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Council approves Ferguson Waterworks quotes for meters, radios and lift-station pumps amid budget and procurement questions
Summary
Depot Bay council approved quotes presented by Ferguson Waterworks for engineering, radio-read meters and a replacement lift-station pump; councilors discussed lead times, vendor options, and budget impacts after several large pump invoices arrived simultaneously.
City staff presented several water and wastewater procurement items and told the council the invoices arrived at once, creating budget timing concerns. Brady and other staff explained that several pumps and parts were budgeted but not expected to require payment in the same month; lead times and last-year orders shifted some costs into the current budget.
Staff noted that one replacement invoice amounts to about $83,000 and that an alternative supplier quoted roughly $20,000 less for some pumps. Brady said the city has traditionally used a long-time vendor, Hurley, but a newer supplier (identified in the packet as PubTech/Comtech) offered shorter lead times and lower price for some items. "We need to be prudent with the city's money. And if we can get it for less, we should try to do that," a council member said.
Council moved to approve the quotes as presented by Ferguson Waterworks for engineering, pump checks, radio-read meters and the replacement pump for the harbor lift station. The motion passed; the meeting record shows several ayes and one council member opposed.
Why it matters: The city operates mission-critical pumps that run 24/7; single-pump failures can force emergency bypasses and carry public-health risks. Council members expressed urgency about securing replacement parts quickly while also seeking cost savings and vendor options. Staff said they would attempt to negotiate with incumbent vendors where appropriate and pursue cost-effective alternatives when safe and compliant with procurement rules.
Next steps: Staff to complete procurement, consider alternative quotes and, if necessary, use contingency/reserve funds for immediate replacements while preserving compliance with procurement rules.
