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Local backflow contractor asks council for explanation after being denied listing on city vendor list
Summary
Nicholas Giroux used public comment to say the city refused to add his company to Bothell's cross-contamination specialist list because of 'current circumstances' linked to his prior city employment; he called the decision discriminatory and asked the council to intervene.
During the public-comment portion of the Dec. 9 meeting, Nicholas Giroux identified himself as owner of Advanced Backflow Solutions and said he received a City of Bothell business license in March but was told staff would not add his firm to the city's cross-contamination specialist (CCS) list because of "current circumstances" related to his prior separation from city employment.
Giroux said he contacted city staff repeatedly before receiving an April 30 email from Erin Lenhart (not present at the meeting) saying the city determined it was not in the community’s best interest to approve his company as an approved backflow tester at this time; the email, as paraphrased by Giroux, said the decision was not an assessment of his abilities but was tied to the circumstances of his departure from city employment. Giroux said his state licenses, insurance and bonding are current and that he was told he could reapply in April 2026. He asked council to review the decision and provide a clearer explanation.
Council members did not engage in discussion during public comment; the mayor and clerk noted that staff would record follow-up items for staff to address. No formal council action or staff statement resolving Giroux’s concern was made during the meeting.
