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Council approves GEI water-system modeling, 4-1 recorded vote
Summary
The Norway City Council voted to hire GEI to update the city's water-system hydraulic model for up to $9,800 after debate about whether to solicit new bids; council members said an updated model is needed before taking a tank out of service for repairs.
The City of Norway voted to authorize GEI to update the municipal water-system hydraulic model for a price not to exceed $9,800.
City staff said GEI performed the original model and an update in 2018 and that hiring the same firm to run the update would be faster and less expensive than doing a full re-model. Council members debated whether the city should seek competing bids or rely on GEI's existing work. One member argued that repeated reliance on a single consultant risks dependency; another said using the firm that has the existing model and data avoids costly duplication.
Council members emphasized the modeling is necessary to determine whether the smaller of the city's two water tanks can be taken out of service for repair without jeopardizing pressure and system reliability. "That'll give us the risk assessment and everything," a councilmember said during the discussion.
Motion and vote: A motion to approve GEI's proposal as presented (not to exceed $9,800) was moved and seconded. The roll-call recorded votes were: Missus Steigerwald — Yes; Missus Brew — Yes; Miss Langliss — Yes; Mister Muraro — No; Mister Parker — Yes. The motion carried on the recorded vote.
Staff said the modeling contract covers hydraulic analysis only; if reconstruction is required, that repair work would be bid separately and open to multiple contractors.
Next steps: Staff will have GEI complete the modeling work and return to council with findings and, if necessary, a construction procurement plan and cost estimates.
