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Council reviews proposed DRC operator contract as city works to shore up wastewater oversight
Summary
Staff presented a proposed Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) contract to provide required Level‑2 wastewater oversight; the new vendor offers more regular site checks and higher fees than the incumbent. Council discussed invoice structure, travel/time charges and the need to budget for in‑person oversight while operators pursue in‑house certification.
City staff told the Amity City Council on March 12 that the city needs an expanded Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) contract for water and wastewater plant oversight because existing in‑house operator credentials do not meet the plants’ certification requirements.
Staff described a new small DRC company whose principals hold Level‑4 wastewater certifications and proposed a contract that includes weekly check‑ins with staff, monthly in‑person visits, and additional advisory services to bring the city closer to regulatory compliance. Staff said the incumbent DRC (who previously charged $750 for water and $500 for sewer) notified the city of a fee increase; the proposed vendor quoted higher regular fees but offers more active oversight.
Council members asked about the invoicing details and whether travel/time surcharges would be billed separately; staff said routine monthly check‑ins and at‑least‑monthly site visits are included in the monthly fee while unscheduled emergency call‑outs or extra services would be billed at the agreed hourly and travel rates. Staff also noted the city’s intention to train and certify in‑house staff (public works superintendent) to reduce long‑term reliance on external DRC services.
The record shows staff will return with a finalized contract for approval and the city will budget for the increased DRC costs in operating lines as needed. Council asked staff to track and present any additional on‑call fees or travel charges alongside the regular monthly cost as invoices begin to arrive.
