Laramie awards design contract for Pierce Street pressure-reducing valve, caps cost at $110,000

The Laramie City Council voted unanimously Feb. 18 to award a professional services agreement to AVI Professional Corporation of Cheyenne to design a replacement pressure-reducing valve (PRV) on Pierce Street.

The council approved a base contract of $99,444 with a contingency that brings the total not to exceed $110,000; Councilor Vigil made the motion, and Councilor Newman seconded. The vote was 9-0.

City Engineering Director Webb told the council the Pierce Street PRV is more than 25 years old, sits in a vault beneath the street and has experienced problems that require replacement and safer access for maintenance. “PRVs help regulate water pressure across the different zones in the city,” Webb said, noting the existing valve’s age, confined-space location and seasonal groundwater concerns in the vault.

Webb said the new valve will also help manage pressures between Zone 1 and Zone 6 when the city’s new north tank is fully online. The city conducted interviews with three firms and the selection committee unanimously recommended AVI based on a qualifications-based request.

Councilor Lockhart asked whether a local firm was considered; Webb confirmed the procurement was qualifications-based and location was not a selection criterion. The council’s roll call listed Bowling, Freed, Lockhart, Newman, O’Doherty, Shumway, Beahill, Richardson and Cumby as voting yes.

The contract award begins the design phase; the city did not specify a design schedule or construction timeline during the discussion.