HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Waiving City Purchasing Policy for Ames/ISU Ice Arena Compressor Complete Overhaul RESOLUTION NO. 23-589
RESOLUTION WAIVING CITY PURCHASING POLICY FOR THE AMES/ISU ICE
ARENA COMPRESSOR COMPLETE OVERHAUL
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, the Ames/ISU Ice Arena opened in 2001. The ice making system was
constructed with two compressors that circulate the refrigerant in order to make and keep ice year-
round. Staff, along with Johnson Controls (JC),Urbandale, Iowa, has completed all manufacturer
recommended preventative maintenance since opening the facility. One specific maintenance
practice that is completed every four years, or 4,500 hours of operation, is a top end overhaul of
each compressor. Typically, each compressor receives a top-end overhaul in alternating years,
which allows the ice making system to always remain in constant operation with at least one
compressor available; and,
WHEREAS, in late October, JC started the top end overhaul. While JC was in the process
of completing the top end overhaul, JC determined the internal parts of the compressor had worn
so much that it was impossible to put the same parts back in the machine and have it operate to
original manufacturer specifications. JC notified City staff in late October that they had contacted
the compressor manufacturer to determine a solution to get the compressor operational again. Staff
were notified on November 6, that in order for the compressor to be operational, it would have to
undergo a complete overhaul which includes installing new Original Equipment Manufacturer
parts. The total cost to complete the overhaul is $84,065; and,
WHEREAS,the compressor manufacturer no longer makes the Ice Arena's specific model
or a comparable compressor. The manufacturer offers a larger compressor, but would require a
redesigned ice making system which at this time is infeasible. Unfortunately, this means the only
option is to undertake a complete overhaul of the existing compressor. The complete overhaul is
expected to extend the lifespan of the compressor approximately another 20 years; and,
WHEREAS, The Ames/ISU Ice Arena is operated as an Enterprise Fund and maintains an
operational fund balance and a capital reserve fund (CRF) balance. The City and ISU annually
contribute$40,000 each to the CRF and as of June 30,2023,there is $240,353 available for capital
replacements. Since $20,000 for the top-end overhaul is already included in this year's scheduled
projects, an additional $64,065 needs to be allocated to accomplish the complete overhaul of the
compressor. With this reallocation, the ending balance in the CRF will be $116,042; and,
WHEREAS, the compressor that is currently in operation was also installed in 2001 and was not
meant to operate by itself for long periods of time. It is important that the compressor be fixed
immediately because if the second compressor were to fail, the facility would not be able to make
ice. JC is the most capable contractor to complete the work as it has been maintaining the ice
making equipment since 2001
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that the waiver of City Purchasing Policy and award of contract to Johnson Controls,of Urbandale,
Iowa, for the Ames/ISU Ice Arena Compressor Complete Overhaul in the amount of$85,065 is
hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 14" day of November, 2023.
Renee kall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Beatty-Hansen
Seconded by: Junck
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: Betcher
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 141"day of November, 2023.