Consent 1.A.3.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 04/12/2010
- TITLE
- Approval of the Low Bid for the Replacement of the Fluid Cooler Replacement for Billings Logan International Airport
- PRESENTED BY:
- Tom Binford
- Department:
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
Included in the City's Capital Improvement Program is the replacement of the Airport's Fluid Cooler, which is also known as a cooling tower. Located on top of the Terminal Building, this cooling tower is connected to the building's heat pump loop that is used to dissipate excess heat from the system when air conditioning is needed in the Terminal.
Due to the passive solar features of the Terminal, we must be able to cool certain areas of the building year around, which requires the operation of the cooling tower during the Winter months. Unfortunately, since this cooling tower was installed we have experienced ongoing maintenance issues in the Winter, as the water in the tower can splash on the fan cages and freeze. When this occurs, the fan blades become unbalanced resulting in damage to the cooling tower. Although staff has undertaken preventive maintenance steps to reduce this condition, the years of damage will require that this cooler be overhauled or replaced prior to the Summer cooling season. Staff estimates that the cost to overhaul this unit is approximately $75,000, which is one-half the cost for a new unit. Since overhauling the cooler, which is now 18 years old, would only result in a temporary fix, staff has budgeted for the replacement of this unit. The new unit is designed to better accommodate Winter cooling conditions, as the fan cages are separated from the cooling water to prevent the freezing issues we have experienced. This replacement project was advertised in the Billings Times on March 14, 11, and 18, and posted on the City's Web Site. On March 23, 2010 the following bids were received.
Due to the passive solar features of the Terminal, we must be able to cool certain areas of the building year around, which requires the operation of the cooling tower during the Winter months. Unfortunately, since this cooling tower was installed we have experienced ongoing maintenance issues in the Winter, as the water in the tower can splash on the fan cages and freeze. When this occurs, the fan blades become unbalanced resulting in damage to the cooling tower. Although staff has undertaken preventive maintenance steps to reduce this condition, the years of damage will require that this cooler be overhauled or replaced prior to the Summer cooling season. Staff estimates that the cost to overhaul this unit is approximately $75,000, which is one-half the cost for a new unit. Since overhauling the cooler, which is now 18 years old, would only result in a temporary fix, staff has budgeted for the replacement of this unit. The new unit is designed to better accommodate Winter cooling conditions, as the fan cages are separated from the cooling water to prevent the freezing issues we have experienced. This replacement project was advertised in the Billings Times on March 14, 11, and 18, and posted on the City's Web Site. On March 23, 2010 the following bids were received.
| CONTRACTOR | BID |
| Williams Plumbing, Heating and Utilities | $159,800 |
| Accent Air Conditioning | $186,832 |
| Estimate | $168,000 |
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
The City Council may:
- Approve the award of the Replacement of the Fluid Cooler project; or
- Decline to approve the award.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total bid cost of this project is $159,800. The source of funds for this project is the Airport's Capital fund.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the award for the Replacement of the Airport's Fluid Cooler to the low bidder, Williams Plumbing, Heating and Utilities, for the amount of $159,800.
APPROVED BY CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Attachments
No file(s) attached.