TMWRF is jointly owned by the Cities of Reno and Sparks. The City of Reno provides oversight and implementation of the Capital Improvements for TMWRF, while the City of Sparks is responsible for the plant operations. With the implementation of the ESCo project, there will be a reduction in electrical consumption and chemical use resulting in long term benefits to both Cities. The Financial Grade Operational Audit was developed and prepared by Ameresco, Inc. The audit analyzed energy, water, chemical usage, and operating cost savings measures and developed a performance project. The audit included the estimated savings to be accrued, the costs to implement the project, and the internal controls used to ensure that project performance is achieved. A project resulting from the Financial Grade Operational Audit will have the project savings and performance guaranteed by Ameresco, Inc., under NRS 332, for a period of up to 15 years.

Discussion: Council approved the agreements for the TMWRF Energy Savings Project with Ameresco initiating the 2-year project on March 24, 2014. This project will be a design build project and will be constructed concurrently with other Capital Improvement Projects underway at TMWRF. This consultant agreement will assist staff by providing construction management services during project construction that includes: coordination of design and plan review, part time construction observation, communications coordination, attend project construction meetings, submittal coordination and review, payment request review, and closeout document coordination, during the 24-month construction period. Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. was selected from the City of Reno’s approved list of engineering consultants.