The digesters at TMWRF provide suitable conditions for the biological stabilization the solids generated at the facility which helps with dewatering and disposal of the material.  Additionally, the digesters capture the methane that is produced by this biological activity for use in the co-gen engine.  On June 10, 2019, Council approved the reimbursement to the city of Reno for Sparks’s share of the construction of this project. The rehabilitation work consists of removal and replacement of sludge sample pipes, cleaning and coating of the interior of the digester cover, removal and reinstallation/replacement of the concrete ballast blocks, lead abatement, removal and replacement of the polyurethane foam insulation on the exterior of the cover, and installation of a new elastomeric digester seal.

This consultant agreement will provide construction management services during construction.  Such work includes review of contractor submittals, responding to requests for information and field change clarifications, assistance in the preparation and review of change orders, preparing and processing payment applications, and conducting regularly scheduled project coordination meetings, on-site meetings, field visits and special inspections.  These inspections are critical to ensure the coating of the inside of the digester cover is applied property to protect the steel from the harsh chemical conditions that exist inside the digester.

The city of Reno will administer the agreement and will be reimbursed for a portion of the costs by the city of Sparks through the current cost sharing agreement for TMWRF operation and maintenance.  The city of Reno and the city of Sparks share the cost for capital improvement projects pro rata based on plant ownership.  The current ownership split for TMWRF is 68.63 percent for Reno and 31.37 percent for Sparks.  This project is included in the TMWRF Capital Improvement Plan that was approved by the Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC).

The total cost of the services included in the consultant agreement with Brown and Calwell are $205,300 with the city of Sparks's share being $64,402.61.

1. City Council can approve the Consutant Agreement
2. City Council can deny the agreement and provide direction to the City Manager

Move to approve an agreement (AC-5595) with Brown and Caldwell for construction management services for the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility Nitrification Digester 2 Cover Rehabilitation Project in an amount not to exceed $205,300, with city of Sparks’ share being $64,402.61.