Board approves emergency contract to replace pump at Saint Martin's lift station

The City of Franklin Board of Public Works on Sept. 9 approved a resolution declaring a public emergency to contract for replacement equipment at the Saint Martin's Lift Station, located at 11575 West Forest Home Avenue. The board voted in favor of bypassing the standard public-bid process so staff can order a replacement pump with a long lead time.

Glenn Beardsley, superintendent of the City of Franklin Sewer and Water Utility, told the board that lead times for the pumps are “30 to 40 weeks” and that the replacement units are produced in Germany. "They're produced in Germany," Beardsley said, and added that the pump ordered in April had not yet arrived.

Why it matters: The Saint Martin’s lift station is the utility’s highest-volume lift station and is still growing in the basin, Beardsley said. The station currently has two pumps; staff observed wear on the secondary pump and want to order a replacement now because of manufacturer lead times. Because the older pumps are not identical to the new design, Beardsley said piping modifications will be required and the city will consider refurbishing the pulled unit as an interim backup.

The board read a short resolution explaining that the city routinely lets public-construction contracts exceeding $25,000 in accordance with Wisconsin statutes and then declared a public emergency to expedite procurement for this specific replacement. The motion passed with the ayes prevailing; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Beardsley said an upgrade to motor controls and the addition of a third pump are part of the 2026 budget request, subject to council approval. The emergency authorization covers only the immediate pump replacement to avoid service interruption while longer-term upgrades are considered.