Agenda Item Wording:
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Notice of completion - Request authorization to file a notice of completion for the installation of a sludge collection system in primary clarifier 1 at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility.
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Agenda Date: 06/15/2026
Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, ben.litwack@visalia.gov, 559-713-4671
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov, 559-713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the filing of a notice of completion for the installation of a sludge collection system in primary clarifier 1 at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility.
Summary:
This project was part of a series of installations that replaced sludge collection systems in each of the 5 primary clarifiers at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). Staff was able to perform the first 4 installations, but increasing maintenance needs elsewhere in the plant necessitated the procurement of a contractor to perform the fifth installation. Council authorized a sole source purchase order to be issued to W.M. Lyles Co. in the amount of $218,842 to perform the installation since W.M. Lyles was already on site performing the Solids Handling Improvement Project. The project is now complete, and no change orders were required.
Background Discussion:
The WRF utilizes 5 primary clarifiers for the settling of solids from the wastewater stream. Each clarifier consists of a basin that contains a chain-in-flight system that guides floating solids into a trough and settling solids into an underwater collection area to be pumped to the plant’s digesters. Over time, these chain-in-flight systems wear down and require replacement. Staff had previously purchased the new collection system and performed the installation, but had deferred the installation of the fifth system due to ever increasing maintenance requirements elsewhere in the facility.
During the course of a routine maintenance shutdown and draining of primary clarifier 1, it was discovered that the sludge collection system was damaged beyond repair. This assessment couldn’t be made until the clarifier was drained since most of the collection system is submerged under water and therefore not visible. Primary Clarifiers 2-5 and previously received new collection systems and were still functioning properly. To expedite the repair of the damaged system, staff sought approval from City Council to authorize a sole source purchase order to W.M. Lyles Co. since they were already deployed to the WRF for the Solids Handling Improvement Project. Council approved the contract award on 11/17/2025 and notice to proceed was issued on January 9, 2026.
W.M. Lyles completed the project on May 27, 2026, within budget and without the need for any change orders. WRF staff have verified that the collection system on primary clarifier 1 was installed properly and is in good working order.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: P04509 was created for this project and funded out of the Wastewater Fund (431) Capital Budget under CP9362. The budgeted amount for the purchase order was $218,842, which includes five percent retention of $10,942.10. The amount of the purchase order less retention has been invoiced and paid. Staff intends to release the retention upon filing of the Notice of Completion.
Prior Council Action:
November 17, 2025 - Approved a sole source purchase order in the amount of $218,842 to W.M. Lyles Co.
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the filing of a notice of completion for the installation of a sludge collection system in primary clarifier 1 at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 06/15/2026
Attachments:
P04509
Staff Report Item 16
Scope of Work
W.M. Lyle’s NOC to City of Visalia
NOC
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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