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City manager updates council on transformer, raw‑water pump proposals and downtown water-line work
Summary
City staff reported long lead times on transformer components, outlined two engineering proposals for a raw‑water pump project (estimates $1.122M and $1.9538M), and said downtown water‑line replacement is underway.
City staff told the Bowie City Council that progress continues on several public‑works projects but that procurement delays and engineering work remain active issues.
On the electrical side, the city manager said the main switch for a new transformer has shipped and that “sometime in the next few weeks, all the remaining components to complete the transformer installation and sub station will arrive.” Staff said they expect to complete installation, run tests and connect the new transformer to the city electric system before the end of the year, subject to delivery and contractor scheduling.
On the raw‑water pump project, staff reported the city received two engineering proposals. “Alternative 1 includes just adding pump number 3, the discharge piping and the associated drive, and the SCADA and I and C components. The total estimate of alternative 1 is $1,122,000, and alternative 2 is the same as above but also includes electrical rehab with total estimated cost of $1,953,800,” the city manager said.
Staff said the electrical rehab quote was obtained because the pump building’s electrical systems are over 30 years old and may need replacement. The council discussed the possibility of implementing Alternative 1 first and performing an electrical clean‑up later; staff said they would likely recommend a chosen engineering firm and a preferred alternative at a future council meeting.
The council also received an update on the downtown revitalization project. City staff said the contractor expects to complete a water‑line replacement from Montec to Wise Street and to connect a new line to improve flow and pressure for Smythe Street. Staff said the contractor is working to maintain business access during the work and that hydrant and line connections were in progress.
Councilmembers and staff raised concerns about long supplier lead times and past delays. The mayor and other councilmembers questioned whether failures to order components in past projects contributed to delays; staff said much of the current delay is industry‑wide lead times for transformers and electrical components. No contract awards or final engineering selections were made at the meeting.
Staff said they would bring a recommended engineering firm and scope for the raw‑water pump project to the council for consideration at an upcoming meeting.
