Title
Authorization to purchase services for the repair of SWTP Transfer Pump #6.
Body
Summary: Prior to Hurricane Harvey, Northstar Industries inspected the clear well transfer pumps to help identify recommendations for repair and general maintenance. The overall view of the six (6) pumps was that we had 4 that were in decent shape, one that was marginal, and one that was in poor condition. During Hurricane Harvey, the motor tripped and could not be reset. The electricians reported that it was grounded internally. Northstar industries was called to remove the pump and motor and to perform a full inspection with report of recommendations (please see the attachment labeled Recommendations from Northstar Industries).
The recommendation from Northstar Industries is to overhaul the pump and to repair or replace the motor. The cost for the pump overhaul is $24,762.44. A pump replacement was estimated to be $50,000-$60,000. To repair the motor, the cost is an additional $2,429.57, but a replacement motor can be purchased for $3,752.19. Based on the age of the motor and the minimal price difference, replacing the motor is recommended versus making the repair. Finally, there is a charge for the installation and start-up of $7,360.00. The grand total, including replacement of the motor, is $35,874.63. This repair is projected to take three weeks from the time Northstar Industries receives authorization to proceed, which means the equipment will be returned after the start of the new fiscal year.
This purchase is critical for public health and safety. Currently, the plant flow is limited to 4.5 million gallons per day (MGD). The current temperatures and weather pattern have benefitted the water treatment plant by allowing the flow to be maintained between 4.0 and 4.5 MGD. As the weather is expected to get warmer again, the demand will grow. While the plant flow could be increased, the water will overflow the clear well as we do not have the pump capacity to consistently move the water to the distribution storage tanks.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
The total cost of $35,874.63 will be expensed in Fiscal Year 2017-2018 because the work will not be completed until after October 1, 2017. Funding will be provided by the Water & Sewer Contingency, currently in the budget for $250,000 (note: the final budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 includes an additional $50,000 for this contingency, for a total of $300,000, to cover unanticipated costs related to Hurricane Harvey).
Recommended action
Staff recommends authorization to purchase the services of Northstar Industries.