The city had been looking for engineers to make repairs to the Lobo and Deer Creek lift stations. Mika Stutts, utility engineering manager for the city, presented to council at its Nov. 6 regular meeting and recommended the city approve Austin Engineering for the contract for an amount not to exceed $3.83 million.
The details
Lift stations pump wastewater to higher elevations to help direct the flow to wastewater treatments plant. The city currently has 18 lift stations, which are checked daily and receive regular maintenance. A condition assessment on the Lobo and Deer Creek stations showed some wear to electrical components and the need for new coatings on pipings and valves to keep the station operating efficiently, Stutts said.
Final design of these improvements had already been completed, and the city had put out bids for four potential contractors. Austin Engineering Co. Inc. was the highest-ranked firm of the proposals received. Stutts said the firm stood out for their proven experience with complex lift station rehabilitations. The rehabilitation will be funded out of the fiscal year 2026 Utility Capital Improvements Project budget.
The action
Council approved the motion with five council members voting yes; council member Eric Boyce was absent, and the Place 6 council seat is currently vacant after Heather Jeft’s resignation Oct. 23.
