City Council approves $137,952 contract for two well rehabilitations

The City of York Council on May 7 approved estimates from Sergeant Drilling to rehabilitate two municipal wells (0401 and 822) at a combined cost of $137,952. The work includes labor, pump replacement and column-pipe repairs following sonar-jet testing that showed notable efficiency declines at those sites.

Public Works Director James told the council Sergeant Drilling conducted the efficiency tests and recommended the two rehabs based on measured drops in performance. “They came and they did the efficiency test on some of our wells,” James said, and staff flagged the two with the largest decreases for immediate work. He said the city did not advertise the work to new bidders this year because Sergeant Drilling has a long history with the system and familiarity with the city’s expectations.

The project will be funded from the water department’s pumping equipment maintenance line, which currently carries roughly $190,000; staff said using the account for these rehabs would leave about $52,000 available for other needs. Council members asked about the expected lifespan of a rehab and whether other wells might require attention; James said the rehabs are infrequent and staff monitors wells annually to prioritize work.

A motion to approve the estimates was made and seconded on the record; the council voted to carry the motion and move forward with the contract. Staff said they will follow up with records about prior rehab dates and scheduling for other wells.

The council proceeded to its next agenda item after the vote.