Local company beat out for city contract

After taking bids for grinder pump systems, a local company was once again beaten out by out-of-town competition.

McMinnville officials went with a lower cost and better warranty offered by a company from Livingston, Tenn., instead of a bid from Morrison Tank & Vault.

While looking for an alternative to using the city’s gravity sewer system, officials were asked several months ago to consider a grinder pump system. The new system has advantages over the old system.

The gravity system requires a larger sewer pipe to be on a downhill slope from where it begins until it reaches a tap into the city’s central sewer system. Making sure the line is accurately placed requires a lot of excavation. In some areas, using gravity is extremely difficult and/or impossible.

For areas difficult or impossible for a gravity line, a grinder pump can be placed. It requires a smaller pipe and can be placed just below the surface. The system does not require help from gravity. After being pumped from the system, sewer can travel through elevation changes of over 138 feet until it taps into the city’s current sewer system.

Last year, Wascon sales and service representatives presented officials with a grinder pump presentation and a live demonstration of the system.

Officials made the decision to allow the use of the pumps by city property owners this February. While the property owners are responsible for the pump’s installation, the city will be responsible for maintenance and repair and an $8 charge will be placed on the monthly bill.

Three bids were received:

‘ Wascon ‘ Total cost is $3,450. Specifics: five-year warranty; one horse power; nine gallons per minute at 185 feet; 1-1/4 inch discharge line over 100 feet is $3 a foot; and a four-inch connection line over 10 feet is $5 a foot.

‘ Morrison Tank & Vault ‘ Total cost $3,590. Specifics: one-year warranty; one horse power; nine gpm at 150 feet; discharge line $9 a foot; and connection line $15 a foot.

‘ Walter A Wood ‘ Total cost $3,619. Specifics: one-year warranty; two horse power; eight gpm at 161 feet; discharge line $9 a foot; and connection line $15 a foot. This company submitted a second bid. However, it was not considered.

The bid from Wascon was accepted Tuesday by the Water and Wastewater Committee.