STAFF REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: August 18, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Paul Cranmer, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Services Director By: Carlos Aguilar, General Services Superintendent
SUBJECT: ACCEPT ALL WORK PERFORMED BY CARRIER CORPORATION FOR THE
LIBRARY COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT AS COMPLETE
CEQA: Exempt
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
On May 6, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with Carrier Corporation for the Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project in the amount of $199,775. The project has been completed in accordance with the contract and to the satisfaction of the Project Manager at a final cost of $195,018.50, reflecting a reduction of $4,756.50 (2.38%) from the original contract amount due to change orders.
It is recommended that the City Council accept the project as complete and authorize final payment to Carrier Corporation in accordance with the contract documents, subject to the retention of $9,114.50.
BACKGROUND
The Library's cooling tower, which provides cooling for the building, was installed during the 1996 Library renovation and had exceeded its typical 10-year service life.
After nearly 30 years of operation, the equipment showed significant wear and deterioration, resulting in reduced cooling capacity and frequent mechanical failures that disrupted air conditioning service.
Corrosion, scale buildup, outdated components, and aging equipment made it increasingly difficult to maintain the Library's temperature requirements, while
Accept Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project
August 18, 2026
maintenance and repair costs continued to rise. Replacing the cooling tower with a new energy-efficient system was necessary to improve reliability, performance, and operational efficiency.
DISCUSSION
On May 6, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with Carrier Corporation for the Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project. The project included installation of a new cooling tower motor, condenser water pump, and water treatment equipment.
During construction, it was determined that some planned replacements were unnecessary because the existing equipment remained in good condition, while two butterfly valves were replaced to repair leaking pipes. These changes reduced the contract amount by $4,756.50.
The new cooling tower improves cooling efficiency, reduces demand on the building's chillers and HVAC system, lowers energy consumption and maintenance costs, and provides reliable climate control. All work was completed in accordance with the contract documents and to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. Carrier Corporation completed the project efficiently and in compliance with the approved plans and specifications.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This Project is considered a Class 1 exemption as defined in Section 15301(d) “Existing Facilities” projects of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), which exempts projects consisting of the minor alteration of existing public structures.
FISCAL IMPACT
A total of $300,000 was budgeted for this project in the Fiscal Year 2024–25 Capital Improvement Program. On May 6, 2025, the City Council approved a $199,775 contract to Carrier Corporation for the Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project.
The final project cost was $195,018.50, reflecting contract change orders that reduced the contract amount by $4,756.50 (2.38%).
Accept Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project
August 18, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and accept all work performed by Carrier Corporation for the Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project as complete and authorize the final payment to be made in accordance with the contract documents, subject to the retention of $9,114.50.