REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PAUL AMICO, PE, Interim Director
Department of Public Utilities
BY: CASSIE L. SCHOLZ, PE, Licensed Engineer Manager
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
JOSHUA MERTEN, Engineer l
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SUBJECT
Title
Award a Service Contract to Lone Star Blower Inc., a Texas corporation, to provide maintenance and reconditioning services for six KA66SV-GL400 Turblex Blowers at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility for an amount not to exceed $154,950, and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno (Bid File 12502017). (Council District 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council award a Service Contract to Lone Star Blower Inc., to provide maintenance service for six KA66SV-GL400 Turblex blowers for the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF), for an amount not to exceed $154,950 and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DPU is seeking to award a Service Contract for blower maintenance services at the RWRF. The centrifugal blowers are a critical component of the RWRF mainstream biological treatment process, and routine, proactive maintenance is required to sustain equipment performance and meet wastewater discharge permit requirements. The maintenance services are specialized and extend beyond those routinely performed by City staff. For this reason, these services are typically contracted out. Given the operational need and based on a committee evaluation of proposals, staff recommends the award to Lone Star Blower Inc. for an amount not to exceed $154,950. Funding for this contract is available within the adopted FY26 Budget.
BACKGROUND
The RWRF treats approximately 56-million gallons of wastewater daily using a biological treatment process that mixes wastewater with air in tanks (called aeration basins) specifically designed to create the aerobic environment necessary to treat the combination of biological material, air, and wastewater received at the RWRF. To maintain these aerobic conditions, the plant uses centrifugal blowers to draw air from the atmosphere and pump it into the aeration basins. Six of the KA66SV-GL400 Turblex blowers are reaching the level of operating hours that require the Class II Maintenance Service recommended by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Performing the maintenance services fulfills the OEM’s maintenance requirements and identifies any repairs needed to extend the service life of these blowers.
In accordance with Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 4, Article 1, and Administrative Order 6-28, DPU conducted a competitive process for selecting a service provider to perform the requested non-professional services for this project. On May 30, 2025, a Request for Proposals was published and advertised on the City’s PlanetBids website. On July 8, 2025, three proposals were received. A selection committee consisting of representatives from the DPU Utilities Planning & Engineering Division and the Wastewater Management Division evaluated the proposals.
Evaluation of the proposals was based on ability to service Turblex blowers, conformance to RFP requirements including preventive and emergency maintenance, relevant experience, personnel qualifications and safety certifications, parts availability, equipment quality, and overall cost.
Upon review of the qualifications for meeting the various criteria and analysis of the proposed fee, Lone Star Blower Inc. was selected to perform the requested services. Staff recommends award of a service contract to Lone Star Blower Inc. for these services for a total amount not to exceed $154,950.
The City Attorney’s Office has approved the attached agreement as to form. Upon approval by the City Council, the contract will be executed by the Director of Public Utilities or designee.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this non-professional services agreement is not a project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable because local preference does not apply to contracts for non-professional services.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. Funds for this project are included in the Wastewater Division Enterprise Fund 4500-4501. This project is located within Council District 3.
Attachments:
Bid Evaluation Form and Report
Sample Service Contract
Vicinity Map