Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Operations Purchases topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Newton council OKs generator replacement, ground-penetrating radar purchase and auction of surplus equipment
Summary
Council adopted budget amendments to replace a failing generator at the Hwy 10 Pump Station (quoted at $97,490), approved a $17,398 ground-penetrating radar purchase to prevent utility strikes, and authorized auctioning four vehicles and one piece of equipment expected to raise over $5,000.
At its May 7 meeting, Newton City Council adopted three operational measures: a budget amendment to replace the standby generator at the Hwy 10 Pump Station, a budget amendment to purchase a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) unit, and a resolution to auction surplus vehicles and equipment.
Public Utilities Director Dusty Wentz reported that the standby generator at the Hwy 10 Pump Station—at least 15 years old—had begun operating erratically and that the manufacturer is no longer operating, making repairs and parts difficult to obtain. Wentz said a repair would likely exceed the cost of a replacement. He explained that standby generation is required at the pump station "to ensure continued operations during natural disasters or other large disruptive events." The generator and transfer switch were quoted at $97,490; lead time is 20–24 weeks for the generator and 44–48 weeks for the transfer switch. Council approved reallocating $75,000 from an existing generator capital project and $35,000 from fund balance to expedite purchase and delivery.
Wentz also described an incident in April when a drilling contractor came within one foot of striking a plastic force main that had no tracer wire; standard locators cannot find non-ferrous utilities. He recommended purchasing a small GPR unit priced at $17,398 to improve location accuracy. Wentz said the system would pay for itself if it avoided utility damage on four or five locates. Council adopted the ordinance amendment to purchase the GPR.
Finance Director Kim Robinson presented a list of four vehicles and one piece of equipment recommended for disposal on GovDeals. Robinson said staff anticipates the items will bring in over $5,000 in revenue. Council authorized placing the listed surplus property on the auction site.
All three measures were adopted by unanimous vote.
