HomeMy WebLinkAboutA018 - Water Pollution Control Biosolids Hauling ContractITEM #:22
DATE:05-12-26
DEPT:W&PC
SUBJECT:WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY THREE-YEAR BIOSOLIDS
HAULING CONTRACT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ames Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) produces approximately 30,000
gallons of Class II biosolids each day. Throughout the year, biosolids are stored in the
facility's biosolids storage lagoon and secondary digester. Ultimately, these solids are
disposed of by land application as fertilizer on City-owned farm ground adjacent the WPCF.
On July 8, 2025, City Council awarded a contract in an amount not-to-exceed $104,687.50 to
Wulfekuhle Injection & Pumping of Peosta, Iowa, to complete the first year of a three-year
biosolids disposal contract at the WPCF. The contract is renewable annually for up to a total of
three years, dependent upon successful performance by the contractor each year. All work
under the FY 2025/26 contract was completed to the satisfaction of staff and in accordance
with the contract. A total of 3,089,729 gallons of biosolids were land-applied from the digester
and lagoon at a final cost of $89,787.65. Staff is recommending that Council accept
completion of the work under the FY 2025/26 contract.
The bid for FY 2026/27 includes an estimated quantity of three million gallons at a unit cost of
$0.0269 per gallon, plus $5,000 for mobilization to the site, for an estimated annual total of
$85,700 for lagoon biosolids disposal. Wulfekuhle provided a uniform bid price that is
constant across all three years of the contract with no annual cost escalators.
Because the work takes place in a very short window each fall, staff is recommending that the
award include a not-to-exceed amount that allows for up to a 25% increase in the quantities
disposed. The rationale for this unusual step is that it would not be possible to obtain Council
approval for a change order on short notice if one was necessary during the fall hauling
window. Staff is recommending that the FY 2026/27 contract be awarded to Wulfekuhle,
and that the contract’s not-to-exceed amount be for a maximum total of $107,125. The
FY 2026/27 operating budget includes $115,000 for this work.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a. Accept completion of the FY 2025/26 ("Year One") contract in a final amount of
$89,787.65
b. Award the FY 2026/27 ("Year Two") contract for biosolids disposal to Wulfekuhle
Injection & Pumping of Peosta, Iowa, with payment based on the unit prices bid of
$5,000 lump sum per mobilization, $0.0269 per gallon for annual lagoon biosolids
hauling operations, and $0.10 per gallon for digester cleaning with the total contract
amount not to exceed $107,125.
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2. Accept completion of Year One, and direct staff to solicit new bids for FY 2026/27.
3. Accept completion of Year One, and direct staff to purchase the equipment necessary to
perform the work with City staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Disposal of biosolids at the WPC Facility is necessary for uninterrupted operation of the facility
and continued permit compliance. Wulfekuhle Injection & Pumping has successfully completed
the work required for FY 2025/26. The contract can be renewed for a second year with no
increase in the unit pricing. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the
City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
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