Council approves emergency procurement process for Timber Cove Pump Station 27 to speed construction for housing project

Councilors voted to authorize emergency procurement procedures permitted under Resolution 24-13 so the city can accelerate bidding and construction of Pump Station 27 and a force main required for the Timber Cove housing development.

Staff (Nicole) told the council that the pump-station design — prepared by Dyer & Associates — is nearing completion and that construction timing is a critical path item for the housing developer. The city has pursued multiple funding sources, including a Business Oregon loan and grant applications; staff said supply-chain pressures and tariff risk create urgency to shorten procurement and construction timelines.

City attorney Nate McClintock reviewed the standard, noting that this is not a typical emergency (such as a natural-disaster emergency) but that the city’s procurement policy provides for an expedited procurement path when timing and public interest justify it. Under the approved approach, staff will solicit bids from pre-qualified contractors who meet minimum experience (e.g., prior pump-station construction and capacity thresholds) and will still obtain competitive proposals; the procurement route shortens advertising and formal-bid timelines so construction can begin earlier.

Councilors asked staff to return with detailed procurement criteria, estimated cost ranges and the draft procurement timeline; staff said they will deliver that information in coming weeks and will bring contracts back for authorization under council direction. The motion authorizing emergency procurement passed unanimously.

Ending: Staff said they expect designs to be finalized and to return with solicitation documents; the council’s vote allows staff to proceed with an expedited, competitive procurement for Pump Station 27.