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 drai...
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