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Solvang approves purchase of mobile emergency generator for water system, citing urgency
Summary
The City Council authorized purchase of a trailer-mounted emergency generator for water facilities from Quinn Power Systems for an amount not to exceed $175,777 to ensure redundancy for wells and pump stations; staff recommended the lower-cost MultiQuip unit based on price and lead time.
The Solvang City Council voted 5-0 on June 9 to authorize purchase of a trailer-mounted emergency generator for the city's water infrastructure, a purchase staff said is necessary to maintain water service during outages.
Jose Acosta, the city's utility director, told council the generator will increase redundancy for critical locations including the State Water Project pump station and Zone 2/3 pump stations that boost pressure for higher-elevation areas. The generator purchase was budgeted in the capital improvement plan at $180,000, and staff solicited three bids through a Sourcewell cooperative agreement.
Acosta said staff received three compliant quotes: a Caterpillar unit quoted at about $241,000 (higher specification), a Cummins quote near $186,000, and a MultiQuip (MQ) trailer-mounted unit that offered the lowest price and fastest delivery. "All three of these generators did meet the specifications we put in our request for quotes," Acosta said. "MultiQuip because of their price tag and their ability to deliver and set up and train was selected as the one we're recommending this evening."
Council members asked about mobility, maintenance and alternatives. The recommended unit is trailer-mounted so it can be moved between well sites if needed. Acosta said two of the city's existing generators are more than 40 years old and require frequent servicing; one service recently cost roughly $10,000.
Councilmember Infante moved to approve the purchase; the motion passed 5-0. Staff noted the chosen quote had limited bid validity and that prices for equipment have been increasing; staff said the quoted purchase price was available only for a short window.
Clarifying details provided at the meeting: - Capital improvement plan allocation: $180,000 (staff bid came in slightly under that figure). - Recommended purchase: trailer-mounted MultiQuip generator via Quinn Power Systems, amount not to exceed $175,777. - Procurement: three bids obtained; lead time and vendor training were factors in recommendation. - Existing equipment: two city generators are over 40 years old and one required an approximately $10,000 service.
The council recorded a unanimous vote to proceed, and Acosta said staff will continue to pursue possible grant funding for future generator purchases as part of the city's CIP.
