Council approves material‑testing services for replacement water treatment plant; estimated cost $216,003.87

Grants Pass City Council on Aug. 8 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a contract for materials testing and special inspections at the replacement water treatment plant project (WA 6207). Staff estimated the aggregate cost for anticipated testing services at $216,003.87; services will be billed on an as‑provided basis and charged to the water‑plant project budget.

Public‑works staff described the role of third‑party testing: independent firms perform specialized tests (concrete air content, slump, anchor pull tests, rebar inspection and others) and periodic visual observation of critical work to ensure construction meets project specifications and code. Staff said the city issued a request for proposals on June 25, received three proposals and scored them on experience, references, staff qualifications and price (price carried roughly 60% of the score). Western Testing LLC, a firm providing testing services in southern Oregon since 1984, was the panel’s recommended firm and posted a notice of intent on July 18; the protest period ended with no protests filed.

Presenting staff said the firm already is providing on‑call testing as the project begins (for example, testing placed gravel) and that funds are budgeted in the WA 6207 replacement water treatment plant account. The city will pay for services only when tests are provided, staff said: “If they don't provide tests next month, we don't get a bill.”

Councilor Eric moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the contract; the motion carried unanimously on a roll‑call vote.

The contract requires third‑party inspection and testing to verify work meets the specified standards for the new treatment plant as construction progresses.