Board approves emergency pump purchase after Oak Street lift station lost one of two 23-year-old pumps

The Village of Hortonville board approved purchasing a submersible pump to restore capacity at the Oak Street lift station after one of the two 23-year-old pumps failed.

The board voted to approve a submersible pump from D and M Technical Service in the amount of $18,441 after hearing quotes from three vendors and discussion about warranties and compatibility with the existing rail system used for pump removal and maintenance.

Public works staff explained that one of two pumps failed recently and both pumps are about 23 years old, so staff recommended replacing both pumps eventually. The packet included three quotes; one vendor's pumps carried a one-year warranty (LW Allen in the packet), and the other two vendors offered a five-year warranty.

Wastewater operator Sean described experience with a different brand at another village lift station, saying the replacement pumps "took our weekly use, from the Varmesa pumps from about 40 hours a week total run time to about 4 hours a week," and recommended the B and M pumps based on local performance. He also noted B and M maintains a shop in Coloma that the village can access for servicing.

Board members asked about rail-system compatibility and whether the new pumps would fit the existing rail mounting. Staff said they would verify compatibility and that any necessary flange adapters could be handled as time-and-material work if needed.

Because the village was operating on a single pump at the time of the meeting, staff and trustees characterized the situation as urgent. A motion to approve the D and M Technical Service submersible pump for $18,441 was made, seconded and carried.

The board recorded that the purchase was budgeted and that staff will follow up on installation, warranty documentation, and any required adjustments to the lift station rail or adapters.