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City Seeks Bids for Large Transformer; Water‑treatment Clearwell Project Underway
Summary
City staff asked the council to advertise for a 12,500 kVA three‑phase transformer as a backup for major customers, and the council heard an update that Clearwell 3 water‑treatment work began in March on a near‑$1 million ground‑works phase.
The Natchitoches City Council on May 12 authorized staff to advertise for bids for a 12,500 kVA three‑phase pad‑mount transformer and received an update on the city’s Clearwell 3 water‑treatment work that staff said began March 2.
Councilmember David Nielsen moved and the council adopted Resolution No. 039 of 2025 to advertise and accept bids for a 12,500 kVA three‑phase transformer (bid number 0677). City staff explained the spare transformer will serve as a backup to support major electricity customers and critical city facilities; utility staff described the unit as reserved to maintain service to large customers in the event of an outage.
Utility staff member Bukar (as spoken at the meeting) gave a brief status update on the city’s water‑treatment project: contractors began work on Clearwell 3 in March and are completing the underground components before above‑ground construction proceeds. Council members described the Clearwell 3 effort as nearly a million‑dollar project and said much of the early work is the underground infrastructure that is less visible but essential.
City purchasing staff said the transformer procurement timeline will be set after bids are received and evaluated; the item will remain on the purchasing department’s order list as a backup so the city can respond if a large transformer at a water or wastewater facility or a major customer fails. The council approved the transformer advertisement by roll call.
