TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Award of 2026 Public Utilities Department Leak Detection and Meter Testing Services Agreement to M.E. Simpson Co. Inc. in the Amount of $595,440.00
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BACKGROUND:
On August 18, 2020, the Mayor and City Council approved Ordinance No. 18106 which adopted water conservation ordinances as required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a Lake Michigan allocation. Section 31-7 of the City’s ordinances requires the Department of Public Utilities to monitor leakage and implement corrective measures for the distribution system. In 2016, the Department of Public Utilities began a Water Loss Control Program consisting of leak detection and meter testing. Accurate leak detection has allowed the City to identify and repair leaks in the system. In addition, the program tests large meters for accuracy.
M.E. Simpson Co. Inc. was awarded a professional services agreement for the Water Loss Control Program for 2016 - 2020 based on both qualifications and price. This agreement was negotiated and re-approved for the past 5 years. M.E. Simpson Co. Inc. has been instrumental in building this program and has valuable knowledge of the City’s water system, which allows this work to be completed in a timely manner. To continue to build on the success of the program, City staff have negotiated an agreement with M.E. Simpson Co. Inc. to continue this program through the end of FY2026.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
M.E. Simpson Co. Inc. has provided a proposal to continue this program through the end of FY2026 for a not-to-exceed amount of $595,440.00. The total increase in cost for this program from FY2025 to FY2026 is $60.00. The scope of work includes large meter testing & repair, water system leak detection and survey for 696 miles of water main, additional leak detection for 369 miles in targeted areas, 160 hours of standard on-call detection, and 40 hours of emergency on-call leak detection (same as previous years).
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases whose estimated cost is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. Two (2) of these circumstances apply:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council
(g) Purchases of professional services.
Funds will be charged to the Water & Sewer Operating Fund / Meter Repair / Professional Services (Org 50080320, Object 523300, $148,040.00), and to the Water & Sewer Operating Fund / Water Distribution / Professional Services (Org 50080012, Object 523300, $447,400.00).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement for the Water Loss Control Program, in the amount of $595,440.00, on behalf of M.E. Simpson Co. Inc.
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