Council approves wastewater contracts, sewer-design services and lift-station upgrades

The Waxahachie City Council approved a package of wastewater and utility-related contracts Monday, authorizing replacement equipment, engineering design services and lighting upgrades.

Kumar, public‑works staff, said the city needs to replace two hoist cranes at Jefferson Lift Station; the treated equipment was originally installed in 2005 and has reached the end of service life. Council approved a contract with Staples Construction Company Inc. in the amount of $227,675 and added a $20,000 contingency to address potential installation uncertainties. Staff said contractors had visited the tight site and the contingency would be used only as needed and would be scrutinized by staff and the city manager’s office before any additional funds were committed.

Council also approved a professional‑services agreement with Halff Associates (listed in the staff packet as "half associates") in the amount of $1,900,000 to design the first three phases of the Northeast Trunk Sewer Expansion. The project will design roughly 11,000 feet of 48‑inch interceptor sewer from Jefferson Lift Station toward Parks Schoolhouse Road and is funded through previously approved wastewater bonds in the capital-improvement program.

Separately, the council approved a contract with Facility Solutions Group Inc. for $125,189 to replace 53 outdoor light poles and fixtures at the Howard Road Wastewater Treatment Plant with LED fixtures. Staff said LED fixtures include dimming and motion-sensor controls and that the labor and parts carry a 10‑year warranty.

Council members asked questions about the contingency on the crane contract, noting that change orders must be reviewed by staff; staff and management said they would track contingency use and return unused funds to fund balance. All three measures were approved by council voice votes and staff were authorized to execute the necessary documents.