Minutes - Public Works Committee - 05/21/2013

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Further discussion: Councilmember Riley asked if this is a reasonable action, noting it is the first time it happened in 20 years and while it does not make the situation whole, he felt it was a reasonable compromise. Chairperson Backous stated this is an unusual circumstance so a one- time exception is being made and should it happen again, it has been made clear to Mr. Rome and staff that the City would not cover the cost. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Backous, Councilmember Kuzma and Riley. Voting No: None. Absent: Mayor Strommen. 5.02: Upgrades to City Well #4 Utilities Supervisor Nelson reviewed the staff report relating to the construction of Municipal Well #4, need for updates, and two quotes to make those updates to this well. He advised that Connexus Energy has a rebate for Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) installations and would pay $30/horsepower (HP). Well #4 is rated at 150 HP so the rebate on this project, if approved, would be approximately $4,500. If approved, the upgrade would be funded through the #9601 Water Enterprise Fund. Utilities Supervisor Nelson stated staff recommends awarding the quote from Total Control Systems, Inc. to make all the needed upgrades to this site to include all parts, labor, start up, and assistance with rebate application. Chairperson Backous asked if Well #4 will ever get up to a higher volume Utilities Supervisor Nelson stated he does not think so because the pumping chamber is not able to accommodate a higher capacity. But, if the equipment is pulled, charges could be used to loosen the sand and open the chamber. Chairperson Backous stated it is pumping 850 gallons /minute now and asked if a certain number of gallons are needed. Utilities Supervisor Nelson stated there is no danger in running out of water, noting Well #3 has a soft start and runs at 1,600 gallons /minute so there is a lot of water. Councilmember Riley asked if the wells start and stop during the day. Utilities Supervisor Nelson explained how the water and sewer systems run on a computer SCADA system based on pressure within the system. Chairperson Backous reviewed the two quotes that were received and noted after the rebate it will be about $20,000. He asked if guarantees are offered. Utilities Supervisor Nelson stated there may be a limited one -year guarantee. He stated the Well #4 drive was installed in the 1990s and drives can last as long as a lightening strike, which is what takes out electronics. He stated the payback will be three to five years and if more water can be pumped, it would generate more revenue for the City. Public Works Committee / May 21, 2013 Page 4 of 9