Fort Scott commission authorizes replacement of Charles Street lift station, approves bid process

The Fort Scott City Commission on Dec. 3 approved purchasing a replacement lift station for the Charles Street sewer lift and authorized the city to solicit turnkey bids for removal of the existing station and installation of the new unit.

City staff said the station, east of town at the city limits, serves about a dozen residences and has been operating on a single pump because the other pump will not reliably run. Staff told commissioners parts for the existing, likely 1970s-era station are scarce and often must be obtained used or as surplus.

Jason (city staff) said the commission-selected unit is a siphon-style station made by “Gorman Rope” of Ohio and that Haines Equipment is the sole-source vendor quoted for the unit. The quoted price for the station itself is $83,500, staff said. Because the planned replacement is like-for-like and does not increase pump capacity, staff said Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) permitting would not be required for the replacement as proposed.

Commissioners asked about alternatives. Staff said the city examined submersible pump systems but that submersible work would likely require KDHE permitting, engineered plans and more time and cost. Lead time for the proposed unit was estimated at roughly two to four months, staff said. Commissioners also asked that engineering specifications be written in cooperation with Earl’s Engineering before bids are issued.

The motion to approve the city seeking turnkey bids and proceeding with purchase and installation passed unanimously. Commissioners said the work is intended to prevent an eventual failure that could interrupt service to residents.

Commissioners and staff noted the city would solicit a single package of removal and installation so the city would have full pricing for award and scheduling.