Council approves $524,177.50 contract with Johnson Controls to replace City Hall cooling tower

Council considered a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement and establish a purchase order with Johnson Controls for $524,177.50 to replace the City Hall cooling tower. Charles Thompson, a project development engineer with Johnson Controls, told the council the work includes a temporary cooling tower to provide near-term relief and that standard parts-and-labor warranty coverage is one year; Thompson said extended warranties may be available through component vendors.

Director of General Services Janelle Biden explained the project will remove the existing tower, install a concrete pad, stage a temporary cooling tower while the permanent unit is fabricated (six weeks lead time), and complete installation with crane access. Several councilmembers asked for cost estimates to replace the full HVAC system (chillers, air handlers) in order to assess whether piecemeal repairs or full replacement are fiscally prudent; Johnson Controls staff estimated full chiller replacement could approach $1 million. The council adopted the item by unanimous roll call and staff said temporary cooling relief could arrive within days after authorization.