Council authorizes $92,444 emergency-generator contract for wastewater plant

The Brookings City Council voted April 14 to authorize the city manager to execute a contract to replace an emergency generator at the city wastewater treatment plant.

City staff reported that in late 2024 the trickling-filter generator had failed and was determined not serviceable. As a temporary measure, staff had Stoutland Electric install a bypass connection. Staff solicited proposals through Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing program, and reviewed three manufacturer proposals. In its evaluation staff recommended disqualifying one bidder for failing to include an above-ground fuel tank as requested and recommended the lowest responsive bidder in its procurement analysis.

During the meeting staff highlighted the importance of a local service technician for future emergency repairs. A council motion authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with Wellco (as entered in the motion) in the amount of $92,444 for replacement of the emergency generator at the wastewater treatment plant. The meeting record shows the motion passed by recorded vote with all councilors present voting yes.

City staff said proposal packets and a comparative evaluation were included in the meeting attachments; the staff presentation explained the procurement route (Sourcewell) and the basis for evaluating proposals, including price, completeness of deliverables (fuel tank inclusion) and service support.

Ending: The contract authorization allows the city to proceed with purchase and installation; staff indicated proposal documents and the recommendation letter are available in the packet for further detail.