HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated May 13, 2025ITEM #:55
DATE:05-13-25
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.
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. Originally, it was anticipated that a
stationary generator would be installed at the Power Plant and funding was incorporated into the Capital
Improvements Plan anticipating a stationary generator.
After further investigation it was determined that a portable emergency generator, along with the
installed building system capable of quickly connecting the generator, would better suit the needs
for the Electric Services Department. A portable generator would not only be able to serve the
needs of the Power Plant, but would also have the flexibility to be moved to remote locations to
power other equipment in an emergency. In addition, a portable generator is significantly less
expensive than a stationary generator.
On March 11, 2025, City Council approved preliminary plans and specifications for the Emergency
Generation System for the Power Plant. An Invitation to Bid was advertised on the Current Bid
Opportunities section of the Purchasing webpage and a Legal Notice was published on the websites of a
contractor plan room service with statewide circulation. On April 23, 2025, two bids were received as
shown below.
BIDDER LUMP SUM BID AMOUNT
Engineer's Estimate $450,000
Van Maanen Electric, Inc.
Newton, Iowa $310,670
Price Electric
Des Moines, Iowa $352,820
Staff reviewed the bids and determined the low bid from Van Maanen Electric Inc, of Newton, Iowa, is
acceptable. Funding for this contract is available in the Critical Electric System Generators Capital
Improvements Project, which has a current balance of $1,150,000.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt a motion to:
a. Accept the report of bids
b. Approve final plans and specifications
c. Award a contract to Van Maanen Electric, Inc. of Newton, Iowa, in the amount of $310,670.
2. Award a contract to the other bidder.
3. Reject bids and direct staff to rebid.
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 a-c as stated above.
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