HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated August 11, 2026ITEM #:22
DATE:08-11-26
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER POOL BASIN HEATER PROJECT CONTRACT
COMPLETION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Furman Aquatic Center opened to the public in 2010. The facility is currently in its 16th
season and averages over 89,000 visits per year. The three basin, 718,000-gallon facility has
a water heating system that includes natural gas fired heaters that heat glycol. The heated
glycol is then pumped through heat exchangers located in the surge tanks for each pool. Heat
is transferred from the heat exchangers to the surrounding water, which is then pumped to
each pool basin.
City Council, at its October 28, 2025 meeting, waived the City's Purchasing Policy
requirements for competitive bidding procedures and awarded a sole source contract to
Sentry Aquatic Innovations, Woodward, Iowa, in the amount of $297,600.30 to replace the
pool basin heater system.
Sentry Aquatic Innovations, Woodward, Iowa, completed the heater project in early June and
the facility has been operating with the new heaters during the 2026 swimming season. Given
the warm temperatures so far this season, the new heaters have not been used as much as
anticipated. The new heaters have a 98% efficiency rating compared to the previous heaters
which were rated at 80%. The City will receive a rebate from Alliant Energy in the amount of
$1,500.
The total cost of the project was $297,600.30. The available funds for the project total
$331,500, with $231,500 of this amount from the adopted FY 2025/26 Capital Improvements
Plan for Furman Aquatic Center and $100,000 in funding carried over from prior CIP projects
($75,000 from FY 2022/23 Furman heaters and $25,000 from the FY 2023/24 basin painting
project).
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept completion of the contract for the Furman Aquatic Center Pool Basin Heater
Replacement Project with Sentry Aquatic Innovations, Woodward, Iowa, in the amount of
$297,600.30.
2. Do not accept completion of contract for the Furman Aquatic Center Pool Basin Heater
Replacement Project with Sentry Aquatic Innovations, Woodward, Iowa, and direct staff
how to proceed.
1
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Furman Aquatic Center is a premier recreational amenity for the community. It is
important to keep the facility safe and well maintained to ensure its reliable operation
for residents. The pool basin heater system is a major component used during the early
and late portions of the pool season so patrons can enjoy the water even when air
temperatures may be cooler. By replacing the original heating system, the efficiency of
the gas-fired equipment has been increased from 80% to 98%. Therefore, it is the City
Manager's recommendation that the City Council approve Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
2