Board authorizes $2.5M appropriation, approves WGK Construction contract for Perham Landing sludge project

County staff told the Board of Supervisors on May 6 that bids for the Perham Landing Wastewater Treatment Plant sludge dewatering and handling project came in above the engineer's estimate, and the board approved an appropriation and contract to move the project forward.

Mr. Lane (public utilities staff) said the county is requesting contract approval with WGK Construction for the solids-handling project and additional funds to start work, noting that the contract award amount is $11,795,000 and that operational savings are expected to exceed $500,000 annually. "The project will result in operational savings at the plant in excess of a half million dollars annually," Lane said.

Motion and vote: Supervisor Susan Pearson moved to adopt Resolution R-13-25 appropriating $2,500,000 from the public utility fund to the solid stabilization project and to authorize the county administrator to execute the proposed agreement with WGK Construction in a form approved by the county attorney. The board voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Context: Lane told the board that sludge-disposal costs are budgeted at about $750,000 for the coming year and that the county has faced difficulty finding outlets that will accept the sludge. The county currently sends sludge to Ryco under an agreement tied to the jail but has received recent complaints about fibrous material in the sludge, prompting a search for more reliable handling and disposal options.

Ending: With funding appropriated and the contract authorized, staff said the county will proceed to begin the project; the board provided no additional conditions during the vote.