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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-05-16 Water & Sewer NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 1994PAGE 158 ASSEMBLY The District Board of Commissioners of the New Hanover County Water & Sewer District met in Regular Session on Monday, May 16, 1994, at 11:01 A.M. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: District Commissioners William A. Caster; Robert G. Greer; William E. Sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman Sandra Barone, Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the District Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman Mathews called the meeting to order. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Mathews inquired as to whether anyone from the general public would like to present an item not listed on the Regular Agenda. No items were presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: District Commissioner Greer MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Sisson to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 2, 1994. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AWARD OF CONTRACT #94-0348 TO HOBBS UPCHURCH & ASSOCIATES AND ANDREW & KUSKE FOR DESIGN OF THE NORTHSIDE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT County Engineer, Wyatt Blanchard, reported on the proposed engineering contract for design and construction management services for a 4.0 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant. After advertising and receiving proposals, the committee selected the following firms to provide a presentation: Hobbs Upchurch & Associates - Andrew & Kuske McKim & Creed Engineers Piedmont Olsen - Talbert & Bright Black and Veatch - Century/von Oesen After a complete review of the proposals and visits to several treatment plants, the firm of Hobbs Upchurch & Associates and Andrew & Kuske is recommended based on the design of the treatment plant at Siler City. The plant is simple and economical to operate as well as capable of handling 4.0 million gallons per day of wastewater treatment. The proposed fee is divided into the following categories: Design and Bidding - $507,247 Construction & Post Construction - $287,160 201 Facility Plan Update - $150,985 (Not necessary if State Revolving Funds are not used) NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 1994PAGE 159 Based on an estimated construction cost of $11,000,000, the design percentage would be 4.61%, which is very reasonable. County Engineer Blanchard requested the District Board to award the contract to Hobbs Upchurch & Associates and Andrew & Kuske at the proposed fee estimated and approve a Budget Amendment in the amount of $794,407 for design and construction services and $150,985 for the 201 Facility Plan Update, if State Revolving Funds are utilized. Environmental Specialist, Dennis Burks, a former Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator with the City of Wilmington, reported he feels the Siler City plant is outstanding. The effluent from the facility is unusually clean, and the numbers have proven that the Siler City plant has an exceptional wastewater discharge. In his opinion, New Hanover County would be fortunate to construct a similar facility. District Commissioner Sisson inquired as to whether there is any fall-off or fluctuation of the treatment plant during peak load demands? Environmental Specialist Burks reported the design of this plant does not allow for much fluctuation during peak load demands because an oxidation ditch is used, which is a modification of an activated sludge process. Vice-Chairman Barone reported when dealing with a $12 million project, a member of the District Board, either she or Chairman Mathews, should have been invited to serve on the Selection Committee. Concern was expressed for being left out of a process that required a year to complete, and now being asked to make a decision in one hour. Even though the selection criteria has been explained, it appears that no one visited the firm of Black and Veatch, a world renown company for the construction of wastewater treatment plants. In her opinion, this is an excellent opportunity for the District Board not to fall into the problems inherited from prior boards, which is to make a decision based strictly upon staff's recommendation. The District Board should be more involved in a project of this magnitude, and certainly the incinerator is an example of where an engineer's recommendation was approved with no involvement by the Board of County Commissioners. In order to be responsible to the citizens of the Water & Sewer District, she would like for the District Board to consider hearing a presentation by the four firms before making a decision. Chairman Mathews stated personally he does not feel he was left out because he was not invited to serve on the Selection Committee. The Water & Sewer District has an excellent staff; therefore, the District Board should rely on them in the performance of their jobs. As to the incinerator, this is a different situation that could be discussed for hours. NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 1994PAGE 160 District Commissioner Greer commented on the importance of dealing with a local firm for accountability and inquired as to why the firm of Andrew & Kuske does not appear on the proposed contract? County Engineer Blanchard reported there is a written agreement between Hobbs Upchurch & Associates and Andrew & Kuske which outlines the duties and responsibilities of both firms. District Commissioner Greer requested placing the firm of Andrew & Kuske on the contract, if at all possible. County Manager O'Neal reported a statement can be included in all documents to verify that the firm of Hobbs Upchurch & Associates is affiliated with Andrew & Kuske in this project. Mr. David Upchurch reported he and Ron Andrew have been working on the project; therefore, he has no problem with including the firm of Andrew & Kuske on the contract documents. Presently, there is a signed agreement between Hobbs Upchurch & Associates and Andrew & Kuske showing the items that will be performed by Andrew & Kuske and the amount to be paid to that firm. The firm of Hobbs Upchurch & Associates is responsible for ensuring the project is carried out in a satisfactory manner; however, since the process design is the key ingredient, it is felt that Hobbs Upchurch & Associates should be the prime or at least equal party listed on the contract. District Commissioner Sisson explained that the District Board is trying to remedy problems of the past; therefore, by including the firm of Andrew & Kuske on the contract, there will be local accountability. County Manager O'Neal recommended approving the contract in concept with final adoption of the amended contract reflecting the participation of Andrew & Kuske at the next meeting of the Water & Sewer District. District Commissioner Caster inquired as to the number of oxidation plants constructed by each of the four firms? County Engineer Blanchard reported all four firms have constructed oxidation ditch type treatment plants; however, he is not sure of the exact number per firm. When visiting the various plants, the Siler City plant was by far the best plant. District Commissioner Caster reported he has utmost confidence in the County Engineer and staff; however, a policy should be developed to involve a District Commissioner in a project of this size. He recommended requesting the County Manager to develop a policy for the Water & Sewer District. NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, MAY 16, 1994PAGE 161 Vice-Chairman Barone agreed with District Commissioner Caster and emphasized the importance of having a member of the District Board involved with all capital projects of this size. She stated, for the record, she cannot vote on the project without additional information and requested the District Board to hear presentations from the four firms before making a final decision. County Manager O'Neal stated staff will be glad to prepare a policy. A lengthy discussion was held on the State Statutes pertaining to engineering contracts and estimated costs. District Commissioner Caster stressed the importance of the project coming in as budgeted and asked who will have the responsibility of overseeing the contract? County Manager O'Neal responded that both the District and Hobbs Upchurch & Associates will oversee the project. Motion: District Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Greer to approve the contract in concept pending final approval of the amended contract reflecting the name of Andrew & Kuske as a participating party at the next meeting of the Water & Sewer District. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: District Commissioner Caster District Commissioner Greer District Commissioner Sisson Chairman Mathews Voting Nay: Vice-Chairman Barone INTRODUCTION OF NEW PROJECT ENGINEER, GEORGE SHAW County Engineer Blanchard introduced the new Project Engineer, George Shaw, and reported he will be involved in all capital projects. Chairman Mathews, on behalf of the Board, welcomed Mr. Shaw and wished him well in his new position. ADJOURNMENT Motion: District Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Greer to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Mathews adjourned the meeting at 11:39 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the District Board