Council approves $128,903 purchase of two sewer-inspection camera systems

West Melbourne’s City Council voted 7-0 on Oct. 21 to award a $128,903.43 contract to Environmental Products Group of Apopka to purchase two EnviroSite sewer-inspection camera systems, staff said.

Public Works staff member Mr. Picariello told council the existing camera system dated to 1997 and the city had repeatedly rebuilt it. He said the cameras help staff “pinpoint where exactly the clog is, whether it's roots or a pipe malfunctioning” and avoid digging up private property unnecessarily. He recommended awarding the contract and noted the cameras were budgeted at $139,000.

Councilmember Bentley moved to award the contract; Councilmember Adams seconded. Questions from Adams focused on frequency of use; Picariello said the cameras are used “quite often, at least once a month,” with more frequent use in storm season and substantial use for sewer-line inspections. Council formalized the purchase; the motion passed 7-0.

Staff described a recent case where a homeowner claimed a $5,000 plumber’s bill; the camera system helped show the issue was on the homeowner’s side of the service line, not the city’s mains. The contract award authorizes purchasing the two camera systems as quoted and allows staff to proceed with replacement of aging inspection equipment.