#11 - Public Works Backup Generator

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STAFF REPORT DATE: 1/16/2024 CONSENT ITEM #: TO: City Council FROM: Marty Powers, Public Works Director AGENDA ITEM: Public Works Shop Generator Replacement REVIEWED BY: Clarissa Handler, Finance Director BACKGROUND: The City of Lake Elmo Public Works Department utilizes a backup generator to power the shop, office and SCADA system at 3445 Ideal Ave N. The existing 30 year old generator was originally purchased as a 15 year old unit shortly after the Public Works shop was constructed. The backup generator is used to supply uninterrupted power to our SCADA system, office space, computers, shop tools, overhead door openers, fuel pumps and more. Power outages are common and can last between minutes and hours. Having uninterrupted power is crucial to operate the SCADA system that controls the three city wells, three water towers, and nine lift stations. All alarms are send to staff through this system. The existing 30 year old Generator is in service and has been flagged as having severe wear and is failing. ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Should the City Council approve the purchase of a replacement backup generator for the Public Works Shop to insure uninterrupted power as outlined in the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Proceeding with this purchase will benefit the city and its citizens by replacing an aged and failing backup generator with a new reliable generator. This purchase will aid Public Works in its increasing demand for service and water /sewer SCADA controls due to the continued growth of the city. The proposed backup generator, will be more fuel efficient and reliable. FISCAL IMPACT: Quotes from Allied Generator and Kodiak Generator were received. The lowest responsible proposal was from Allied Generator at $ 47,220.00. Purchase of the public works backup generator from Allied Generator will exceed the budgeted $30,000 in the 2024 CIP as prices have increased and the initial plan to down size the unit is no longer recommended. Funding of this purchase will be split between Parks, Streets, Water, Sewer and Storm water funds. OPTIONS: Approve purchase of PW Backup Generator as outlined Deny purchase of PW Backup Generator RECOMMENDATION: If removed from consent agenda….. “Motion to approve the purchase of the Public Works Backup Generator as outlined in an amount not to exceed $50,000”