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Council approves city-hall boiler replacement; directs RFP for new library heating system
Summary
Council waived bidding and authorized Prime Mechanical to replace city-hall boilers (about $65,443) using general-fund dollars offset by a possible SEMCO grant, and directed staff to issue an RFP for a full hot-water heating replacement at the Carnegie Public Library after discussing repair vs replacement costs.
Council members authorized immediate replacement of the city-hall boiler system and pumps after staff said the current equipment is at risk of red-tagging on inspection. Staff presented Prime Mechanical's proposal for two new boilers, pumps and water treatment (presented as $65,443) and noted a possible SEMCO grant of about $15,000 toward the purchase. Council voted to waive competitive bidding and proceed, with the funding source changed from the public-improvement fund to the general fund.
Council then debated options for the Carnegie Public Library's aging steam system. Staff described two paths: a temporary, uncertain-bandage repair with limited remaining life and a full replacement to a hot-water system. Estimates discussed ranged from an uncertain repair (tens of thousands) to a full replacement with rough high-end estimates discussed in the meeting near $250,000 or higher. Council voted to direct staff to pursue an RFP for a hot-water heating system and to begin seeking grants and financing options to cover costs.
Bill (DPW/staff) noted the urgency: if the city does not act the building risks being red-tagged. Council members acknowledged the library is historic and recommended exploring historic-preservation grants. Finance staff warned that, absent substantial grant funding, the city may need to consider short-term borrowing to cover the library project's costs.
The council passed the boiler replacement and the RFP direction by voice vote and asked staff to return with firm quotes and funding plans for the library work.
