To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Jeff Brauer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Title
Resolution Waiving the Formal Written Bidding Requirement on the Basis of Sole Source and Approving a Purchase Agreement with Watertronics, LLC for the Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course Pump Station Renovation Project
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
The Parks and Recreation Department seeks Town Council approval of a Resolution Waiving Formal Written Bidding Requirement on the Basis of Sole Source and Approving a Purchase Agreement with Watertronics LLC for the Pump Station Renovation Project at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course. The golf course has been in operation since 1998 and is preparing for its first full irrigation system replacement, planned for 2030. Upgrading the pump station now is a critical first step in this process and ensures seamless integration with the future renovation.
Discussion
The pump station renovation project was identified as a key goal in the Red Hawk’s 5-year capital improvement plan and is critical to maintaining course conditions, optimizing water usage, and aligning with sustainability and operational goals. Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course has been in continuous operation since its opening in 1998 and remains one of the Town’s most valued recreational amenities. Since its inception, the original irrigation system has remained in use with only minor repairs and routine maintenance. The upcoming full irrigation system renovation, planned for 2030, will mark the first complete replacement of the system since the course was built.
As a key preliminary step, this irrigation pump station renovation is essential to modernizing the infrastructure and ensuring compatibility with the future system. Installing a new, high-efficiency pump station now allows for seamless integration with the eventual 2030 upgrades, minimizes long-term disruptions to course operations, and ensures Red Hawk Ridge continues to meet environmental, efficiency, and customer service standards.
Staff recommends sole sourcing Watertronics for this project based on product uniqueness, integration with existing equipment, and the vendor’s proven value and dominance in the market. Watertronics is the recognized leader in golf course pumping systems across Colorado and nationally. Their customized, factory-tested systems are specifically engineered for long-term performance and compatibility with central irrigation controls. The proposed system includes advanced remote management capabilities, energy-efficient components, and unmatched support through their national Pump Service Network.
The proposed system for the golf course is a custom-engineered vertical turbine (VT) pump station, designed to deliver 1,650 gallons per minute at 135 PSI, matching the course’s precise irrigation demands. It includes three 60HP main pumps and a 5HP sustain pump, offering scalable flow and high-efficiency performance. The station is prepackaged with reinforced 3/8" steel base skid construction and a corrosion-resistant three-layer epoxy-coated finish.
Components include:
• EBV (Electronic Butterfly Valves) that provide 100% backup pressure regulation if a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) fails, protecting the system from surges or downtime.
• VirtualVision 4 Controls with a color touchscreen interface to monitor alarms, manage sequencing, and track water usage in real time.
• WaterVision® 2.0 cloud telemetry, allowing full remote access and control from mobile devices, complete with diagnostics, reports, and alarm alerts.
• A UL-listed, factory-tested skid-mounted unit, ensuring performance under site-specific conditions prior to delivery-dramatically reducing the need for on-site troubleshooting or delays.
• A maintenance-free mechanical seal system that eliminates the need for packing adjustments, helping prevent corrosion and extend equipment life.
• A fully integrated electromagnetic flow meter and dual-port air release system to ensure optimal pressure management and complete air purging.
• A Watertronics EZ Feed 2-80A chemical injection system shall be provided. The system shall include two metering pumps controlled by one motor and separate variable frequency drive capable of accurately injecting two different liquid chemical fertilizer products up to 80GPH each and at proportional rate to the station flow. All components and fittings shall be corrosion resistant for low maintenance and long life. The system shall be fully integrated with the pump system logic and be programmable though the pump station main touch screen display.
• Importantly, Watertronics includes full dynamic flow, vibration, and pump performance testing before shipment, which guarantees it will operate precisely as designed upon installation.
Watertronics’ unmatched service model also played a key role in this selection. Their Pump Service Network (PSN) is the largest in the country, offering 24/7 factory-based support, 200+ certified field technicians, and local expertise throughout Colorado. Their track record includes installations at Castle Pines Golf Club, Flatirons Golf Course (Boulder), Broken Tee (Englewood), Wellshire (Denver), and dozens of others, reflecting their dominance in this regional market.
By selecting Watertronics through a sole source procurement, the Town is investing in proven, high-performance infrastructure that will reduce lifecycle costs, minimize operational disruption, and support the long-term success of the golf course. Watertronics, an industry leader with more than 14,000 installations worldwide, is uniquely qualified to provide this system due to its specialized engineering, proprietary technology, and proven performance across dozens of Colorado golf courses. This solution represents a best-in-class infrastructure upgrade aligned with Red Hawk Ridge’s reputation for quality and excellence.
Project timing for the pump station replacement is largely dependent on equipment lead time. Shipment of the new pump station is estimated to occur approximately 24-25 weeks after receipt of the signed contract and final drawing approval. A firm delivery date will be confirmed and communicated within five business days of receiving all final details and documentation. Based on this timeline, staff anticipate initiating on-site renovation work this winter to align with the expected delivery schedule and minimize operational disruptions. Additional contract work will be necessary to support the removal of the existing pump station and provide related installation services, including setup, crane operation, and demolition. Further work will also be required for associated electrical components, roofing, and a shed enclosure.
Budget Impact
The Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course Pump Station Renovation Project was approved in the division’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and will be charged to account number 214-5375-453.70-10 - Site Improvements.
The base cost of the agreement with Watertronics is $429,709. A 10% Town-managed contingency brings the total approved amount to $472,679. Additional project-related costs bring the total estimated project cost to $627,622.40.
|
Category |
Amount |
|
Watertronics base contract |
$429,709.00 |
|
Town-Managed contingency (10%) |
$42,970 |
|
Subtotal (Watertronics contract total) |
$472,679 |
|
Additional Project Costs |
|
|
Demolition/installation (Rocky Mountain Pump and Controls) |
$31,900.00 |
|
Electrical (NEC, Inc.) |
$59,719.00 |
|
Injection system (direct purchase order) |
$23,224.40 |
|
Roofing (Golden Roofing) |
$12,100.00 |
|
Drywall repair allowance |
$6,000.00 |
|
Shed enclosure |
$10,000.00 |
|
Project allowance |
$10,000.00 |
|
Town permit fees |
$2,000.00 |
|
Total project cost |
$627,622.40 |
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommend approving the resolution as presented.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the resolution as introduced by title.”
Alternate Motions
“I move to approve the resolution, with the following conditions:” (list conditions)
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on [date], at [time].”
Attachments
Resolution
Sole Source Justification Form
Purchase Agreement