Council awards up to $125,000 contract to finish customer-service inspections

The Nacogdoches City Council on March 5 approved a contract recommendation to hire Hardin and Associates to finish outstanding customer-service inspections (CSIs) required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, city staff said.

Kaye Sofferman, assistant director of public works and city engineer, told the council that the inspections identify cross-connections and pollution hazards; she said CSIs are normally completed when new buildings receive certificates of occupancy but that older businesses must also be inspected. "We previously have contracted with firms to obtain all these CSIs," Sofferman said. She said Hardin had been the only responsive bidder this time and had previously performed substantial work for the city.

Staff said about 700 meters remain to be inspected. Sofferman said the city previously spent about $96,000 with Hardin on the earlier contract and is recommending a new contract not to exceed $125,000 to finish the work; procurement rules allow a 25% adjustment to contracts but amounts above a statutory limit would return to council.

A councilmember moved to approve the contract as outlined in item 7A; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

City staff said completing the inspections should bring the city into compliance with TCEQ enforcement timelines and reduce the city's need to continue contracting once inspections are finished.