AGENDA REPORT
DATE: September 14, 2026
TO: City Commission
FROM: Bill McDaniel, City Manager
SUBJECT: Sole Source Purchase of Liberty Grinder Pumps for Various City
Lift Stations
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City owns and operates 57 lift stations which are critical components of the wastewater collection system. Proper pump maintenance and replacement are necessary to maintain reliable wastewater conveyance. Pump failures can disrupt system operations and increase the risk of sanitary sewer backups and overflows, which can result in environmental impacts and public health concerns.
Lift stations 8, 13, 24, and 32 have pumps that are due for replacement. Staff recommends continuing the replacement of traditional submersible pumps with grinder pumps at applicable lift stations.
Grinder pumps incorporate a cutting mechanism that reduces the size of wastewater solids and fibrous material before discharging into the force main. This reduces pump clogging and operational interruptions associated with rags, wipes, plastics, and other fibrous materials commonly found in wastewater. Reducing clogging can also decrease emergency responses, pump cleanouts, and manual debris removal.
An Intent to Sole Source was issued in June 2026, and no valid responses were received. Technical Sales is the sole municipal provider of Liberty Grinder Pumps in Florida. Liberty Pumps are what the City has standardized to for pumps rated at 10 HP or less for liftstations.
Four pumps were purchased in May 2026 for $26,355.44. Staff is requesting to purchase 8 additional pumps for $56,085.40 for a total purchase of $82,440.84 for Fiscal Year 2026.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the purchase of eight additional Liberty Grinder Pumps from Technical Sales in the amount of $56,085.40, and approval of Technical Sales as the sole-source provider for this purchase, for a total Fiscal Year expenditure of $82,440.84.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are available in the Water and Sewer Fund
CIP # UM019 - Lift Station Generator & Pump Replacement
Prepared by: Quiltonya Grant, Asset Program Manager