Board approves up-to-$12,900 purchase to replace Riverside pump station grinder

The Lower Frederick Board of Supervisors voted to accept a JWC Environmental quote not to exceed $12,900 for a replacement grinder unit at the Riverside pump station and authorized the township manager to sign necessary paperwork.

Jason and public works staff recapped the procurement: the board previously tabled the item to allow staff (Tommy) to obtain another quote; JWC, the local distributor, provided a quote that effectively mirrored Alltech’s invoice and came in a few hundred dollars less after accounting for vendor markups and shipping. Staff recommended purchasing from JWC and arranging installation by Alltech or another qualified installer if needed.

Board members probed whether using JWC’s quote would harm their relationship with Alltech, the usual installer; staff said Alltech was aware of the pricing situation and that other contractors could install the unit if necessary. Public works staff explained the technical issue: the original grinder was a 12-inch unit with an upper section that never sees wet sewage, causing rust and chipping of the teeth; the township will install a smaller 8-inch grinder to avoid the problem. Supervisor Sacks moved the acceptance and Supervisor Durano seconded; the board approved the purchase unanimously.