Agenda Item Wording:
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Approve a contract extension with Aspen Rentals - Authorize the City Manager to approve a 1-year extension to the existing agreement with Aspen Rentals in the amount of $170,000 for the rental of a belt filter press at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility and the transfer of $170,000 within the Wastewater Fund.
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Agenda Date: 02/17/2026
Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, 559-713-4671, ben.litwack@visalia.gov
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, 559-713-4052, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve a 1-year extension to the existing agreement with Aspen Rentals in the amount of $170,000 for the rental of a belt filter press at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility and the transfer of $170,000 within the Wastewater Fund.
Summary:
Approval of this item will extend the current belt filter press rental agreement with Aspen Rentals for one additional year to ensure adequate biosolids dewatering capacity at the Water Reclamation Facility while the solids handling improvement project, including installation of a third screw press, is completed.
Background Discussion:
In February 2024, City Council authorized an emergency contract C24069 with Aspen Rentals for a 24-month rental of a portable belt filter press to supplement the Water Reclamation Facility's existing biosolids dewatering capacity. The belt filter press has since become a critical component of WRF operations, providing redundancy, alleviating strain on the two permanently installed screw presses, and allowing staff to perform necessary preventative maintenance.
The WRF continues to experience elevated solids loading, and the two existing screw presses operate continuously to meet current demand. Discontinuation of the belt filter press prior to installation of a third permanent screw press would significantly increase the risk of biosolids backups, equipment fai...
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