The Traverse City commission authorized a purchase order to replace a pump rotating assembly at the Front Street lift station for an amount not to exceed $54,164 (including 10% contingency) and directed staff to pursue a broader review of sewer asset maintenance and stormwater capacity. The motion passed at the Aug. 18 meeting after commissioners expressed concern about recent equipment failures and extreme rainfall events.

Commissioner discussion referenced a July storm that delivered about 13 inches of rain to the area, far above the normal 2'' inches, and raised worries about inflow and infiltration into the sewer system. Staff and Jacobs representative Andrew Waldron said the purchase is a standard component-replacement within an ongoing maintenance program for the Front Street lift station. Jacobs indicated it will present an asset-management briefing to the commission in October to outline planned predictive maintenance and capacity strategies.

Commissioners asked for deeper analysis of preventive measures to manage stormwater capacity and reduce sudden failures, and staff agreed to schedule Jacobs for October. Public comment was not recorded on this item, and the purchase order will be issued from the sewer fund as authorized by the commission.