The request of staff for Council is to review and consider the approval of a sole source proposal from JWC Environmental (JWCE) in the amount not to exceed $86,345 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant's replacement of the north unit Influent Grinder.  As Council is  aware, Pasco County funds 40% of the operating expenditures for the City's WWTP by Interlocal Agreement. 

The WWTP's current north influent grinder is more than 20 years old and uses a rake system technology considered to be antiquated.  This type of equipment is used to grind solid materials that have entered into the sewage treatment system and is subjected to accelerated wear and tear due to its operational environment.  As noted in the WWTP/Reuse Manager's attached recommendation memo, the City went to bid last year to replace the south end grinder and received one bid, most likely due to the stringent design specifications.  The sole bid was approved by Council and staff purchased the Channel grinder from JWCE and installed the unit using in-house maintenance personnel.  JWCE is the manufacturer and sole distributor of the Channel Grinder; this brand has a proven operation and maintenance track record as well as the latest energy efficiency technology.  Should the purchase be approved, the operation and maintenance will be the same between the two (2) units and some parts can be inter-changeable. Bidding of this product is not recommended by staff because this equipment contains a propriety design and patented components.