Deerfield trustees approve biosolids removal, polymer purchase, SCADA upgrades and pump replacements

At the Jan. 5 meeting, the Village of Deerfield Board of Trustees approved a package of resolutions and purchases related to wastewater operations, capital maintenance and personnel administration.

Wastewater operations and biosolids removal: Staff recommended issuing a purchase order to Synagro Central LLC to remove and arrange beneficial reuse of biosolids generated at the village—s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). Staff said the WRF accumulates about 2,000 cubic yards of biosolids annually and that budgeted funds for 2026 included $100,500 for removal and reuse. Trustees and staff discussed factors driving increased biosolids volumes, including higher orthophosphate dosing by some supply systems and associated need for additional polymer and hauling. After discussion the board approved the resolution authorizing biosolids removal services for 2026 by roll call.

Polymer purchase for dewatering: Department of Public Works staff explained that polymer is added during dewatering to remove more than 90% of the water from sludges and yield a transportable product. The WRF conducted jar and full-scale testing with four suppliers in October 2024 and recommended a proprietary polymer from Solenis LLC as the most cost-effective option. The board approved a resolution waiving bidding and authorizing purchase of the biosolids polymer from Solenis in an amount not to exceed $45,000; staff said the purchase was included in the FY2026 operating budget.

SCADA/server replacement and design engineering: Staff reported that the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and related components are approaching the end of their useful lives and recommended an agreement with Strand Associates for design and implementation support, not to exceed $34,200 (included in the FY2026 capital budget). Trustees noted Strand—s prior work on the treatment plant and approved the agreement by roll call.

Pump replacements: The board approved replacement of two disinfected effluent (DEW) pumps that have experienced cavitation and require rehabilitation. Staff recommended purchasing two Fairbanks 2.5-inch model 1844 pumps (20-horsepower, 1,800 rpm) through Dryden Equipment Inc. at a total cost of $64,266, which includes pumps, start-up services and shipping; the purchase was included in the FY2026 budget and was approved by roll call.

Personnel and recruitment contract: Separately, the board approved an ordinance updating the village wage and salary plan to reflect an adjusted village manager compensation and the addition of a human resources/risk manager position (previously discussed in closed session and budgeted). The board also approved a master services agreement and a statement of work with MGT Impact Solutions for recruitment services related to the human resources/risk manager search; the SOW fee was described as approximately $26,000. Trustees requested and obtained a commitment to tighten the contract—s termination language so the agreement or statement of work can terminate upon completion of the search; approval was made subject to attorney review and the board asked for reporting back on the outcome.

All of the items above were approved by roll call with affirmative votes from trustees present. Several trustees asked questions about longer-term options (including waste-to-energy conversion) and about the drivers of increased biosolids generation; staff said conversions would be costly and that current plant design and regulatory constraints limit near-term changes.

Next steps: Staff will authorize the purchases and execute agreements consistent with the board—s approvals and the FY2026 budget, and will return to the board with any required reports on contract outcomes or required follow-up.