Council directs staff to renegotiate Tyler Lift Station design contract; construction not approved

City staff recommended awarding a professional services contract to Harrison Associates for design of the Tyler Lift Station replacement, citing the wastewater collection master plan’s finding that the existing lift station is undersized and cannot reliably meet current and future flows.

Staff said the master plan identified the existing design capacity as 600 gallons per minute but field tests showed an operating capacity closer to 193 gpm, and noted the lift station cycles frequently under peak conditions. The city issued a request for qualifications and received five responsive submittals; staff recommended Harrison Associates with a not‑to‑exceed design fee of $441,493 and described optional tasks and construction‑phase support that would increase total consultant fees to about $461,493.

Councilmembers asked whether alternative procurement approaches, rehabilitation options, or further price negotiation were possible. Councilmembers expressed concern about the proposed contract amount and asked whether the city has sufficient in‑house technical capacity. Staff confirmed construction would be paid from sewer impact fees and explained the 2021 master‑plan estimate for design was substantially lower in 2021 dollars.

Rather than approve the contract, the council voted unanimously to direct staff to continue negotiating with Harrison Associates to seek a lower price and to return with a revised agreement. The council also instructed staff to consider other procurement options and to report back in the coming weeks.