Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Award Contract #20250215 for Electrical Connection of Retrofitted City Grinder Pump Systems with Ehman Electrical Contractor, LLC.
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Submitted By: Keith Stewart, CPP, Procurement Management Division.
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Keith Stewart, CPP, PMD.
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and Ehman Electrical Contractor, LLC.
3. Purpose: To perform the installation of new residential sewer grinder control panels along with the associated dedicated electrical circuits. This work will support septic-to-sewer conversions and the retrofit of existing control panels for residential grinder systems where current control panels have reached the end of their service life.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: Three (3) year contract with option of two (2) additional one (1)-year renewals.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: The Utility Systems Department’s (“USD”) septic-to-sewer conversion program transitions an average of more than 480 residential properties each year. This initiative plays a vital role in reducing nitrogen and phosphorus discharges into nearby waterways, thereby helping to prevent environmental issues such as algal blooms and fish kills. To support both new installations and the retrofit of aging systems, the USD requires the services of a qualified electrical contractor. These services are essential to ensure the continued reliability of residential wastewater systems and to protect the health of local ecosystems through responsible infrastructure upgrades.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential):
• Septic to Sewer Conversions: $385,000.00.
• Retrofit of Existing Control Panels: $967,500.00.
• Total Combined Annual Cost: $1,352,500.00.
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council award Contract #20250215 for Electrical Connection of Retrofitted City Grinder Pump Systems to Ehman Electrical Contractor, LLC.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and award contract #20250215 for Electrical Connection of Retrofitted City Grinder Pump Systems to Ehman Electrical Contractor, LLC.
2. Move that the Council reject all bids and provide staff with direction to rebid or cancel the bid.
Background: The USD has actively implemented septic-to-sewer conversions as a proactive measure to enhance water quality in local waterways, including the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon. The program targets the reduction and eventual elimination of septic systems, a known source of nutrient pollution. In addition to the conversions, the USD maintains a low-pressure sewer system that includes residential grinder pumps; this infrastructure was first installed approximately 30 years ago. Many of the original grinder systems are now reaching the end of their useful life. As they fail, they are being replaced with modern units, including the installation of new control panels.
An E-Bid was issued on August 25, 2025, to 1,018 potential suppliers. There were 49 plan holders and 5 bids received. All were deemed responsive.
Issues/Analysis: Staff reviewed the proposals and found that Ehman Electrical Contractor, LLC, provides the best value to the City.
Financial Information: Funds are appropriated in Conn Fees/Sewer-Field Operation/ Other Contractual Services (#439-3515-534000) and Utility Op/Wastewater-Preventive Maint/Other Contractual Services (#431-3516-534000).
Special Consideration: N/A.
Location of Project: Utility Service Area.
Attachments:
1. Notice of Intent to Award.
2. Bid Tabulation.
3. Signed Contract.
4. Recommended Bid Submission.
5. Bid Documents.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25231-01.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by KeAndrea Davis, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.