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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Robert Leible, Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: November 9, 2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the purchase of a new submersible well motor for the Water Production Division in the amount of $63,290.00.
PURPOSE:
To obtain city council authorization for the purchase of a new submersible well motor from Layne Christensen Company (Layne) 721 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora, IL, in the amount of $63,290.00.
BACKGROUND:
In late 2022 Layne was contracted to perform equipment service and well rehabilitation for Well 103 under the terms of the Professional Services Agreement with Layne per Resolution No. R20-083. Layne completed a full inspection of the pumping assembly and determined that the pump condition was such that it could be rehabbed, however the motor was no longer viable for reuse and would need to be decommissioned. Televising of the well (borehole) unfortunately indicated that a collapse had occurred in the well's borehole, resulting in the subsequent abandonment of Well 103 in 2023. Layne did complete the rebuild of the pump and it will be installed in Well 119, which is currently out of service for similar maintenance.
Byron-Jackson/Flowserve motors were designed with a component known as a mercury seal (Type H), which serves to protect and seal the motor's internal lubrication oil from the water that is being pumped. Motors containing a mercury seal must be properly decommissioned and disposed of by the motor manufacturer per current Illinois law when the motor can no longer be rehabbed. Type H motors have been replaced with Type M motors which have a double mechanical seal versus a mercury seal.
DISCUSSION:
Layne has maintained possession of the motor during the timeframe since the well was abandoned and has requested that it be properly disposed of. The cost of decommissioning and disposal is $19,426.00. However, the motor has value as a trade-in for a factory rebuilt Type M motor of the same horsepo...
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