit and an older backup that does not perform at the same capacity. The addition of a second unit is crucial to mitigate risks associated with equipment failure and to maintain operational efficiency.

The council discussed the procurement process, which is guided by Idaho state law and the city's purchasing policy. Arbini explained that the existing dewatering unit is a BDP brand, and the decision to pursue a sole source procurement was based on compatibility, maintenance considerations, and the vendor's ability to meet the project timeline. The council was informed that other vendors were evaluated, but their lead times and costs were less favorable compared to BDP.

The council unanimously approved the motion to declare BDP as the sole source vendor, allowing staff to proceed with contract negotiations. This contract will specifically cover the purchase of the dewatering unit, with an estimated delivery time of 12 months from the notice of fabrication.

In addition to the dewatering unit discussion, the meeting included routine approvals of accounts payable and the July Cash and Investments Report, but the focus remained on the water reclamation facility improvements. The next steps involve finalizing the procurement contract and preparing for the installation of the new unit, which is expected to significantly bolster the city's wastewater management capabilities.