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Public Works details pump failures, requests funds to rebuild pumps and clean raw‑water wet well
Summary
Public Works reported a failed raw‑water pump and requested authorization for work to rebuild a third pump and remove sediment from an intake wet well, citing an inadvertently left‑open door that allowed six years of sediment accumulation; staff said AbbVie currently requests two pumps and the city needs three operational pumps to meet demand.
Public Works staff told the council’s Public Works Committee that a raw‑water pump failure required urgent attention and that sediment accumulation in an intake wet well must be cleaned before additional pumps are rebuilt. City engineer Steve and plant staff explained the city operates four raw‑water pumps that serve a large industrial customer (AbbVie). Two pumps had been rebuilt last year and were operating; a second rebuilt unit failed after staff discovered a submerged intake door had been left open for an extended period (staff said roughly six years), allowing sediment, zebra mussels and debris to enter and bypass intake screens. Staff requested authorization for work that covers two elements: (1) rebuild a third pump (estimates and quotes included in committee packet) and (2) repair the intake door and remove the accumulated sediment and plugged screens in the wet well. Staff described the requested amount as a maximum not‑to‑exceed sum (figures in packet: pump rebuild about $147,000 plus a contingency; the public works item referenced a $272,000 maximum in committee discussion). The work would restore the third pump so the city can provide three pumps when AbbVie requests higher summertime flows (engineer said each pump can deliver about 8 million gallons per day). Committee members asked about steps to prevent recurrence; staff said they will institute a monthly exercise and signoff procedure for the intake doors and add routine check sheets and maintenance logs. Staff also said prior turnover in plant staff contributed to the oversight and that outside vendors will continue routine maintenance while staff rebuild institutional knowledge. No final contract award was recorded at the committee meeting; staff asked for authorization to proceed with repairs and included contingency funding estimates. The committee discussion focused on technical details, maintenance protocols and plans to document door operations going forward.
