Superintendent requests immediate repair of original 1986 pump, estimates $47,000

Superintendent told the commission that Pump No. 1 at the Providence connection — an original unit installed in 1986 — appears to have a motor short and requires immediate removal and repair. "I'm looking for a blessing on we're looking at $47,000 and that falls in line with the other work that this contractor has done," the superintendent said, asking permission to hire the prior contractor without a lengthy bid process to avoid extended service risk.

Commissioners agreed the issue could not wait because the utility has a limited number of spare pumps and contractors' schedules fill quickly. The superintendent described the usual rehab cycle for pumps and motors and said the contractor who did the last two pumps was recommended for prompt service; staff will pursue the contractor to pull the pump and begin repairs so the utility can return to full redundancy.