Report Prepared by: Charles Slagter, WWTF Operations Supervisor
Title
SUBJECT: Award Bid and Approval of the Purchase of Supplies as Necessary with JenFitch, Inc., for the Supply and Delivery of Poly Aluminum Chloride Coagulant for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Amount not to Exceed $110,000 Through June 30, 2024
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid and approving the purchase of poly aluminum chloride coagulant for use at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for Fiscal Year 2023/2024.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid and approving purchases up to $110,000 with JenFitch, Inc., through June 30, 2024; and,
B. Authorizing the City Buyer to issue the purchase order.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or
conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Section 1111-Competitive bidding, and Merced Municipal Code Chapter 3.04 Article III - the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and contractual services of an estimated value greater than thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000), the “contract threshold”, shall be made by the purchasing supervisor by written contract with the lowest responsible bidder.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) uses poly aluminum chloride coagulant as part of the tertiary treatment process. Polymer reacts with the solids to help them bind together to allow the solids to be filtered before UV disinfection. The amount of polymer needed for tertiary treatment varies each year.
The WWTP operations staff has worked with various vendors to find the best blend of polymer that removes solids from the water. Polymer vendors are required to qualify their product through onsite demonstration and establish that their product meets the performance criteria for treating efficient dewatering. Once the vendors have qualified, they are invited to bid through the public bidding process.
The invitation for bids was advertised both in the Merced County Times newspaper and the City’s website. Bids were publicly opened on May 9, 2023. JenFitch Inc. was the only bidder at $1.40 per pound.
Staff recommends awarding the bid and authorizing the City Buyer to issue the purchase order for continued use of the poly aluminum chloride coagulant.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed. Funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. JenFitch Bid