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Council hears Mountain West on Class‑4 operator needs, tables contract decision for 30 days
Summary
After a lengthy presentation, Mountain West Water Operators offered on‑call Class‑4 operator services and technology support for the new plant. The council voted to table the item for 30 days while staff, Keller Engineering and Mountain West update proposals and scope.
Preston City Council members heard a presentation from Mountain West Water Operators on the need for Class‑4 wastewater operators and for long‑term operations oversight of the new treatment plant.
Mountain West owner Dustin Cartagold and operator Matt Foster described how the company provides responsible‑charge Class‑4 operators and remote monitoring support. “We have level 4 operators in the company that would come and do rounds…there would be those responsible charge operators that the state requires you have for the system,” Matt Foster said, describing Mountain West’s staffing model.
Council members and staff raised questions about whether the role would be full‑time on‑site, the number of operator visits, local maintenance capacity and whether existing contracted help (from a Pocatello operator) would still be needed. Mountain West said that if contracted, the city would no longer need the current outside backup level‑4 operator, a potential savings the council estimated at about $4,500 a year.
City staff asked Mountain West to update its proposal to include multiple service models and clearer budget and scope details. The council moved, seconded and voted to table the item for 30 days to allow Mountain West to revise its proposal and to coordinate with Keller Engineering and city staff, including Public Works Director John Walls.
Why it matters: The new wastewater plant will require responsible‑charge Class‑4 operator oversight under Idaho code; the council is evaluating whether to hire, contract or otherwise obtain that expertise and how frequently on‑site staffing and technology monitoring should be required.
Next steps: Mountain West will submit updated proposals with 2–3 service models, an outline for the first 18 months of start‑up support and an ongoing retainer model for long‑term operations. Staff will work with Mountain West and Keller Engineering to craft a contract draft and return to council in approximately 30 days.
