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Council authorizes staff to pursue purchase of larger replacement emergency generator for City Hall
Summary
After using a rental unit while the old generator, nearly 80 years old, became unreliable, the City Council authorized staff to proceed with procurement steps toward a permanent replacement generator and approved pursuing the higher-capacity, cleaner (Tier 4) option based on vendor estimates and rental-cost considerations.
The Sierra Madre City Council on Oct. 1 directed staff to move forward toward acquisition of a permanent emergency generator to replace an aging unit that staff said is nearly 80 years old and no longer compliant with modern air-quality standards.
Why the replacement: Staff reported the existing generator is unreliable, replacement parts are no longer available and it predates current South Coast Air Quality Management District requirements. In the interim the city is renting a compliant trailer-mounted generator that is positioned in the City Hall parking walkway; staff said the rental costs about $2,700 per week plus an initial installation charge.
Options and council decision: Staff presented two vendor estimates: a smaller “Tier 3” diesel solution estimated at about $233,800 (including unit, optional transfer switch and installation) and a larger Tier 4 diesel alternative (cleaner, higher capacity) with a shorter delivery estimate in vendor quotes. Council members weighed the incremental cost and the continuing rental expense. By motion, the council instructed staff to proceed with procurement steps aimed at acquiring the higher-capacity, Tier 4 replacement unit and to obtain additional vendor quotes consistent with the city’s procurement policy.
Operational and financial context: Staff will pursue additional quotes, verify site-preparation costs and bring back a recommended vendor and any required budget amendment or appropriations. The council acknowledged the purchase is an unbudgeted emergency expense and that reserves exist to cover emergent capital needs; staff said the existing on-site fuel tank can be reused by the new unit.
What was not decided: A final contract award and any supplemental appropriation will return to council for formal approval. The council’s direction authorizes staff to continue procurement and to prepare contract documents and price verification consistent with council guidance.
Next steps: Staff will obtain further quotes, refine site-preparation cost estimates, and present a recommended purchase order and budget action for council approval.
