The Justice Campus includes an Auger House facility designed to protect the integrity of the wastewater system serving the jail. This facility houses a large industrial grinder, commonly referred to as the “muffin monster,” which is specifically designed to process and break down materials that are not appropriate for flushing. Due to the nature of a correctional facility, inmates may introduce items such as clothing, linens, and other debris into the wastewater system. The muffin monster captures and grinds these materials before they can enter and potentially damage the broader municipal sewer infrastructure. This function is critical in preventing blockages, system failures, and costly repairs, while ensuring compliance with local wastewater requirements.

 

With the recent jail expansions at the Monroe and Leinberger facilities, wastewater flow and the volume of non-flushable materials have increased significantly. As a result, the existing grinder system is now operating at or near full capacity, limiting its effectiveness and increasing the risk of system strain or failure.

 

Continued support and maintenance of the Auger House and its grinder system are essential to maintaining reliable wastewater operations at the Justice Campus. Without this equipment, non-flushable materials could enter the City’s sewer system, resulting in significant clogs, environmental concerns, and potential service disruptions. While the existing muffin monster has effectively mitigated these risks, the increased demand associated with the Monroe and Leinberger expansions requires additional capacity.

 

Accordingly, it is recommended that the Board approve the acquisition and installation of an additional industrial grinder, referred to as the “macho monster.” This added capacity will ensure redundancy, improve system efficiency, and provide the necessary infrastructure to accommodate current and future demand.  The macho monster works in tandem with the muffin monster to grind larger items into smaller quantities that the muffin monster can further grind into a size that the wastewater treatment facilities can handle.

Public Contract Code (PCC) section 3400 generally prohibits the County from drafting project specifications: (a) so that only one company can get the job; or (b) specify only one product, material, thing, or service without listing the words “or equal” in the specifications. The purpose behind these prohibitions is to achieve the goals of the PCC, including avoiding “favoritism, fraud, and/or corruption” in public contracting.  However, PCC 3400(c) includes several exceptions to the sole source limitations, including two exceptions pertinent to the Auger House Grinder Improvement Project: (1) use of a specific material or product is necessary to match other products in use on a particular public improvement either completed or in the course of completion; and/or (2) a necessary item is only available from one source. (PCC section 3400(c)(2) and (3).)

 

The expenditure for this purchase has been included in the Fiscal Year 2025–26 adopted budget and will be funded through Accumulated Capital Outlay (ACO) funds. Additionally, the grinder systems are proprietary in nature. Having a common manufacturer for both systems simplifies system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to integrate with the products and system already in use at the Justice Campus.  In accordance with PCC section 3400, the Purchasing Agent has determined that procurement from Misco Water is appropriate under PCC section 3400(c)(2), to match existing equipment currently in use on a public improvement, and PCC Section 3400(c)(3), because the required equipment (macho monster) is only available from a single source (Misco Water).

 

Approval of this recommendation and making the findings required by PCC section 3400(c)(2) and (3) will ensure the County maintains reliable wastewater operations, minimizes risk to public infrastructure, and avoids more significant costs associated with system failures or emergency repairs.

Department of Financial Services, County Administrator's Office, County Counsel, Sheriff's Department and General Services.

The grinder systems are proprietary in nature. In accordance with Public Contract Code Section 3400, the Purchasing Agent has determined that procurement from Misco Water is appropriate under PCC Section 3400(b)(2), to match existing equipment currently in use on a public improvement, and PCC Section 3400(b)(3), as the required equipment is only available from a single source.