Board approves $31,000 purchase to replace pump at Quincy Street lift station after removal damaged existing unit

The Board of Public Works and Utilities unanimously authorized purchase of a replacement pump for the Quincy Street and Sixth Avenue North lift station after staff reported the removal attempt damaged a pump previously being serviced.

Jared Holter told the board the station has three pumps and one had been pulled for maintenance; while retrieving the unit a lifting hook broke and the pump fell back into the wet well, sustaining extensive mechanical damage. Holter listed broken components including the pump housing, guide claw, stator housing, rotor/stator components, seals and bearings.

Staff recommended purchasing a new pump rather than attempting costly repairs; the quoted price presented in the packet was $31,004.38 and the motion approved a purchase in the amount recorded in meeting minutes ($31,438). Holter said the sanitary sewer utility’s operating budget can cover the cost; the city also maintains a $450,000 equipment replacement emergency fund that could be used if needed.

Board members asked who was removing the pump; Holter said city staff were performing the retrieval and that the lifting device had been in use for about 18 years and likely fatigued. Alder questions about warranty elicited the response that the damaged pump was nearly seven years old and out of warranty. Holter said staff will explore insurance submittal but do not expect warranty coverage.

The board approved the purchase and Holter said delivery is expected in 30–60 days; with two remaining pumps the station can meet current flows while awaiting the replacement.