Orting City Council on June 18 authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with a qualified contractor for diagnostic work and possible repairs to Well 1, with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $50,000.

Public Works Director McBee told the council staff detected a significant drop in production at Well 1 based on SCADA telemetry. The well’s deep turbine pump, last replaced in 2009, is producing substantially less than its rated capacity of 500 gallons per minute. Staff recommended removing the pump for inspection, cleaning the well casing, and repairing or replacing components as needed; that work requires a crane and specialized contractors.

Director McBee said staff contacted three qualified contractors; one submitted a written proposal (attached to the agenda), a second proposal was expected, and a third contractor reported scheduling conflicts. The city’s purchasing policy requires seeking at least three quotes for public‑works projects under $75,000 and requires council approval for unbudgeted expenses over $15,000. Because final costs depend on what is discovered after the pump is removed, staff requested authorization to proceed with an initial not‑to‑exceed amount of $50,000 and to return to the Public Works Committee in July with findings.

Councilmember Moore moved to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with a qualified contractor for the work; Councilmember Tracy seconded. Councilmember Hogan proposed amending the motion to name JKA Well Drilling and Pumps as the contractor, but the amendment failed. The original motion passed on a voice vote.

McBee told council that, even without Well 1, the city’s system has capacity and storage to maintain fire‑suppression capability; staff had reviewed fire flow and said existing reservoirs and supply can support required fire flow. The council did not appropriate additional funds at the meeting beyond the authorized $50,000 not‑to‑exceed amount; staff will report back to the Public Works Committee with inspection findings and recommended repairs or replacements.