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Council approves emergency sole-source purchase for sewer lift pump after discussion of wipes, pumps and costs
Summary
The Cordova City Council approved Resolution 042618 authorizing a sole-source emergency procurement with EXP Alaska Pump and Supply Inc. to replace a pump and motor assembly at the EAP sewer lift station; councilors discussed the recurring cost of non‑flushable wipes (noted at about $50,000) and the city's multiple lift stations as context for the emergency purchase.
The Cordova City Council on April 18 approved Resolution 042618 to authorize a sole-source emergency contract with EXP Alaska Pump and Supply Inc. for a pump and motor assembly needed immediately at the EAP sewer lift station. A council member moved the resolution and it was seconded; the motion was carried by voice vote.
During discussion councilors framed the procurement against recurring sewer costs caused by non-flushable wipes. One councilor said the last incident cost “near $51,000” and urged community education to reduce future damage. Staff noted the city operates multiple lift stations (roughly seven stations, most with dual pumps) and explained that pump failures can be expensive and disruptive across the system.
Nut graf: The council characterized the purchase as an emergency measure to restore lift-station reliability and emphasized public-education steps aimed at reducing blockages and premature pump failures.
Details on the procurement: The resolution as read authorizes a sole-source emergency procurement to EXP Alaska Pump and Supply Inc. to purchase a pump and motor assembly for the EAP sewer lift station’s immediate need. The motion was moved on the floor and carried; the official resolution number on the record was read as "042618." The meeting record does not show a roll-call vote or name-by-name tally, only a voice vote that passed.
What council said about costs and prevention: Councilors discussed distributing door-hanger educational materials and placing signs at businesses and hotels to remind visitors not to flush wipes. Staff also said the city keeps depreciation and cash-flow considerations in mind for pump and capital replacement planning.
Next steps: With the emergency approval, staff can proceed with the procurement and implement or expand public-education efforts to reduce blockage-causing materials. The council did not set an explicit budget amendment in this meeting; members discussed longer-term depreciation and replacement planning for sewer assets.
