Item #03
Date: October 21, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jason Zumalt, Public Works Manager
Jeramy Chapdelaine, Public Works Director
Subject: Emergency Purchase and Sole Source Authorization – Replacement of Huber Bar Screen, Press, and Electrical Cabinet
Recommendation:
Pass a Motion to 1) receive and file for a Sole Source Replacement of the Sewer Bar Screen, Press and electrical Cabinet at the Sewer Main filtering and Transferring pursuant to 2.76.090 and 2.76.125 of the Marysville Municipal Code and 2) authorize the Finance Director to make a supplemental appropriation for an amount of $363,223.63 to the appropriate account number.
Background:
The City’s Sewer Main filtering and Transferring facility relies on a Huber bar screen located at the headworks to remove large debris and solids from influent wastewater. This screening equipment is essential to protect downstream pumps and treatment processes from clogging and causing mechanical damage.
The current Bar Screen, Press and Electrical Cabinet was manufactured in 2015 and has reached its service life expectancy after being in operation for 10 years. Complete replacement is needed due to the expected service life expiring and frequent part replacement and maintenance needs increasing with its age.
Discussion & Analysis:
On October 14,2025 City staff observed severe mechanical failure of the existing bar screen press, including broken sewer press screw and bearing failure. The unit is currently running and was temporally repaired, however during this down time it required manual debris removal to maintain plant operation and regulatory compliance. The failure of this screen poses significant health, safety, and environmental risks, in that, large rags and debris could plug/ cause damage to the pump, and place the City at risk of sewage backing up into the streets causing NPDES permit violations.
Given the critical nature of the equipment and the potential for unfiltered debris and wastewater bypass or damage to downstream treatment systems, staff determined that immediate replacement was necessary. Delaying procurement through standard bidding procedures would have resulted in unacceptable risks to public health and environmental safety.
Additionally, Huber Technology, Inc. is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the existing bar screen and the only source capable of providing a compatible replacement that integrates with the existing mounting, Item #03
electrical, and control systems without extensive modifications. Using another manufacturer would require redesigning the headworks structure, control logic, and SCADA programming, resulting in higher costs and longer lead times.
Therefore, staff recommends proceeding under 2.76.090 (emergency purchases) and 2.76.125 (sole source procurements) of the Marysville Municipal Code, which allows emergency procurement when immediate action is required to protect public health, safety, or essential service continuity. The sole source justification is based on the need for equipment compatibility, proprietary design, and timely delivery from the OEM.
Alignment with City Council Goal(s):
This action aligns with City Council Goal #3: Improve Infrastructure Fiscal Analysis:
The estimated cost for procurement, delivery, and installation of the Huber bar screen is $363,223.63, to be funded from sewer project funds. A drawdown request will be executed upon Council approval of the supplemental appropriation. Staff will pursue reimbursement opportunities where available.
Attachment(s):
1. Huber Technology, Inc. Quotation
a. Quote #1 Bar Screen
b. Quote #2 Sewer Press
c. Quote #3 Electrical Cabinet
2. Photos of existing Bar Screen, Press, Electrical Cabinet