Public works staff told the council that Tropical Storm Alberto damaged the electrical control panel and two submersible pumps at the Gaydon Street lift station. The utility department said the lift station is one of the city’s busiest and that, because damage occurred during the storm, repairs were treated as emergency work.

Staff reported that an electrician performed emergency repairs enabling operation of one pump and that a portable pump is on standby during nightly checks. The city has issued purchase orders for a replacement control panel and two new submersible pumps. Staff said delivery lead times are likely three to six weeks.

During the presentation, Larry Donahoe (utilities) noted a typographical error on the meeting cover sheet: the agenda listed a much lower dollar amount; the correct emergency total is approximately $140,000. Staff told council the item will be placed on the next regular meeting agenda (Aug. 13) to formally ratify the emergency purchase orders and the corrected amount.

Council did not take a final vote on Aug. 6. Staff said they will present the final contract amounts and documentation at the Aug. 13 meeting and will continue temporary measures to keep the station operating until new equipment arrives.