Board approves filter media purchase, mixer replacements, contract extension and $778,429.82 in vouchers

The Board of Public Works and Capital Assets on March 2025 approved several routine maintenance and professional-services items, including the purchase of filter media, replacement of two rapid mixers, an extension of a general services agreement, and payment of $778,429.82 in utility vouchers.

The board authorized an agreement with Xylem Inc. to purchase additional filter media. Staff described the media as anthracite coal used on top of the plant’s filters and said the material has been lost over time from routine backwashing; the last full filter work occurred in February 2010. Staff reported a test last year showed about 2,000 pounds was needed. At the meeting staff initially cited a purchase figure of $19,007.42; the motion presented to the board listed the purchase amount as $19,742. The board moved and seconded the item and proceeded to a roll call vote, and the motion was recorded as approved.

The board approved a contract with William Reed LTD to replace two rapid mixers, mechanical devices that introduce coagulant into raw water at the treatment plant. Staff said the mixers were originally installed in 1999, have been rebuilt multiple times and are increasingly difficult and costly to repair. The project will replace one mixer at a time so the plant can maintain operations while a unit is repaired offsite. Staff gave an initial cost figure of $53,007.49 then corrected the figure during the meeting; the motion recorded the amount as $53,479.68 and the board approved the contract.

The board also authorized the utility engineer to amend the existing general services agreement with Strand Engineers, increasing the not-to-exceed amount to $75,000 and extending the contract through Dec. 31, 2030. Staff said Strand performs occasional structural and construction reviews (including cell tower and antenna work) and other smaller engineering tasks; Strand will also help guide an upcoming intake-cleaning regulatory process. During roll call several board members recorded their votes as aye and the motion was approved.

Finally, the board approved utility vouchers totaling $778,429.82. A board member noted the line-item for a consultant or design team (referred to as “that team”) and staff confirmed it represents design work and is being reimbursed where applicable. The voucher motion was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

In administrative reports staff told the board that system usage is running below last year’s volumes early in the calendar year. The shortfall is concentrated in the industrial category and was attributed to a roughly 30% drop in usage from We Energies; staff said they had been discussing a leak on We Energies’ property over the past two years and that the company’s apparent reduction in usage may reflect repairs. Staff also said the K. Sheppard Avenue water-main project is scheduled to begin Monday the 17th — the work will run from Groveland down to Broad — after a short delay.

The board completed the meeting with no further substantive items and adjourned at 12:09 p.m.