Council reviews RBC replacement plan, finance through iBank; questions raised about low bids and potential change orders

Hamilton Township council members discussed infrastructure work at the Department of Water Pollution Control, including a plan to replace six rotating biological contactors (RBCs) now as part of a project that will ultimately replace roughly 47 units.

A council member raised procurement concerns about a contract award for $114,000 to a bidder identified in the transcript as BRAKO, noting that a previous bidder came in substantially higher and warning that low initial bids can be followed by later change orders. Staff replied that the township's purchasing department manages bids and directors document any negative vendor experiences so they can be considered in future procurements. The council said the WPC director is closely monitoring potential change orders.

Council President (speaker 4) and another speaker (speaker 1) explained the financing plan: the township plans to use the state's iBank lending program to fund phased replacement, which they described as a good match for infrastructure projects of this type.

A council member asked whether the plant captures methane rather than burning it off; staff and council said portions of the methane are captured but logistical and equipment constraints limit complete capture. The council asked staff to provide an update from the WPC director on methane capture feasibility and on the broader replacement schedule.

No final procurement reversal or change-order approvals were recorded during the meeting; council members said they hope the $114,000 contract will not generate significant change orders but acknowledged the risk and the need for oversight.