Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ymca Power Protection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fenton discusses surge‑protection options for Riverchase YMCA, raises shelter capacity questions
Summary
Public Works reported options to protect Riverchase YMCA equipment from phase losses and brownouts and the board debated whether to rent temporary generators, install phase‑loss protection now, or pursue full generator hookups later; aldermen also raised questions about staffing, capacity and regional demand if the facility were used as an emergency shelter.
Public Works Director Dan Howard told the Board of Aldermen on Oct. 3 that staff is evaluating electrical protection options for the Riverchase YMCA after recurring phase losses and brownouts damaged pumps and rooftop units.
Dan said staff is obtaining preliminary prices from Bates and Meyer Electric to compare two approaches: targeted unit‑level/phase‑loss protection to prevent equipment damage now, or a full generator hookup that would allow the building to operate during extended outages. He said rental generators are an interim option but carry fuel, hookup and minimum‑rental costs (staff discussed a five‑day minimum rental scenario).
Board members pressed staff on operational implications if the YMCA were opened as a temporary refuge during a major incident. Questions included who would staff registration and refuge operations, whether cots and shelter supplies are available, how the city would coordinate with the St. Louis County emergency operations center, and whether the Red Cross or fire protection district would assist. One speaker observed that the Fenton mailing area covers some 50,000 addresses and cautioned that many nonresidents could seek shelter at the YMCA during a regional event.
Dan and staff said the city is already meeting with county and regional partners to plan scenarios, that protecting equipment to prevent expensive pump and HVAC losses is an immediate priority, and that full generator hookups remain a later‑phase possibility depending on costs and broader shelter planning. Board members asked staff to return with more detailed cost estimates, site logistics and coordination plans at the November meeting.
No contract or purchase was approved during this discussion; staff will report back with vendor estimates and recommended next steps.
