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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Robert Leible, Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: March 10, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing well maintenance services for Well No. 29 for the Water Production Division in an amount not to exceed $358,000.00
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council authorization for Layne Christensen Company (Layne), 721 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora, IL, to perform all necessary services as described in Layne's proposal letter (attached) to return Well No. 29 to full operational and functional status.
BACKGROUND:
Well No. 29, located at 1374 Deerpath Road, is a deep well with the pump and motor setting 858 feet below the surface and is normally capable of supplying approximately 1,700,000 gallons of water per day. The well's pumping equipment experienced a failure on January 7, 2025. Preliminary testing from the surface by both Water Production Division (WPD) staff and Layne indicated an apparent electrical problem with the Flowserve-Byron Jackson 2400-volt, 400 horsepower, submersible well pump motor. In order to determine the exact cause of the motor failure, the well pump/motor assembly must be removed from the well for inspection and further testing. Under an initial purchase order of $42,750.00, Layne has completed the removal of the pumping equipment and diagnostic testing. The testing of the electrical system was acceptable; however, an actual mechanical failure of a thrust bearing was determined to be the root cause of the equipment failure.
DISCUSSION:
The total estimated cost of all proposed and recently completed work by Layne to restore Well No. 29 to operational status is $357,317.00. A detailed breakdown of the estimated costs is presented in Layne's proposal letter. The major project items include replacement of the motor, rehabilitation of the pump, repairs/replacement of the column piping, and well redevelopment. With the removal of the equipment, it is advantageous and convenient to perform redevelopment work of the underground, water-bearing geology utilizing the BoreBlast technique to improve the pumping water level in the well.
The city entered into a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Layne in 2020 under Resolution No. R20-083, which provides a 5% discount on all labor and field services and a 10% discount on specialized services performed by Layne. Layne will perform all work on a time and material basis and will only be compensated for the actual work performed per the terms and conditions of the PSA. In addition, Layne is the sole regional factory authorized source for repair services of Flowserve-Byron Jackson pumps and motors utilized by the Water Production Division.
Funds are available in the 2025 City Budget in Account No. 510-4058-511-38-31. A budget transfer of $20,000 is submitted to provide full funding for the estimated expense of this project.
The local vendor preference policy does not apply per section 2-409 as this is a noncompetitive situation.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The unavailability of approximately 1,700,000 gallons/day of raw source groundwater if the repairs are not completed.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request committee and city council approval of a resolution authorizing well repair services for Well No. 29 by Layne Christensen Company per the existing PSA in an amount not to exceed $358,000.00
cc: Infrastructure & Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing well maintenance services for Well No. 29 for the Water Production Division in an amount not to exceed $358,000.00
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Well No. 29 requires equipment repairs and/or replacement in order to return the well to normal operational status; and
WHEREAS, Layne Christensen Company, Aurora, IL, is the sole local factory authorized representative for service and repairs to Flowserve-Byron Jackson well pump equipment utilized by the Water Production Division; and
WHEREAS, a current Professional Services Agreement is in effect between the City of Aurora and Layne Christensen Company for professional services to include but not limited to water well maintenance, well equipment repair, and field services as per City of Aurora Resolution No. R20-083; and
WHEREAS, budgetary authority is granted and funds are available for this work in the 2025 City Budget in Account No. 510-4058-511-38-31, including a budget transfer of $20,000;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that its Purchasing Director be and is hereby authorized to issue a purchase order for well maintenance services for Well No. 29 by Layne Christensen Company, in a total amount not to exceed $358,000.00 for the Water Production Division.