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Committee forwards ordinance to solicit bids for UV upgrades at water pollution control center with emergency
Summary
The Finance Committee voted unanimously to send Ordinance 25-12 to the council floor with an emergency designation, authorizing the Safety Service Director to solicit bids for ultraviolet system upgrades at the Water Pollution Control Center.
The Amherst Finance Committee voted 7-0 on March 17 to send Ordinance 25-12 to the full council with an emergency designation, allowing the Safety Service Director to solicit bids for ultraviolet (UV) system upgrades at the city’s Water Pollution Control Center.
The ordinance would authorize the safety service director to solicit bids and award a contract for modernizing UV disinfection equipment at the wastewater treatment plant, funding a first-step project estimated at $350,000.
“These are things we can do to upgrade our system. For only the $350,000, this could have been a lot more expensive,” said Alan Merritt, Safety Service Director, describing consultant work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and saying the plan is “step 1” of needed upgrades. Merritt added the amount is affordable this year and staff want to begin the work.
The committee chair opened the item by noting it came from the Safety Service Director and that consultants and EPA guidance informed the recommendation. Committee members expressed support for starting with the targeted UV upgrades while recognizing larger upgrades may follow.
Council member Eric Everlund moved to take the ordinance to the council floor with emergency designation; Council member Raugles seconded the motion. The committee approved the motion on a voice vote, recorded as 7 to 0 in favor.
No financing ordinance or borrowing package was adopted at the committee level; members noted the city may return later to seek additional funds for larger plant upgrades.
Next steps: Ordinance 25-12 will appear on the council floor with an emergency clause so the city can solicit bids and, if awarded, proceed with the UV upgrades as described in the ordinance.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to take Ordinance 25-12 to the council floor with emergency: Moved by Council member Eric Everlund; seconded by Council member Raugles. Vote: 7–0; motion passed.
