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City awards $3.5M contract to JMJ Constructors for aerator replacements at South Wastewater Plant
Summary
Council approved a $3,507,290 construction contract with JMJ DS Corp (JMJ Constructors) for upgrades at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant and authorized an $850,000 budget amendment transferred from another CIP project to cover the work; only one bid was received and council asked questions about bid competitiveness and funding impacts.
The Sugar Land City Council authorized a construction contract with JMJ DS Corporation, doing business as JMJ Constructors, for $3,507,290 to replace six aerators and upgrade mechanical and electrical systems at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant (CIP CWW2303). The council also approved a budget amendment transferring $850,000 from CIP CWW2003 (North Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements) to CWW2303.
Assistant City Engineer Jonathan Braun told council the project is a priority after a 2023 preliminary engineering report identified critical aerator failures that put the plant's capacity at risk. The project scope includes removal and replacement of six aerators, electrical and mechanical upgrades, and maintenance of plant operations during construction. An alternate bid item would expedite construction by 70 days.
Bidding and justification: Braun said the city advertised the work and held a nonmandatory pre‑bid conference; although three contractors expressed interest, only one bid was received (JMJ DS Corporation). The engineer's estimate had been roughly $3.8 million; the single bid came in at about $3.5 million with an alternate of approximately $60,000. Braun reported consultant reference checks and said the bid was fair and reasonable given engineering estimates and the specialized nature of the work.
Council questions and answers: Council member Bonhoeffer asked whether moving $850,000 from the North Wastewater project would leave that project short; Braun said the North Wastewater project has healthy contingencies and the transfer would not create a shortfall. Council member Von Singhal asked why only one bid was received; Braun attributed it to the specialty nature of maintaining operations during construction and a regional shortage of qualified electrical contractors. Council member Watley confirmed the project is funded by revenue bonds rather than the general fund.
Timeline and impacts: Braun said the city expects to issue notice to proceed in September 2025 with a 168‑calendar‑day schedule that includes the 70‑day expedited alternate; full completion is targeted for March 2026. The work will occur on city property with no expected wastewater interruptions; standard resident notifications were described (door hangers, mailers) and existing sound walls would mitigate construction noise.
Council action: The council approved contract award and the $850,000 CIP transfer. The motion carried unanimously, 7–0.
Background detail: Braun said the lone bidder has prior experience working with the Brazos River Authority. The engineer's estimate and consultant review supported the recommendation to award the contract despite the single bid.
