Town Council reviews three influent-screen options; decision set for tonight

At a Dec. 4, 2024 Town Council workshop, the Town Council reviewed three options for the wastewater influent screen and said it will choose an approach at the council meeting later that night.

Bearing Construction representative Frank Carman outlined the three proposals. "Option 1 is to rehab the current screen by removing the screen, having it shipped to Florida to be rebuilt, shipped back and then reinstalled," Carman said; the town would need to perform bypass pumping during that process and the option carries a one-year warranty. Carman presented Option 1 at a listed cost of $130,154.

Carman said Option 2 would be to install a new Parkson screen at a cost of $189,451; he said he was unsure of that option's warranty and would confirm it. Option 3 was presented as installing an alternative Raketek XS screen; the bid lists a cost of $145,880 and a three-year warranty for that option.

Town Engineer Jason Lytle clarified permitting implications: "The Town will not need an MDE construction permit if they chose the rebuild option but would need one for the replacement options," he said. The council exchanged questions and concerns about costs, warranties and the operational disruption caused by bypass pumping.

Council members indicated they would make a formal selection at their meeting later the same evening and inform Bearing Construction of the council's choice. With no further business the workshop was closed at 5:43 p.m. after a motion by Commissioner Rose Potter that was seconded by Commissioner Michael Sullivan and approved unanimously.

The council's next formal action will be the vote at its meeting, where one of the three options will be adopted or another direction provided.