H2. Res. 6240, Emergency Purchase Buffalo Hill Well RepairKALISPELL
To: Doug Russell, City Manager
From: Susie Turner, Public Works Director
Re: Buffalo Hill Well Emergency Purchase Request
Meeting Date: February 18, 2025
Enclosed: Buffalo Hill Well Replacement - Resolution 6240
Background: The Buffalo Hill Well has developed significant operational deficiencies. To fully
assess the well's construction and determine the necessary repairs, the motor and pump
components may need to be removed using a large crane as soon as possible.
Staff recommends procuring a contractor to remove the well components, purchase the required
parts, and install them to restore the well to operation. Initial discussions with contractors
estimate the cost of a complete component replacement at $185,000, excluding labor, equipment,
and construction costs. The total estimated project cost is $250,000 but could reach as high as
$325,000.
Time is of the essence to complete the replacement and return the well to service before the high
summer demand. Currently, the Buffalo Hill Well is the City's largest water producer for the
lower pressure zone. With one of the lower -zone storage tanks currently out of commission for
construction, maintaining the Buffalo Hill Well is critical to ensuring water delivery to
Kalispell's customers.
There is a relatively short period before peak summer demand emerges, and a lengthy formalized
bid process could prevent the City from restoring the well to service in a timely manner. State
law (M.C.A. §7-5-4303) allows a City to bypass the formal bid process if an emergency is
declared and approved by three -fourths of the members present, ensuring the best service to the
public.
Request: Staff requests that the Council approve Resolution 6240 to declare this project an
emergency, enabling an expedited procurement process.
Attachment: Resolution 96240
RESOLUTION NO. 6240
A RESOLUTION DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND AUTHORIZING THE
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO PROCEED, WITHOUT ADVERTISEMENT
OR BIDDING, WITH THE IMMEDIATE ACQUISITION OF A CONTRACTOR AND
EQUIPMENT FOR REPAIRS AT THE BUFFALO HILL WELL SOURCE.
WHEREAS, in February 2025, the Buffalo Hill Well started to develop significant operational
deficiencies; and
WHEREAS, the Buffalo Hill Well is the City's largest water producer for the lower pressure
zone. With one of the lower -zone storage tanks currently out of commission for
construction, maintaining the Buffalo Hill Well is critical to ensuring water
delivery to Kalispell's customers; and
WHEREAS, a relatively short period of time exists before peak summer demand emerges,
and a lengthy formalized bid process could prevent the City from restoring the
well to service in a timely manner. Without this high -production well in
operation during peak demand —and with one of the lower -zone tanks under
construction —there is a risk to public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost as determined by the Public Works Department is over $80,000,
which typically would require advertisement and competitive bidding under
Section 7-5-4302, MCA; and
WHEREAS, Section 7-5-4303, MCA authorizes a City to proceed without observing Section
7-5-4302, MCA when an emergency exists and three -fourths of Council present
at a meeting authorize a procedure which best meets the emergency and serves the
public interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Buffalo Hill Well is critical to ensuring water delivery to Kalispell's
customers. Without this high -production well in operation during peak
demand and with one of the lower -zone tanks under construction, there is a
risk to public health and safety and constitutes an emergency under Section
7-5-4303, MCA, thereby abrogating the City's responsibility to advertise
and bid acquisition of equipment for short-term treatment.
SECTION 2. That the Public Works Department, under the direction of the City Manager,
is authorized and directed to proceed and solicit proposals from qualified
contractors to acquire a contractor and install water well components to
bring Buffalo Hill Well into service, ensuring the best service to the public.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THREE-QUARTERS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY
COUNCIL PRESENT AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL, ON
THE 18TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2025.
Mark Johnson
Mayor
ATTEST:
Aimee Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk