Cheshire council approves $51,900 sole-source waiver to replace community pool filter laterals

The Town of Cheshire approved a resolution waiving competitive bidding to purchase and install replacement filter media and main laterals at the Cheshire Community Pool from Connecticut Custom Aquatics for $51,900.

Councilor Miss Pearson introduced the item noting that the pool's filter laterals and media must be replaced. Park and Recreation representative explained laterals last 15 to 20 years and that the pool's media had been changed once in 24 years; the department said sand media and failing laterals were causing sand to enter the pool.

County or municipal procurement language in the resolution noted Connecticut Custom Aquatics is certified by Neptune Benson as the sole-state distributor for the required equipment. "Connecticut Custom Aquatics has been providing much of the service, equipment, and repair of the Cheshire Community Pool since it was built and has been certified by Neptune Benson as the sole source distributor in the state of Connecticut," the resolution text said.

Councilors questioned whether there were alternatives and were told other vendors would still need to buy the parts through the same distributor and likely increase the cost. The council approved the waiver unanimously under the town charter provision cited in the resolution.