RESOLUTION 2023-28
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORTUNA
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE A MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE TANK
AND FEED SYSTEM WITHOUT FORMAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING
WHEREAS, as part of normal operations and treatment at the City of Fortuna wastewater treatment plant, a pH buffering agent is necessary in the aeration basins; WHEREAS, it is essential for the success of the wastewater treatment process to add a pH buffering agent to the aeration basins;
WHEREAS, City staff are concerned with the current usage and rising cost of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), in addition to the hazards of working with the chemical onsite; WHEREAS, t h e City conducted a successful trial with the use of magnesium hydroxide as a pH buffering agent in the aeration basins for over one year; WHEREAS, t h e trial period is over, and to continue to use magnesium hydroxide the City would need to purchase the required infrastructure;
WHEREAS, City staff will install the magnesium hydroxide tank and feed system upon receiving the equipment, and therefore only the purchase of equipment is necessary to complete the project; WHEREAS, the City has initiated three quotes for supplies from three different magnesium hydroxide tank and feed system suppliers, and all quotes are higher than the City’s purchasing limits without formal bidding per Fortuna Municipal Code Section 2.50;
WHEREAS, City staff anticipate the total cost of the new equipment will be less than $60,000; WHEREAS, it is important to receive and install the equipment as soon as possible, as the use of a chemical buffering agent increases during the rainy months; WHEREAS, formal bidding the purchase of the equipment would be anticipated to add 4-6 weeks minimum to the procurement timeline;
WHEREAS, City staff believe a purchase through competitive quotes is in the best interest of the City, as formal bidding would only add to the cost of procuring the required material and extent the timeline to receive the equipment;
WHEREAS, pursuant to section 2.50.70(D) of the Fortuna Municipal Code, the Council may elect to dispense with formal competitive bidding for the procurement of materials and may instead authorize the City Manager to negotiate directly with the manufacturers if the Council finds it to be in the public interest;
WHEREAS, the purchase and implementation of the system is anticipated to result in estimated annual operational cost savings of $40,000;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Fortuna City Council of the City of Fortuna hereby:
1. Finds and declares that it is in the public interest to dispense with the formal competitive bidding requirements set forth in Section 2.50.040 of Chapter 2.50 of the Fortuna Municipal Code for the purchase of the magnesium hydroxide tank and feed system; and
2. The City Manager shall solicit quotes from at least three manufacturers and shall negotiate with the lowest cost provider that can deliver the magnesium hydroxide tank and feed system; and
3. The City Manager is authorized to procure the magnesium hydroxide tank and feed system for an aggregate amount not to exceed $60,000; and
4. The City Manager is further authorized to execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to applications, purchase agreements, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned purchase.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on this 18th day of September 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
_____________________________
Tami Trent, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Siana Emmons, City Clerk