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Council approves new professional services agreement with OTS for wastewater operator; public questions long‑term costs
Summary
The council authorized a new professional services agreement and payment of an underbilled amount to Operational Technical Services (OTS) to continue wastewater treatment plant operator services while the city continues recruitment and explores housing and staffing alternatives.
The council approved staff's recommendation to enter into a new professional services agreement with Operational Technical Services (OTS) to provide plant operator services at the wastewater treatment plant and authorized payment to OTS for an underbilled amount discovered in prior invoices.
Staff described a persistent recruitment difficulty for certified wastewater treatment operators dating to 2021. Public commenters, including resident Mister Belt, argued that long‑term reliance on contractors has been costly and questioned how much has been spent since 2021; staff said the wastewater OTS contract amendments alone total roughly $1.5 million through 2021–2025 and that the city is pursuing both recruitment and alternatives, including modular employee housing near the plant to improve local recruitment.
Why it matters: the wastewater treatment plant requires certified operators; prolonged vacancies led to repeated use of contract labor and higher cumulative costs. Staff said they intend to reduce reliance on contract operators once recruitment, compensation adjustments and targeted housing resources make city employment more attractive.
Council action: after public comment and discussion of recruitment challenges, the council voted to approve the resolution authorizing payment of the underbilled amount to OTS and to enter into the updated professional services agreement.
Next steps: staff will continue recruitment efforts, pursue interagency staffing collaborations explored with neighboring utilities, and advance the modular housing option near plant facilities to improve long‑term staff retention.
