Committee recommends underwater outfall maintenance and long-range wastewater facility plan contracts

The General Services Committee recommended two wastewater-related contracts: an amendment for outfall maintenance and a multi-year facility plan update.

Mike Becker, capital programs manager, presented findings from diver inspection work and a bathymetric survey showing that portions of the city’s 1985 wastewater outfall are heavily sedimented and several diffusers were buried. Becker requested amendment number one to the contract with Associated Underwater Services, Inc. for $36,658.35 to clear sediment and pothole around diffusers; staff described the work as maintenance that does not require Army Corps or state permitting.

Becker also described a proposed professional-services agreement with JUB Engineers for a comprehensive 2026 wastewater resource recovery facility plan update, for a total contract amount of $1,278,800. The scope expands beyond capacity planning to evaluate treatment options and long-term needs; JUB was selected via an RFQ and rated highest by the selection committee. Committee members noted the work will span fiscal years and approved forwarding both the amendment and the JUB contract recommendation to council.

Becker said staff are considering technical changes—such as duck-bill diffusers that close when not used—to reduce future sediment intrusion, but that the duck-bill option was not included in the amendment and would be evaluated separately.