Anacortes council approves $876,928 contract to add admin and lab space at wastewater plant

The Anacortes City Council on Nov. 10 authorized the mayor to sign contract 24139SEW002 with Summit Construction Group for $876,928 to add approximately 1,300 square feet to the Wastewater Treatment Plant administration building.

City engineer Logan Lee told council the addition will provide laboratory space, dedicated workstations for treatment‑plant operators and SCADA technicians, and a break room required by the Teamsters’ labor agreement. "The project will add approximately 1,300 square feet to the existing structure, which creates more laboratory space, more space for the treatment plant operators, more space for the SCADA technicians, as well as, appropriate break room for the crews," Lee said.

Background and budget: The project was conceived in 2014 and has been scaled back to essential elements to control costs. Lee said the work is included in the Capital Facilities Plan and will be paid from wastewater utility funds, insulating the project from general‑fund cuts.

Council questions and outcome: Council members asked whether the work could be delayed given current budget pressures; staff contended delays would increase cost and that the city has already made front‑end investments. Councilmember Young expressed budget concerns but acknowledged the project addresses operational needs; Councilmember Fantini moved the contract authorization, seconded by Councilmember McDougall. A roll‑call vote showed councilmembers present voting in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps: Contract documents will be signed and Summit Construction will proceed under city supervision; staff said the project addresses lab‑capacity and regulatory needs that have grown with population and system loading.

Provenance: Contract presentation and project Q&A (transcript SEG 1455–1510; discussion, motion and roll call SEG 1511–1823).