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Authority authorizes emergency replacement of Porter Road controller, temporary backup equipment and backup staffing agreement
Summary
Lower Pottsgrove Township Authority approved emergency purchase of a Quadplex pump controller for Porter Road after controller failure, authorized a temporary duplex controller while installation proceeds, approved Villa Drive control panel replacement and agreed to use Kappe Associates’ John Laidley as backup operator as needed.
The Lower Pottsgrove Township Authority on Dec. 9 authorized several equipment purchases and a backup staffing arrangement after the main controller at the Porter Road pump station failed.
Tim Watson, the authority’s sewer operator, reported the Porter Road automation controller "completely broke" and left staff without remote control of pumps. Manager Edward C. Wagner presented a quote of $19,980 plus freight for a replacement Quadplex Pump Controller and described the purchase as an emergency that did not require formal bidding. The board approved the purchase unanimously.
To maintain pump operation during installation, Wagner also presented a temporary Duplex Pump Controller priced at $8,940; the board approved that purchase unanimously. On Villa Drive, the authority approved procurement of a Duplex Pump Control Panel for $26,185 plus freight, with VFDs quoted separately at $8,300 for two units; Wagner noted $50,000 is budgeted for the Villa Drive work.
On staffing, Wagner and Watson discussed backup coverage for times when Watson is unavailable. John Laidley of Kappe Associates, who has worked on Lower Pottsgrove systems, offered backup service at $150 per hour with a two-hour minimum. The board approved using Laidley as needed, with members noting the arrangement is intended to cover short absences and that longer-absence coverage could be reconsidered.
All equipment purchases and the backup staffing agreement were approved by unanimous vote.
