HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Waiving City Purchasing Policy for Ames/ISU Ice Arena Compressor Control Panels Replacement RESOLUTION NO. 23-590
RESOLUTION WAIVING CITY PURCHASING POLICY FOR AMES/ISU ICE ARENA
COMPRESSOR CONTROL PANELS REPLACEMENT
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, The Ames/ISU Ice Arena opened in 2001. The ice making system is operated
by two control panels that were installed when the building was constructed. The controllers
monitor the ice making system and communicate information to the compressors as to how they
should operate; and,
WHEREAS, this past June, the entire ice making system was shut off for the first time in
order for the sand floor below the ice to be releveled. Once the sand was releveled, the ice making
system was turned on so staff could start flooding and making a new sheet of ice. The two ice
making compressors work in tandem to make ice. Typically, one compressor is resting while the
other one is working and they switch off at different set points depending on how much demand
there is for cooling.After the ice was installed in September, it was identified that the compressors
were short cycling, meaning they were not cooling down to their specified set points. Johnson
Controls (JC), which has maintained the ice making system since the facility opened, determined
that one of the controllers that operates one of the ice making compressors had failed; and,
WHEREAS,JC worked with the controller manufacturer and determined that the controller
would need to be replaced as there are no replacement parts available to repair the current
controller. Based on conversations with JC,there is still one functional controller on one of the ice
making compressors. However, the functioning controller is showing signs that it is at the end of
its life as well. The cost to replace both controllers is $74,200. Staff was under the impression that
this equipment would last upwards of 30+years, but unfortunately it appears that is not the case;
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 the cost of the control panels is $74,200, the ending balance in the CRF will
be $41,842; and,
WHEREAS, the system was designed to have two controllers operating two compressors
to maintain the ice. Both controllers were installed in 2001 and since one of them has failed, it is
anticipated that the other controller is also near failure. It is recommended that both controllers be
replaced in order for the system to run as it was designed. JC is the most qualified contractor to
complete the work as it has been maintaining since the facility opened in 2001.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that waiver of City Purchasing Policy and award of contract to Johnson Controls, of Urbandale,
Iowa, for the Ames/ISU Ice Arena Compressor Control Panels Replacement in the amount of
$74,200 is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 141h day of November, 2023.
e4 W- 4�Ior
Renee kall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Rollins
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 14th day of November, 2023.