By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The city of Hays wants to use a new process called “Design Build Owner’s Representative” for reconstruction of the wastewater treatment plant, 1498 E. Highway 40 Bypass.

The current facility was built in 1953.

According to Assistant Hays City Manager Paul Briseno, the proposed change in process is “entirely different from what’s been used in the past” by the city.

“The designer, engineer and construction firm all work together at the same time, all under one contract rather than separate contracts as we’ve done in the past. Having separate contracts often leads to finger-pointing whenever there is a design flaw or construction flaw. With this process, it’s one entity we’re dealing with–one designer, one contractor–working together cohesively with (city) operations to get the project completed.”

The Owner’s Representative process usually will save money and time.

“The contractor can actually get started with only 30 percent of the design phase completed. Knowing that we only have two years to complete construction of this facility with a project cost potential of $22 million to $24 million, it is something we need to make sure we do right the first time,” Briseno explained.

“The facility will have to run 24/7. It cannot go down.”

In order to meet stricter state permit requirements of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Hays must have the new wastewater treatment plant operating by Jan. 1, 2018. The city was fined $18,000 in 2012 by the Environmental Protection Agency for excessive levels of phosphorous and nitrate.

City commissioners will consider approving the Request for Qualifications for Owner’s Representative Services during their meeting Thursday night.