Title
Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with Sorensen Gross Company LLC in the Amount of $482,205.00 for the Water Treatment Services Unit Flocculation 4/5 Gallery Improvements Project (RFP 25-48)
Memorandum
This memorandum and resolution requests approval to award a construction contract with Sorensen Gross Company LLC in the amount of $482,205.00 for the Water Treatment Services Unit (WTSU) Flocculation 4/5 Gallery Improvements Project (RFP 25-48).
The WTSU uses the flocculation process as a key step in water clarification and lime softening. Flocculation is a mixing process that allows particles to aggregate and form larger particles which are then removed through settling. The flocculation equipment is operated using motorized drive assemblies with various components in both submerged and non-submerged environments separated by a concrete wall. Flocculation Basin No. 4 consists of four (4) motor drives, and each drive includes a stuffing box assembly that provides a watertight seal where the drive shaft passes through the wall. In recent years, repair and maintenance efforts have increased, resulting in extended equipment downtime and frequent leakage through the stuffing boxes resulting in wet floors and drainage issues. The Flocculation Basin No. 4 stuffing boxes have reached the end of their service life and require replacement.
The scope of this project includes replacement of Basin No. 4 stuffing boxes and miscellaneous drive components, as well as improvements to Basin Nos. 4 and 5 gallery drains. Stuffing box assemblies will be purchased by the City due to lead times and operational constraints that limit the opportunity to complete construction. The proposed improvements are necessary to assure operational reliability of the City’s WTSU infrastructure. This project is programmed in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan (UT-WS-26-16).
Solicitation of Proposals
Water Treatment Services Unit (WTSU) staff supervised the development of plans and contract documents and solicited proposals for construction of the project through the City’s Procurement Unit. On November 6, 2025, the City received three (3) responsive proposals for this work. A selection committee comprised of WTSU staff and design consultants reviewed the proposals and determined which respondent provided the best value based on the criteria provided in ORD-21-41, adopted by Council on January 3, 2022:
• Qualifications, Experience & Accountability (20%)
• Workplace Safety (20%)
• Workforce Development (20%)
• Social Equity & Sustainability (20%)
• Schedule of Pricing/Cost (20%)
After evaluation of the bid, staff have determined that Sorensen Gross Company LLC’s bid is responsible, is in line with the construction cost estimate, and scored the highest. Therefore, WTSU recommends approving the Contract with Sorenson Gross Company LLC for this project.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for this project is available in the approved FY26 Water Supply System Capital Budget.
Sorensen Gross Company LLC submitted all required Non-Discrimination, Prevailing Wage, Living Wage, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure forms and complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
Staff
Prepared by: Emily Schlanderer, PE, Senior Utilities Engineer
Reviewed by: Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The WTSU flocculation process is critical to clarification and lime softening and several flocculation drive components have reached the end of their life and require replacement;
Whereas, The WTSU Flocculation 4/5 Gallery Improvements Project will ensure that critical valves and piping are reliable and provide required level of service, and includes work to improve drainage in the flocculation basin 4 and 5 gallery;
Whereas, Competitive bids were solicited by Procurement on October 9, 2025 (RFP 25-48) and the bid received from Sorensen Gross Company LLC has been evaluated as a responsible bid in the amount of $482,205.00;
Whereas, Three responsive proposals were received on November 6, 2025, and Sorensen Gross Company LLC received the highest score among the proposals reviewed by the selection committee;
Whereas, The WTSU Flocculation 4/5 Gallery Improvements Project is included as a project in the Capital Improvement Plan;
Whereas, Funding is available in the approved FY26 Water Supply System Capital Budget; and
Whereas, Sorensen Gross Company LLC has submitted all required Non-Discrimination, Prevailing Wage, Living Wage, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure forms and complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves the Construction Contract with Sorensen Gross Company LLC in the amount of $482,205.00 for the WTSU Flocculation 4/5 Gallery Improvements Project (RFP 25-48);
RESOLVED, That a contingency in the amount of $48,000.00 be established within the project budget and that the City Administrator be authorized to approve construction change orders not to exceed that amount, in order to satisfactorily complete this project;
RESOLVED, That the City makes the following declaration for the purpose of complying with the reimbursement rules of Treas. Reg. 1.150-2 pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that the City reasonably expects to reimburse itself for expenditures for the costs of the WTSU Flocculation 4/5 Gallery Improvements Project with proceeds of Bonds;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.