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Queenstown approves generator and D.O. meter work as membrane replacements and tank bids raise concerns
Summary
Commissioners approved a 5‑year Kohler generator maintenance agreement and authorized purchase of a Hach online dissolved-oxygen meter; staff warned membranes may fail within months and water‑tank project bids far exceeded town estimates, prompting further bid review. Residents raised odor and water-safety concerns during public comment.
Queenstown Commissioners on July 23 approved routine and near-term purchases intended to keep the town’s water and wastewater systems in compliance, while staff warned of larger capital and replacement needs.
Commissioners approved a five‑year preventive-maintenance contract for the town’s Kohler generator at $6,620 per year, a contract put forward after recent generator repairs forced the town to use a rental generator at a cost staff described as "over $106,000." The agreement was advanced to avoid further costly rentals.
The board also voted to accept a Hach quote of $26,236 to install an online dissolved-oxygen (D.O.) meter, a piece of equipment the town described as critical for maintaining effluent-permit compliance for total nitrogen monitoring.
Town staff reported a vendor (MMBR) quote of $132,090 to replace four treatment membranes and warned that existing membranes “likely won't last more than a couple more months,” according to George Smith. The vendor estimated 4–6 weeks delivery if units are in U.S. inventory and 14–16 weeks if not; staff said they have contacted an additional representative (Veolia) for pricing and will supply additional information to vendors.
Separately, bids for the Water Tank & Infrastructure Project arrived significantly above the town’s estimate: the town’s budget estimated $5,902,504, while the lowest bid received was roughly $8,000,000. Staff (Rauch) is performing bid leveling and will provide a recommendation as the town considers options including tower refurbishment costs.
Public commenters raised operational concerns: resident Lyndsey Simpson reported a strong odor from the treatment plant over recent weeks and asked whether the town could mitigate the smell; Town Manager Amy Moore said she would discuss the issue with the operator. Bill Mills pointed to a government notice marking Queenstown Creek as not safe for swimming/shellfish harvesting near the treatment plant, asking whether the plant is meeting regulatory requirements; Ms. Moore said the town is meeting requirements but would confirm with the Maryland Department of the Environment and the operator.
Next steps: staff will finalize procurement steps, continue membrane replacement pricing and delivery checks, complete bid leveling for the water-tank project, and follow up on odor and water-safety questions with the operator and state regulators.
