On Friday, July 28, 2017, at approximately 3:00 p.m. it was determined that the Water Plant emergency generator was inoperable during routine testing. The generator is made by Cummins and they were notified and asked to respond and evaluate the problem. Based on the evaluation conducted by Cummins Generator Sales and Service, it was determined that the generator could not be repaired until the following week based on their preliminary assessment. As a result, staff was forced to secure an emergency back-up portable generator that is capable of powering the water plant in the event of a power failure. Staff contacted several local vendors but the companies did not have the recommended size generator available. However, staff was able to secure a 1000kw generator from Herc Rentals, at a cost of $19,480.00 per month, (in the memo to the City Manager dated August 2, 2017, the cost was inaccurately quoted as $19,180) including cables and other accessories. The generator was shipped from Atlanta and installed by Grid One Electric on Saturday, July 29, 2017. The generator is currently ready to function if needed.
On Monday, July 31, 2017, Cummings Generator Sales and Service provided the District with an estimate of approximately $30,094.29 to repair the generator. The company reminded us that this is just an estimate depending on what is discovered when the generator is disassembled.
While the purchase of two (2) new emergency generators are currently budgeted in the capital plan, I will be meeting with one of the engineering firms currently retained by the District to determine how we can move forward with design plans to purchase and install one (1) new generator that can service the entire water plant which includes the stripper towers, that currently has a designated generator. Both generators are located inside buildings and must be replaced with new generators that comply with new environmental regulations. As part of the overall plan, I also recommend installing the new generator outside and reallocate that space.
At the time of preparing this agenda item, the parts for the generator repair were on order. It's anticipated that the repairs will be made by the end of August 2017 to avoid any additional rental costs. If not, staff will bring an agenda item requesting approval for additional rental if the expenditure exceed the City Manager's procurement authority.