The digesters at TMWRF help to stabilize and degrade biological solids prior to dewatering and disposal of the material. This process also produces methane gas that is used to heat the digestion process, heat the facility and operate the co-generation engine.

The digesters require rehabilitation to maintain reliable service. The first task in completing the rehabilitation of Digester #2 is to remove it from service and have it cleaned to allow for internal inspection. The current project is for the cleaning of Digester #2, one of the three original digesters at TMWRF. The scope of any required rehabilitation work will be developed after a thorough inspection of the interior of the digester. This contract provides for cleaning of the digester, followed by lighting and access scaffolding to allow for interior inspection.

The City of Reno held an open, competitive bid for the proposed work. Olcese Construction, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder with a total project bid of $233,000. Reno City Council approved the contract March 14, 2018. Reno will administer the contract and will be reimbursed for a portion of the costs by the City of Sparks through the Sparks-Reno cost-sharing agreement for TMWRF. The City of Reno and the City of Sparks share the cost for this project based upon their ownership of TMWRF, which is 68.63% for Reno and 31.37% for Sparks. Based on the ownership percentages, Sparks’ share of this agreement is up to $73,092.10.

1. Council can approve the reimbursement agreement as presented.
2. Council can reject the agreement and direct the City Manager to provide alternatives.

I move to approve the reimbursement to the City of Reno for Sparks’ share of a contract with Olcese Construction Inc. for the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility 2018 Digester #2 Cleaning Project for an amount not to exceed $73,092.10.