Shelton council approves purchase to replace Civic Center uninterruptible power supply

The Shelton City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a purchase‑services agreement to replace the Civic Center's uninterruptible power supply (UPS) after the existing unit failed to hold power during a recent outage. Staff reported the replacement unit and installation cost about $113,000 and that a maintenance agreement is included in the procurement.

Assistant Public Works Director Aaron Nix reported the old UPS did not function when the city experienced a power failure and described the replacement as critical for emergency management, 911 support and police operations: "This is an important emergency management tool that we use to basically transition from no power to our generator. It did not work Friday's server because of it." Nix said the city budgeted about $80,000 previously and has spent some design funds; the $113,000 purchase may be covered with available resources, but staff warned a supplemental budget appropriation might be required.

Public and council members asked about maintenance and testing. City staff said the previous maintenance agreement lapsed because vendors would not service the aging equipment; the contract for the new UPS includes a service and maintenance agreement with the supplier, Presidio. A staff member said the old unit was about 20 years old and had reached the end of its serviceable life.

Council voted to adopt resolution 1396-0725 authorizing the purchase and services agreement and to proceed with replacement. The purchase, staff said, will improve emergency resilience and protect municipal servers and critical systems during power disturbances.