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SMRU board approves multiple work authorizations and emergency tank replacement, rejects security‑camera bids
Summary
The SMRU board approved several work authorizations and spending authorizations — including clarifier rebuilds, flow‑meter design, generator and fleet contracts, and an emergency $131,112 tank replacement — and voted to reject all bids for security‑camera upgrades and re‑advertise the project.
At a bimonthly meeting, SMRU staff presented a package of routine and urgent procurement items and the board voted to approve the requests.
Work authorization #1: The board approved a $105,000 work authorization to G3 Contracting to perform planned prep and recoating of fiberglass degassing systems and associated pipe/electrical work at the South Water Treatment Plant. The motion carried after a member moved approval and the mayor (or authorized signatory) was authorized to execute the work authorization.
Work authorization #2: The board approved replacing mechanical clarifier parts (scraper boards and chains) for clarifiers 3 and 4 and authorized $115,280 to G3 Contracting for that work. Clarifiers 1 and 2 were previously refurbished in 2022 and 2024; parts for 3 and 4 arrived in January.
Flow‑meter design: Staff flagged accuracy issues with the 24‑inch point‑of‑entry electromagnetic flow meter and requested design and permitting work to redo piping manifolds to improve meter accuracy. The board approved work authorization #64 with Holtz Consulting Engineers for $37,805 to redesign the manifold and obtain permits.
Security cameras: A publicly advertised invitation to bid for security‑camera upgrades drew widely discrepant responses, one bidder withdrew and another filed a formal protest. Staff recommended rejecting all bids, revising the scope of work, and re‑advertising. The board voted to reject the bids and re‑advertise the project.
Emergency hypochlorite tanks: Staff reported one polyethylene sodium hypochlorite storage tank at the South Water Treatment Plant developed a crack and leak that was contained within secondary containment. Because of life‑safety and operational risk, the town executed an emergency purchase order with Odyssey Manufacturing to replace both tanks, related piping and coatings for $131,112; the board approved the emergency spending authorization. Staff said the tanks are on expedited order and expected to arrive a little over a month after ordering.
Piggyback and spending authorizations: The board approved a piggyback agreement with H2O EnviroSolutions (via a competitively awarded Manatee County contract) for on‑call industrial utility contractor services; approved a piggyback agreement with Caterpillar (Ring Power) and $60,000 in spending authorization for generator maintenance (estimated annual savings of about $20,000 versus incumbent vendor); approved $86,229 to purchase two light‑duty pickup trucks through Allen J Fleet Services; and approved $70,000 for flow‑meter and instrumentation purchases as budgeted in FY 25‑26.
Electric motors and blowers: The board authorized $130,000 for motor, pump and blower repair services with Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance Inc. (EMMI) to rehab three large process blowers at the South Water Treatment Plant.
Board members asked standard procurement questions about vendor history and whether long‑standing consultants or contractors are still the best fit. Several members asked staff to outline the exact services Kimley‑Horn has provided so the board can consider alternatives as needed.
Votes at a glance: consent agenda approved; work authorization #1 (G3) approved for $105,000; work authorization #2 (G3) approved for $115,280; work authorization #64 (Holtz) approved for $37,805; change order #2 for PFAS pilot approved for $7,600; emergency purchase with Odyssey approved for $131,112; piggyback agreements with H2O EnviroSolutions and Caterpillar (Ring Power) approved; vehicle purchases approved for $86,229; flow-meter/instrumentation purchases approved for $70,000; EMMI motor/blower spending approved for $130,000. Each motion was moved, seconded and carried with roll calls recorded as vocal "Aye"—no formal 'no' votes were recorded in the transcript.
The board directed staff to reissue the security‑camera solicitation with a revised scope, and staff will return with the vendor history and consultant scope details requested by members.
