Council approves proposal for Thirteenth Street lift station project

Lockport City Council voted to accept a proposal for the Thirteenth Street lift station project, approving resolution 25-0069. Council members said the lift station has caused recurring flooding problems in uphill neighborhoods because of aging equipment and electrical failures; several speakers expressed relief that the project moves forward with council approval. The council record shows the resolution passed following a roll call in which one alderman was absent and no opposing motion was sustained. Public works and council members described the project as intended to fix longstanding operational failures that have caused localized flooding. Councilmember Darren (first name used in the meeting) said the lift station’s outdated controls and neglected electrical components have led to repeated flooding “uphill at the top of the hill” and that residents in his ward should see relief once the project is completed. Earlier in the meeting, council members discussed procuring the work using a design-build contract model for lift station projects, with proponents arguing design-build can reduce the contractor-performance headaches experienced on the Bridal Street lift station project, which had to overcome poor performance by a low bidder. The Thirteenth Street approval accepts a proposal and allows staff to move ahead with project planning and procurement consistent with the approved scope. Staff said the lift station acceptance follows the Bridal Street project — recently brought online — and will be scheduled and funded through the capital improvements process. The council passed the resolution; staff will return with contract details, final design and a project timeline to be reviewed publicly.