Committee approves replacing two existing boilers in courthouse annex for $10,984

The Pierce County Ad Hoc Judicial Facility Planning Committee voted unanimously to approve change order #03 to replace two existing boilers at the courthouse annex at an additional cost of $10,984 to be paid from project contingency. The motion was made by Scott Bjork and seconded by Jim Ashbach.

Administrative Coordinator Jason Matthys said the initial plan had been to add one new boiler and retain two existing units but recommended replacing the two older boilers now to avoid larger winter maintenance costs. John Nuzum of Market & Johnson said the change order "would allow for 3 new boilers to be purchased, replacing the 2 existing, and would match the boilers in the Pierce County Office Building," which he said helps maintenance by allowing parts commonality. When Chairman Jon Aubart asked whether the cost included controls, Nuzum said the figure included "all controls, installation, and testing."

The committee approved the replacement to eliminate the risk of major repairs to aging boilers during the coming winter and to standardize parts across county facilities. The funding will come from the project contingency line; the committee did not amend other budget lines at this meeting. The committee’s action resolves the immediate mechanical decision and staff will proceed with procurement under the approved change order.