Council reviews repair options after booster pump failure at sewer plant

Council members discussed the failure and repair estimates for booster pump No. 1 at the city sewer plant during the Jan. 27 work session after the pump was removed and inspected.

Staff reported the pump motor failed; Widdesen/Whittison Well Services (the contractor who previously serviced the system) recommended two options: replace the failed motor with a like-for-like Franklin motor at a quoted price of $14,005.75, or install an alternative SME-brand motor that the contractor described as comparable and substantially less costly (the transcript lists a figure that appears truncated). The contractor also provided pricing to rebuild the existing pump ($4,820) or purchase a new pump ($6,865), with a reported total of about $18,009.06 for mobilization, labor, a rebuilt pump and the SME motor including new cable and seals.

Staff recommended using the experienced third-party contractor who has previously worked on the city’s water infrastructure. Council members pressed for additional investigation into root causes before committing to parts and labor, and staff noted possible related items to inspect (high-pressure check valves, air relief components) that could contribute to repeated failures. Council agreed further diagnostics were warranted before final procurement.

Ending: Staff will continue diagnostic work on the pump site and provide a clarified repair/replacement recommendation and firm written pricing at a subsequent meeting.