The City of Billings Water Treatment Facility has rapid mixers in operation between the L-Structure at Intake No. 1 and Sedimentation Basin No. 1. A study was completed in April, 2012, that evaluated the existing rapid mix system and associated L-Structure and provided recommendations for improvements. The short term solution is to replace the mixers, as they have reached the end of their useful life. The new mixers will be capable of being used in the future proposed layout of the rapid mix system.  The new mixers will be larger horsepower which requires electrical upgrades, which will also be designed to be adaptable to the planned future facilities.  Additional improvements to the existing rapid mix chambers will also be designed.  The goal is to complete construction in time to have the new mixers fully operational in 2013.

Proposals were requested from three qualified consulting firms to provide professional services.  HDR Engineering, Inc. (HDR) was chosen as the preferred consultant.

The Council may:

• Award a Professional Services Agreement to HDR; or
• Do not award an agreement to HDR and delay the project.

This project is being funded by Water funds, as approved in the FY 2012 budget.  There are sufficient funds available to cover the costs of the Professional Services Agreement.  The contract is in the amount of $ 110,100.00.

Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to execute the Professional Services Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. for W.O. 11-11--Water Treatment Facility Rapid Mixer System Improvements in the amount of $110,100.00.