Mike Becker, representing the Wastewater Department, presented a staff recommendation to execute a professional services agreement with J-U-B Engineering for design work on the tertiary membrane filtration (TMF) expansion (Phase 5C). He said the expansion will add a sixth 'train' of membrane modules to increase capacity from about 5 million to 6 million gallons per day and create redundant treatment capability to allow cleaning or maintenance of other trains without service interruption. Becker explained the TMF is the final stage of treatment to remove ammonia and phosphorus prior to discharge to the Spokane River.

Becker described the procurement: the city issued an RFP under Idaho procurement policies, received proposals from two prequalified firms and selected J-U-B based on experience and demonstrated capacity. He noted a $50,000 management reserve in the design-phase budget and said the project was included in the facility plan and this year's budget. Becker estimated the membranes' lead time at roughly 72 weeks and said the city aims to have the expansion operational by 2028.

Council asked whether the design simply duplicates existing trains or integrates new technology; Becker said the project is "one more of the same" in principle but staff will evaluate alternatives during predesign and noted the city will not build a new tank if an alternative technology fits the existing train. A motion to approve Resolution 25-065 to award the $814,600 design contract to J-U-B Engineers passed on roll call: Miller (Aye), Gookin (Yeah), English (Yes), Wood (Yes), Gabriel (Yes), Evans (Yes).

The contract covers design services only; subsequent construction contracts and funding approvals will follow standard procurement and budgeting steps.