HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated March 11, 2025ITEM #:25
DATE:03-11-25
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:EMERGENCY GENERATOR SYSTEM FOR THE POWER PLANT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
There are two battery banks within the Power Plant responsible for powering controls systems and
emergency oil pumps for critical systems such as turbine bearings and hydrogen seals on the generators.
The battery banks can provide a limited window of power during a loss of internal generation or grid
power. In the event there is no power for multiple hours, as occurred during the 2020 derecho, the Plant
is at risk of losing the critical controls and emergency oil pumps. A portable emergency generator
along with an installed building system capable of quickly connecting the emergency generator,
can provide power to these critical systems in emergencies.
On October 10, 2023, City Council awarded a contract to Farris Engineering of Omaha, Nebraska to
design the emergency generation system for the Power Plant.
Funding for the Standby Power Generator will come from the Critical Electric System Generators
Capital Improvements Project, where there is a current balance of $1,150,000. The engineer's estimate
for this project is $450,000.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve preliminary plans and specifications for the Emergency Generator System for the Power
Plant, setting April 23, 2025, as due date for bids, and May 13, 2025, as date of public hearing
and award of contract.
2. Do not proceed with the project at this time.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Loss of power for an extended period in the Power Plant could lead to damaged equipment and
hazardous situations. A portable, emergency generator and building system capable of quickly
connecting the emergency generator allows for the option of continued power to these critical
systems and the ability to prevent these situations. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1 as stated above.
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