Baker City Council on July 22 approved a materials purchase of $110,000, awarded to Ferguson, to support the Birch Street 8-inch PVC pipe upgrade and distribution improvements aimed at improving fire flows to Fourteenth Street.

Public Works staff said the purchase covers parts needed for the project that is in the current fiscal year. Staff explained the award had been separated because some materials and work were part of the prior budget year while the new purchases are part of the current year; the $110,000 figure reflects adjustments and is not an overage, staff said.

Why it matters: the purchase supports a water-distribution improvement project that staff said is necessary to increase fire flows and address aging infrastructure. Councilors heard from staff that the timing required approval in the new budget year to ensure materials arrive before construction begins.

Details: staff told the council the award to Ferguson is for parts needed for the Birch Street pipe upgrade and related improvements to distribution grids. The council approved the award by voice vote.

What’s next: staff will proceed with procurement and scheduling so that materials arrive and the project can proceed during the current construction season.