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Clinton water-sewer director flags unexpected low bid and high SCADA costs; council to negotiate or re-bid
Summary
Water and sewer director Will Henry reported water-loss rates (Clinton ~27%, Burnt Ridge 51%, B Branch ~36%–40%), a low $825,000 bid for a B Branch line-replacement package, and SCADA controls bids that exceeded expectations by roughly $70,000–$120,000 per site; the council discussed negotiating with bidders or reopening bids.
Will Henry, the city’s water and sewer department lead, briefed the council on system performance and recent bid activity during the meeting. He reported a Clinton water-loss rate of about 27%, Burnt Ridge at about 51% and B Branch roughly in the mid-30s, noting crews had fixed roughly a dozen leaks on B Branch in the prior month.
On procurement: Henry said four bid openings were held for B Branch projects; most bids clustered near expected ranges but one bidder (bonded and insured) submitted a substantially lower bid — "like 825,000" — which surprised staff. The council accepted the need to award to the low, responsible bidder but flagged the unfamiliar company and planned due diligence.
SCADA and power costs: Henry reported the SCADA (remote pump-station control) estimate came in about $70,000 per site higher than anticipated, driven partly by costs to bring power to remote sites. He cited a line-item figure of roughly $120,000 per site included by the bidder to bring power to some tank/pump locations; staff said they would ask the bidder for written justification, negotiate line items, and, if needed, re-bid the package.
Contractor and next steps: Henry said Fleming Control and Power is the contractor the city typically uses for controls and electrical work and that staff prefer to work with known contractors but must ensure competitive pricing. The council was told staff will request explanations from bidders, verify bonds and insurance, and, if necessary, reopen bids.
Why it matters: The low bidder for the B Branch work and higher-than-expected SCADA/power costs could materially affect project timing and budgets for water-system improvements; council directed staff to pursue verification and potential negotiation before final award.
