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Council authorizes transfer-switch work and grant applications for backup power at Wells 1 and 2
Summary
Council approved installing transfer switches for Wells 1 and 2, accepted a $10,000 source water protection grant and authorized staff to pursue additional grants for standby generators to provide emergency water service to the northern distribution area.
The council authorized city staff to install transfer switches for Wells 1 and 2 and to proceed with applying for additional grant funding to install standby generators that would provide emergency backup power for the northern water system.
Staff explained the city already has generator backup for Wells 3 and 4 but not for Wells 1 and 2, which serve the northern portion of the city. The city received a $10,000 source-water protection grant application award, staff said. Two approach options were considered: a single, larger generator and transfer switch (estimated generator-plus-transfer cost ~$40,000 after grant) or two smaller transfer switches with two smaller generators. The transfer-switch quotes for the two-generator option came to $12,279; with the $10,000 grant, staff said the city’s immediate out-of-pocket cost for transfer switches would be roughly $2,279. The total cost quoted for the two-generator option was roughly $52,680; with other grants that could total about $30,000, the city’s net cost could be about $34,000 if grants are obtained.
Staff recommended installing the transfer switches now and pursuing grants for the generator purchases; council approved that course. Staff said some infrastructure work is required, including wiring changes and running natural gas lines for the generators; city staff would do concrete pad work. The transfer-switch option is the lower-upfront-cost approach and leaves the city able to complete the project if grant funding is not awarded.
Councilmembers asked how many connections Wells 1 and 2 serve; staff estimated those wells now serve a bit more than 100 homes and that the wells have capacity to support additional development in the serviced area. Council approved the staff recommendation to install transfer switches and pursue grant funding for the generators, with the caveat staff will present grant outcomes and generator purchase decisions to council if additional city funds are required.
