2012 2:00:00 PM

Monday, December 10, 2012 2:00 PM
Sparks Legislative Building, 745 E. 4th Street, Sparks, NV 89431

Consent Items: 5.6

Title: Consideration and possible approval to purchase a replacement nitrogen/chloride analyzer for the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility laboratory, from Hach Company, in the amount of $53,517.70.

Petitioner/Presenter: Neil C. Krutz PE, Deputy City Manager/Kim Laber, Acting Plant Manager

Recommendation: Staff recommends approval to purchasing a Nitrogen/Chloride Analyzer for the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility.

Financial Impact: There is no General Fund impact. $414,416.57 remains in appropiations for capital acquisitions during Fiscal year 2012-2013 using Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF) operating budget. This expense will be charged to Account 604070, Equipment and Furnishings, in Program 131515, TMWRF Laboratory. Existing budget will be moved to align to this expense. As per the Master Agreement, capital expenses will be shared by the current TMWRF ownership between the Cities of Reno (68.63%) and Sparks (31.37%). Following quarterly reconciliation the shared cost is expected to be $36,729.19 to reno and $16,788.51 to Sparks, affecting the Sanitary Sewer Operations (1630) and TMWRF (5605) funds.

Total Costs: $53,517.70

Fund: Joint Treatment Plant Account: 604070
Program: TMWRF Lab (131515)
Amount: $53,517.70 Budget Status: Over Budget (See Budget Correction Plan)

Budget Correction Plan:
Budget will be reallocated from existing budget.

Business Impact (Per NRS 237):
A Business Impact Statement is not required because this is not a rule.

Agenda Item Brief: The nitrogen/chloride analyzer is an analytical tool used to measure nitrogen throughout the plant and chlorides at well monitoring locations. It is used daily to measure TMWRF's permit requirements and for providing process control data to the operational staff.

Background: The Truckee Meadows Water Reclation Facility (TMWRF) has to meet stringent final effluent nitrogen requirements in order to maintain compliance with their discharge permit. The nitrogen is measured throughout the facility by chemists using a Lachat Automated Nitrogen Analyzer, which meets the Clean Water Act requirements for certified test methods. The Lachat Atomated Nitrogen/Chloride Analyzer was installed in 1999 and has surpassed its expected service lifetime. Parts of the system have been upgraded over the years and the vendor intends to suspend service support and parts for this model.

Analysis: Staff has determined that the Lachat equipment needs to to be replaced due to the age and subsequent nonsupport. Replacing this essential equipment with a like piece of equipment will result in savings to TMWRF. The laboratory is currently trained on how to operate a Lachat Automated Nitrogen/Chloride Analyzer which will make for a smooth transition to the new equipment. In addition, the laboratory also has an inventory of parts which can be used with the new equipment. The purchase of an analyzer from a different source would require extensive training by staff personnel and the discard of the current spareparts. This exception to competitive bidding is allowed by NRS 332.115 (4) which allows for "equipment which, by reason of the training of the personnel or of an inventory of replacement parts maintained by the local goverment is compatible with existing equipment".

Alternatives: 1) Council could direct staff to provide other alternatives. 2) This project could be delayed; however, possible consequences include extended wait times for process control data.

Recommended Motion: I move to approve the purchase of a replacement Lachat Automated Nitroge/Chloride Analyzerfor the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility from Hach Company, in the amount of $53,517.70.

Attached Files:

Lach quote.pdf

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