Committee approves $408,000 amendment to Black & Veatch contract for Water Treatment Plant design and procurement

The Utility Safety and Environment Committee on Oct. 8 approved amendment No. 2 to the professional services agreement with Black & Veatch, adding $408,000 for final design and preparation of bidding documents for high‑service pumps, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and valves at the Lorraine Water Treatment Plant.

Engineer Schneider told the committee the amendment covers final design and bidding documents, not construction, and that construction‑phase services would return to council for separate approval. "We're looking to increase their contract by $408,000," he said, and added that the total contract with prior amendments will reach $1,115,000.

Schneider explained why the city is pursuing VFDs: "What VFDs do is they modulate the frequency of a pump, so it allows it to run at a slower speed so you can, fluctuate your, pumpage without throttling the valve." He said VFDs reduce energy use and can produce operational cost savings.

Staff also noted many pumps, valves and related components have long lead times—30 to 40 weeks—and the amendment will allow procurement documents to be prepared in advance. Schneider said other amendments are likely as staff completes additional studies, including a review of chlorine feed options (chlorine gas versus sodium hypochlorite), and that construction‑phase work with Black & Veatch would come back to council for authorization. The committee requested an emergency clause and approved the ordinance; the motion was moved by Mrs. Davis and seconded by Mr. Oswald.