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Council approves $28,620 purchase of two wastewater grinder/chopper pumps after staff warns of failing equipment
Summary
After staff reported a failing 20-year-old pump and long lead times, the council approved buying two grinder/chopper units for $28,620 total and authorized additional installation work, with staff noting an estimated $717 for starters/contacts.
Veedersburg town council voted to buy two replacement wastewater grinder/chopper pumps for $28,620 after staff warned an existing pump had suffered a seal failure and that the town’s units—installed around 2005—are reaching the end of their service life.
Connie, who briefed the council on wastewater operations, said one pump (pump two) had experienced a field-seal failure that likely allowed water into the motor. She estimated a repair could run about $10,000–$12,000 but said buying new units would be prudent given the age of the equipment and vendor lead times. Vendor pricing supplied to the council listed one unit at $18,749, with a bundled two-unit price of $28,620 if ordered together before the end of the month, a savings the town would realize immediately.
The council moved and seconded a motion to purchase the two units; a council member identified in the transcript as Mike moved the motion and it passed. Connie also outlined additional electrical installation needs: replacement starters, auxiliary contacts and motor overloads would add an estimated $358.85 per pump (about $717 total). Town staff said they would perform the electrical installation and that the vendor might need to return for final startup after components are fitted.
Council members discussed timing, lead times of approximately three to four weeks for replacement units, and the practical urgency of keeping the wastewater plant operational. The approved purchase covers equipment; the transcript did not specify which fund or line item will pay for the purchase, nor a delivery date.
Next steps: staff will place the order under the vendor’s offered bundled price and schedule installation; follow-up reporting on procurement and installation timeline was not specified in the meeting record.
