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Council presses water and public‑works staff over Stantech contract timing and missing post‑repair records
Summary
Councilors sought a firm completion date and records for earlier tank repairs after staff presented a not‑to‑exceed Stantech contract for water‑tank inspections; members insisted the work be completed by Nov. 30, 2026, and noted a lack of documentation for 2022 post‑repair reinspections.
Warwick’s Public Works and Water Division asked the council to award a time‑and‑materials contract with Stantech Consulting to perform mandatory five‑year water‑storage‑tank inspections and to support an upcoming Department of Health sanitary survey.
Staff presented a not‑to‑exceed figure in the packet of about $40,630 for the inspections and said Stantech was prepared to begin work immediately on notice to proceed. Chief of Staff Bill Facenti told the committee Stantech’s letter states work would be completed within five months of a notice to proceed — which, if a notice occurred by July 1, 2026, would put completion on or near Nov. 30, 2026. Council members contrasted that schedule with another document in the packet that listed an estimated completion date of July 1, 2027 and demanded the contract reflect the sooner five‑month completion target. "Stantech is prepared to begin work immediately upon notice to proceed... and all work shall be completed within 5 months, November 30th, 2026," Facenti said in committee discussion.
Members also pressed staff about the tanks' repair history. The Department of Health's materials noted that post‑repair reinspections may have been warranted after 2022 work, but councilors and staff could not find records showing whether reinspections were completed. Staff said an older Stantech report (pre‑2021) prompted repairs in 2021; council members requested a copy of that report and asked staff to clarify whether reinspections following the 2022 work were ever performed or documented. Council members emphasized the public‑health importance of a clear schedule and records before the sanitary survey results are finalized.
On timing and contract mechanics, staff said the purchasing agent would issue a conditional award and that certificates of insurance and good standing must be confirmed before a formal notice to proceed; staff said those items typically are produced quickly and that Stantech already holds other city contracts. Committee members said they would hold the contractor to the five‑month completion commitment and have staff ensure the contract language reflects that schedule.
The committee recommended favorable action and the item later appeared on the council's consent/agenda for final approval as part of the evening's business.
