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City Council Meeting ~ Site Visit Starts at 4:30 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

Regular Meeting

Bellevue, ID · November 10, 2025

Agenda

Agenda

City of Bellevue, Idaho Wastewater Treatment System Workshop Worksheets Date: ___________________ Facilitator: ___________________ Participants: Mayor, City Council, Public Works Director, City Engineer, Veolia Representative WORKSHEET 1: MBR SYSTEM OPTIONS Background Information: • Veolia has confirmed that existing MBR membranes are no longer usable. • The current membrane type is being phased out and will be unsupported by the manufacturer. (approximately 8-13 years) • The City must decide between replacing with existing-type membranes (short-term fix) or upgrading to new membrane technology. Comparison Overview: Criteria Existing-Type Replacement Upgraded System & New Membranes Manufacturer Support Phased out Long-term supported Energy Efficiency Moderate lower operating cost Capacity Expansion No increase now, but can No increase now, but can add additional cassettes add additional cassettes Reliability Similar to prior Improved operational performance reliability Cost (initial) Slightly lower Slightly higher, but minor Cost (lifecycle) Higher (inefficiency + Lower (efficiency + maintenance) durability) Discussion Questions:  • What are our short-term vs. long-term goals for the wastewater system?  • Are we prioritizing lowest upfront cost or greatest long-term value?  • What are the potential risks if we replace it with obsolete technology?  • Could system upgrades position Bellevue for future growth or regional service expansion?  • How can we ensure proper training and maintenance support for whichever system is selected?  • What are the environmental and regulatory implications of each option? Notes & Observations: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ WORKSHEET 2: INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES A. Headworks Channel Repair • Current channel is aging and unreliable. • Repair cost: Approximately $40,000. • Benefits: Improved flow management, reduced maintenance, better integration with MBR control system. Questions for Consideration:  • Should the channel repair be included in the same project scope or handled separately?  • Are there potential cost savings by combining this work with the MBR upgrade project?  • What is the risk of delaying this repair another year? B. Dewatering System Installation • Current system requires frequent sludge hauling. • Dewatering system would reduce volume and cost of hauling. • Could be installed as a stand-alone system or integrated with MBR upgrades. Questions for Consideration:  Are there potential cost savings by installing the dewatering system?  Will the treatment facility operate as intended without a dewatering system?  Should the dewatering System be included as part of a system upgrade or as a standalone project? C. RI Basin Rehabilitation • Current RI basins needs to be modified due to interference with irrigation system and potential non-uniform flow (DEQ Inspection Letter). •RI Basin Modifications may allow for increase in flow volume, and maximize available land near the treatment plant. • Benefits: Improved treatment capacity, bring the system back into compliance with DEQ. Questions for Consideration:  Should the RI Basins be included as part of a system upgrade or as a standalone project?  Are there potential cost savings by combining this work with the MBR upgrade project?  What is the risk of delaying this project another year? C. Lagoon Dredging and Lining •Due to the need to utilize potassium nitrate to increase oxidation to assist with treatment and odors the lagoon sludge blanket has likely increased and may need dredged. •Seepage testing was not completed with the previous project and all lagoons need to be tested in order for DEQ to give final approval.. •Dredging should be completed before seepage testing begins on all lagoons. Questions for Consideration:  Can the dredging be delayed another year (or longer)?  Are there potential cost savings by combining this work with the MBR upgrade project?  What is the risk of delaying this project another year?  Are we required to line the third lagoon cell? Comparison Overview: Factor Current Practice With Dewatering Hauling Frequency Weekly/Biweekly Monthly or less Hauling Costs High Reduced by more than 50% Staff Time Significant Reduced Environmental Impact Greater Lower (reduced emissions/fuel use) Questions for Consideration:  What are the current annual hauling costs and expected savings with dewatering?  Should this above items be installed/constructed immediately, or in a second project phase?  What funding sources could be used (SRF, ARPA, DEQ grants)?  Would adding dewatering capacity position the plant for regional or emergency use? Notes & Observations: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ WORKSHEET 3: FISCAL & STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS Budget & Funding Discussion: Project Component Estimated Cost Notes MBR Membrane $532,000 plus labor Short-term repair Replacement (existing type) ($10,000) and disposal MBR System Upgrade (new $572,000 plus labor, Long-term investment membranes + retrofits) material ($80,000) and disposal Headworks Channel Repair $40,000 Can be completed concurrently Dewatering System Evaluate ROI vs hauling cost RI Basin Rehabilitation Long-term investment Lagoon Dredging and Lining Dredging is typical every 10-15 years; Seepage testing is required every 10 Engineering/Contingency Required Questions for Consideration:  What are the state and/or federal deadlines (DEQ) for compliance that could affect timing?  What communication plan should we prepare for public understanding and transparency?  Can we get a letter from DEQ, which we could provide to the public, via website/newsletter, etc. detailing our compliance.  How will this project support Bellevue’s long-term sustainability goals? Decision Criteria Summary: ☐ Restores compliance and reliability ☐ Minimizes long-term costs ☐ Increases capacity for growth ☐ Improves operational efficiency ☐ Supports environmental goals ☐ Aligns with funding opportunities ☐ Supported by manufacturer/OEM Council Member Notes/Comments: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ NEXT STEPS & ASSIGNMENTS Task Responsible Party Due Date Notes Obtain updated Mayor/Engineer __________ cost estimates from Veolia Evaluate funding Treasurer/Administrator __________ options and grant eligibility Develop phased Public Works Director __________ implementation schedule Schedule follow-up Mayor/Council __________ work session or vote Workshop Goal: To reach consensus on whether to: 1. Replace existing membranes (short-term fix), or 2. Upgrade to new technology and incorporate headworks and dewatering improvements for long-term performance. 3.Determine if RI Basin and Lagoon rehabilitation work should be included in the system upgrade.

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