Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves up to $21,757 to replace failing cemetery irrigation pump
Summary
After a public-works report that a 30-horsepower turbine pump had corroded beyond repair, the town authorized the administrator to proceed toward procuring a submersible pump and PVC drop pipe at a cost not to exceed $21,757, funded from the cemetery reserve.
The Lake Placid Town Council authorized the town administrator to pursue replacement of a failing cemetery irrigation pump and associated pipe at a cost of up to $21,757, a project staff said would be funded from the cemetery reserve.
Public Works Director Alan Kiefer told the council the existing 30-horsepower turbine pump has been in place for roughly 20 years, has been rebuilt multiple times and recently seized. After pulling the turbine the crew discovered the cast-iron drop pipe and bottom screen were corroded and “completely caved in.” Kiefer recommended replacing the aging turbine arrangement with a 300-gallon-per-minute submersible pump and PVC drop pipe to reduce maintenance and operate more efficiently.
Kiefer summarized the operational case: the submersible pump will deliver about 6 gallons per minute to each of roughly 50 sprinklers per zone, provide room to expand, and avoid the maintenance and corrosion problems associated with cast iron. He also asked the council to authorize the town administrator, Charlotte Rodriguez, to advertise for bids and, after procurement, to award the work to the lowest qualified bidder so work could proceed more quickly during rainy season.
Council action and votes
A motion to authorize the town administrator to pursue the submersible pump replacement (up to $21,757) passed unanimously. Council recorded affirmative votes from Council member Charles, Council member Everhart, Council member Hayes and Council member Worley (see actions). Staff said the purchase will be funded from the cemetery reserve.
Next steps and context
Staff will complete procurement per the town’s purchasing policy and return any material contract award details to council if required by policy. Public works noted urgency because the cemetery landscaping and new planting areas rely on reliable irrigation during the growing season.
Ending
Council approved the change to a submersible system with the stated goal of lowering future maintenance costs and avoiding repeating the corrosion failures experienced with the older turbine system.
