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Community Corner

Pump For Sanitary Sewer Overflow

Will this adequately solve a perceived problem?

Article Source: City of San Bruno CA

DATE: November 14, 2017

TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

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FROM: Jimmy Tan, Public Works Director/City Engineer Jim Burch, Public Works Deputy Director

SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase One Portable Stormwater and Wastewater Pump and Trailer from Rockwell Engineering & Equipment Company, Inc. in the Amount of $66,429

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BACKGROUND:

The City's Public Works Department has one large pump capable of responding to a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO), emergency spill, rainstorm, or flooding event. The availability of this equipment has contributed to the reduction in the City's number of SSOs and has helped minimize the amount of untreated sewage entering the stormwater system and into surrounding property. The large pump is used by City crews to divert stormwater or sewer overflows caused by a collapsed or blocked service pipe, causing flooding or ponding. The City does not have an equivalent large backup pump. During a regional storm event, it is often difficult to secure a rental pump as San Bruno is often competing to rent from the area's limited suppliers. The addition of a second large pump allows City crews to respond to multiple sanitary sewer overflows, emergency storm events, and to minimize property damage, and clear roads to maintain access for emergency vehicles. The expected lifespan of the pump is 20 years. The distinguishing feature of the pump model proposed is a self-priming and self-operating device that requires minimal staff setup and supervision. This pump is distinct from pumps used by the Water Division as a sewer and stormwater pump cannot be later used for potable water operations.

After a number of significant rain storms caused flooding in multiple locations, including a large sanitary sewer overflow, flooding along major streets, parks, and into neighborhoods, and closed major intersections to traffic, Public Works staff evaluated and recommended the purchase of an additional large portable pump to increase operational capabilities to provide a broader and efficient response to flooding conditions.

The 2016-17 Approved Equipment Budget included purchase of an additional portable wastewater and stormwater pump and those funds were included in the 2017-18 Budget Carry Over.

DISCUSSION:

With only one large portable pump, during a large storm or emergency response event, equipment priority is given to sanitary sewer spill response locations over other flooding incidents due to public health requirements. An additional or backup pump is required to adequately respond to multiple sanitary sewer or flooding locations. Staff evaluated either purchasing or renting an additional pump and determined that purchase of a pump is the most cost effective option to provide on-going reliable back up pumping capability.

In compliance with the State Contract Code and the City's local purchasing regulations, on

May 26, 2017, a Notice to Bidders was sent to pump equipment vendors and posted on the City's website. Three bids were received and opened on June 13, 2017 as follows:

No. Company Bid Amount

I Technology International, Inc. $40,099

I Rockwell Engineering & Equipment Co., Inc. $66,429

1 Pump Repair Service Company $78,213

The bid advertised for the same pump model the City currently operates so that maintenance parts can be shared between the two pumps and because staff is already trained on this pump's operations. The proposal from Technology International, Inc. of Lake Mary, Florida was rejected because the pump in their bid was not the one identified in the bid advertisement. The next lowest bid proposal from Rockwell Engineering & Equipment Co., Inc. of Tustin, California was reviewed by staff and determined to be responsive and responsible.

As the bids were received towards the end of FY 2016-17, a purchase order was setup in order to carry over the funds into FY 2017-18 so funding would be available pending City Council consideration. However the vendor shipped the pump to the City after the purchase order was created but before City Council approval and before staff authorized shipment. The pump is currently being stored and unused at the Public Works Corporation Yard pending City Council authorization. However, if the City Council approves the purchase, the pump is available and ready for use during this year's rainy season. The manufacturer provides a two year limited service warranty.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The FY 2016-17 Equipment Budget included an appropriation of $85,000 to purchase the pump and funds for this pump and were included in the 2017-18 Budget Carry Over. The $66,429 cost of the pump and trailer includes all sales taxes and delivery which is within the appropriated budget. The cost will be funded 50 percent between the Wastewater and Stormwater Operating Budgets, or $33,215 and $33,214 respectively.

ALTERNATIVES:

1. Do not approve the purchase of this pump and trailer and rent an additional pump as needed. To guarantee availability, the City would need to rent the pump through the duration of any rain season, a four to six month period, at an estimated cost of $10,800 to $16,200. There will be an estimated cost of $45,000 for re-stocking and shipping charges to return the pump as the vendor shipped the pump to the City after the purchase order was issued but prior to Council authorization.

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase one portable stormwater and wastewater pump and trailer from Rockwell Engineering & Equipment Co., Inc. in the amount of $66,429.

FULL Council Agenda Packet WITH Staff Reports can be viewed and downloaded from:

https://sanbruno.ca.gov/gov/elected_officials/city_council_minutes_n_agendas.htm

This document should be available late Friday before the Tuesday Council Meeting

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Robert Riechel

E=Mail: SanBrunoPatch.Robert@Yahoo.com

WEB: http://SanBrunoPatch.com

My Posts: http://patch.com/users/robert-riechel

Photo Credit: San Bruno CA Patch Archives

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