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Council approves purchase of new pump for Castle Oaks lift station after failure of 30‑year unit
Summary
City staff told the council pump No. 2 at the Castle Oaks Lift Station failed during a tracer study; council approved purchase of a replacement pump, citing the unit’s age (30+ years) and the lift station’s role in conveying wastewater and tertiary backwash.
The City Council approved the purchase of a replacement pump for Pump No. 2 at the Castle Oaks Lift Station after staff reported the existing unit failed during a TRESIS study in April 2025.
Staff explained the Castle Oaks Lift Station conveys municipal wastewater and tertiary filter backwash from the city’s tertiary treatment plant to the wastewater ponds; its reliable operation is critical to the system. Because the existing pump is over 30 years old and a loaner pump had been provided at no charge, staff recommended purchasing a new pump given the modest price difference (about $1,400) and the station’s importance.
Council asked whether rental or loaner charges had been paid for the temporary pumps; staff explained the temporary pumps were provided by two different vendors as part of separate efforts related to the tracer study and that the loaner from Shape Inc. was provided at no charge. The city attorney advised that authorizing the purchase does not jeopardize action taken while the new fiscal year budget is pending.
Action: A council member moved to approve the purchase of the replacement pump; the motion was seconded and the council voted in favor. Staff said Harbor/Shape Inc. had provided a loaner and that the procurement decision is a practical measure to ensure system reliability.
Ending: Public works staff indicated the new pump purchase would restore redundancy at the lift station; staff asked for and received council authorization to proceed.
