County staff seeks $22.23 million for Belinda Pump Station construction; low bid $17.384 million

County wastewater staff told the Board they are seeking construction-phase funding of $22,230,000 for the Belinda Pump Station and PEFTF improvements and asked the Board to increase total project authorization to $24,306,900. Aaron Witt, wastewater project manager, said design funding was approved in April 2024 and the construction design was completed and bid on July 24, 2025.

The Nut Graf: Staff presented the Belinda Pump Station project as an asset renewal and wet-weather treatment improvement for a facility serving the Nelson treatment plant and said the design includes architectural features to blend with the surrounding neighborhood. Staff recommended awarding the construction contract to the low bidder, Mega KC Corporation, which submitted a $17,384,000 bid; Black & Veatch provided the engineer’s estimate of probable cost at $18,900,000 and recommended award to Mega KC.

Witt described the pump station as one of the system’s older facilities and said it was "constructed in the 1940s" and serves as a major pump station conveying flow to the Nelson facility. He told commissioners the design includes building-code updates, wet-weather treatment improvements and architectural elements "to blend in with the neighborhood." Witt said engineering services for construction will be provided by Black & Veatch, which completed the design.

Board discussion focused on neighborhood appearance and public engagement. Commissioner Ashcraft asked whether the utility has a formal standard for architectural treatment near residential areas; Witt said the approach is determined case-by-case and staff holds public meetings and works with city officials and neighbors during design. Commissioner Brewer asked whether the neighborhood-oriented design added cost; Witt said the project maintains the existing architectural approach for the site and that design choices were part of the approved design scope.

Discussion vs. Decision: The Board did not take a final funding vote at this agenda review; the item was left on action so the funding authorization and contract award can be presented for a formal decision at the upcoming business session.

Ending: Staff will return with the funding authorization and contract award for formal action at the next business session.