OBERON Council will invite tenders for the construction of a new plant as the fluoridation of the town's water gets closer.
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Councillors voted in July 2018 to have fluoride added to the reticulated water supply after a long and, at times, extremely divisive community debate.
At Tuesday's ordinary council meeting, a recommendation was carried for council to use the open tendering method for the construction of a new fluoride plant, hardware and commissioning of the facility.
At the conclusion of the tendering period, a report will be compiled and brought to the next available meeting of council recommending the successful tenderer and seeking approval to proceed.
Public Works is finalising council's tendering specifications and construction documents and it is expected that tendering will start at the earliest opportunity, anticipated for early next month.
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Oberon Council technical services director Chris Schumacher said in his report that once tender submissions are received, council staff will evaluate and compile "a list of comprehensive external resources that may be engaged during this period to assist council with the project".
"It is expected that the tender period may commence during July 2019 for the minimum required 21-day advertisement period," his report said.
"Tendering will be undertaken in accordance with tendering regulations and advertised to include and encourage all local businesses to apply.
"All tenders received will be assessed for conformity and critiqued by technical services staff. A further report with recommendations will be brought before the next available ordinary meeting of council for its determination after the evaluation process is complete."
At the July 2018 meeting of Oberon Council, counillors Kellam, McKechnie, Capel, McKibbin and Sajowitz voted for fluoridation. Councillors Lyon, Gibbons and McCarthy voted against. Cr Doney was absent from the meeting.