Electrical equipment plays a signification role in processing the wastewater that is treated at TMWRF. Electrical voltage entering the plant is converted from 25,000 volts via transformers to 4160, 2400, 480 and 120 volts.  This power is used to run pumps, valves, computers and other equipment that insures TMWRF meets its discharge permit. TMWRF is in the process of upgrading some original electrical equipment that has been in service beyond their normal useful life (40 years). During this electrical equipment replacement TMWRF has recognized that preventative maintenance needs to be performed on all the transformers, switch gear, breakers, relays and associated electrical equipment throughout the facility. Electrical PM’S and work order completion need to be brought and kept current.

TMWRF recognized that preventative electrical maintenance had been deferred on major electrical components at the facility. While OSHA does not have a requirement for electrical preventative maintenance, they refer to the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 70B that outlines the frequency and scope of work that should be performed on electrical equipment. In addition electrical manufacturers have detailed guidelines for performing electrical maintenance on their equipment. By utilizing the services of contract labor, staff believes that electrical preventative maintenance and work order completion can be brought up to acceptable levels.

Through the use of contract electrical services as supplied by Nelson Electric Co., Inc. over the last eight months a backlog of over 900 past-due electrical PMs was reduced to zero (AC-5109).  The next phase is to reduce the 140 past due electrical work orders to a reasonable level in addition to keeping the electrical PM’s current. TMWRF will pay on an hourly reimbursement basis for actual hours scheduled and not on a guaranteed volume of hours. This new contract is not to exceed 2080 hours with an option to renew for an additional 2080 hours.

The City of Sparks performed a Request for Proposal for On-Call Electrical Maintenance on October 1, 2014 (BID #14/15-007). The city received four proposals which were rated and evaluated by both TMWRF staff and an outside consultant. The unanimous choice was that Nelson Electric Co., Inc. best fit the needs and requirements of TMWRF.

The current contract expires August 31, 2015. Nelson Electric Co., Inc. has agreed to a new contract for one additional year at the same $ 72.55 hourly rate.

City Council could recommend that staff look at alternative options.

I move that City Council approve a contract with Nelson Electric Co., Inc. in the amount of $150,904.00 with the City of Sparks share being $52,982.39 and Reno’s share being $97,921.61.