Board accepts draft wastewater treatment plan, authorizes RFQ to design oxidation ditch

The Board of Public Utilities voted to accept a draft domestic wastewater treatment facility plan and authorized staff to issue a request for qualifications to select a design firm to develop the preferred oxidation‑ditch process to 30% design. Patricia Whitfield presented the item and said staff received comments at earlier briefings (Feb. 19 and a March 3 city council presentation) but had not made changes to the draft plan in the packet.

Whitfield said the consultant (identified in the meeting materials and transcript as “Corolla”; the transcript also contains minor variants such as “Corolo”) recommended an oxidation ditch process. The consultant provided two build scenarios: a phased approach that builds an initial 3.1 million gallons per day (MGD) facility while retaining the existing plant, or a full 7.1 MGD replacement that would abandon the current facility. Whitfield emphasized that the eventual configuration will depend on the water and sewer rate study and funding availability; staff plans to take the selected design to 30% and then return to the board with cost and funding recommendations.

Whitfield also told the board staff may hire an owner's representative to provide construction oversight, and that bond refinancing and other financial steps are being explored to support the project. A motion to accept the draft plan and authorize the RFQ was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records board members saying “Aye.”

Next steps: staff will issue the RFQ, select a design firm to proceed to 30% design, then report back with a cost estimate and funding plan once the rate study results are in.