By JONATHAN SNYDER
Bids for transformers and breakers meant for the new electric substation on Cherry Street were opened by the Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday.
Three bids for transformers and three bids for breakers were opened and read to the public by Bluffton Engineering Consultant Jake Yatzo of Power System Engineering. Transformer bids came from WEG Transformers, who had the low bid at $4,650,800 for the transformer itself, but with a 140-week delivery timeline. Virginia Transformer’s bid came in at $4.9 million with a 60- to 66-month warranty, but with a 65- to 70-week delivery timeline. Power Line Supply’s bid came in at $5,246,386 with an optional warranty included and a 38-week delivery timeline.
Bids for the breakers ran around $250,000, with Meiden America Switchgear having the low bid for two 69KV circuit breakers, valued at $210,822.22 with an 18-month warranty period and a 34- to 38-week delivery timeline. Siemen’s bid came in at $216,955.56 with no warranty period and a 75- to 87-week delivery timeline. Irby Utilities bid $249,000 with a 60- to 66-month warranty period at an additional $9,965 cost and a 96- to 100-week delivery timeline.
No bids were approved by the board at Tuesday’s meeting. Yatzo stated that his company will look over each bid in more detail and give a recommendation to the board. Yatzo hopes that next Tuesday’s board meeting will see an approval for both the transformers and breakers.
The board also approved an extension to the special agreement allowing higher pH discharges for Hershey’s Salty Snacks. In January 2023, the company was allowed higher pH discharges than stated in Bluffton’s Municipal Code, provided work continues on their own wastewater treatment process they are building. The extension will carry until Hershey’s completes its own wastewater treatment project or until Dec. 31, 2025.
Furthermore, the board approved St. Joseph Catholic Church to use the parking lot west of the Pak-A-Sak on Wabash Street for a fundraiser during the Bluffton Free Street Fair. Parking for the fundraiser will be $5 per car.
Additionally the board approved raises for two city employees. Wastewater Department Plant Operator Steve Bracht and Electric Department Lineman Justin King were both given $1 per hour merit raises.
jonathan@news-banner.com
