DATE: 03/18/2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Community Services Department
2026-80
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBJECT:
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING EXCLUSIVE HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
AND PRODUCTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report asks City Council to consider and approve a resolution designating specific HVAC control system equipment and products as exclusive standard equipment and products for City of Corona Public Library facility, in accordance with the authority granted under Public Contract Code Section 3400.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council:
a. Adopt Resolution 2026-012 designating the specific HVAC control system equipment and products listed in Exhibit “A” of the resolution as exclusive standard equipment and products to be used at City of Corona Public Library facility, in accordance with the authority provided under Public Contract Code Section 3400(c). This action shall apply to all public works projects subject to Public Contract Code Section 3400, as well as to maintenance and construction projects at City of Corona Public Library facility, thereby establishing uniform specifications for the construction, maintenance, and operation of City facilities. b. Authorize the Public Works Director to review and amend the exclusive standard specifications list from time to time, provided that any amendments are made in accordance with applicable law and in a form approved by the City Attorney. The resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption and remain in force until revoked by further action of the City Council.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
The City of Corona has a longstanding practice of designating exclusive standard equipment and product specifications for municipal facilities to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. This authority is grounded in Public Contract Code Section 3400, which allows public agencies to specify particular brands or trade names when necessary to match existing equipment or ensure compatibility and uniformity across facilities. When Section 3400 does not apply, the City relies on its general police powers to specify equipment by brand name to address operational needs such as reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Historically, Corona has applied these principles across multiple facility types, including water and wastewater, to achieve citywide standardization and streamline maintenance, training, and procurement processes. The City Council has adopted resolutions designating exclusive standard specifications for critical infrastructure and has delegated to department directors the authority to periodically review and update these lists in accordance with evolving operational requirements and applicable law.
The City's approach involves comprehensive staff reviews of existing facility conditions, contract documents, and operational needs to identify equipment that demonstrates a history of dependable service and cost-effectiveness. In contexts such as HVAC control systems and automation equipment, the focus on compatibility and uniformity aims to maximize security and efficiency, preserve manufacturer warranties, and reduce the complexity and cost of repairs and training for city staff. Legal and ethical considerations balance the use of exclusive standard specifications against competitive bidding requirements, with mechanisms for periodic review and amendment to ensure specifications remain current, legally compliant, and responsive to technological advancements. The standardization of critical building systems supports the City's broader goals of public safety, fiscal responsibility, and service reliability, positioning Corona to deliver uninterrupted services to residents and respond effectively to maintenance or emergency situations.
ANALYSIS:
Resolution 2026-012 requests approval to upgrade the City of Corona Public Library’s existing pneumatic HVAC control system to an Automated Logic Controls (ALC) Direct Digital Controls (DDC) HVAC control system. Due to the age, configuration, and operational characteristics of the Library’s legacy mechanical equipment, modernization to a DDC-compatible ALC control platform is required to properly control the HVAC system and respond to temperature fluctuations throughout the building.
The proposed standardization of products manufactured by Automated Logic Controls, including the OptiFlex™ controller series and associated components, further enhances operational efficiency by consolidating maintenance practices, replacement parts, and staff training. When multiple facilities utilize different HVAC control brands or systems, maintenance personnel must maintain familiarity with various software platforms, hardware configurations, and troubleshooting protocols, which increases training time, service delays, and inventory costs. A standardized system reduces these inefficiencies by allowing staff to specialize in one platform, maintain a consistent inventory of parts, and respond more quickly to service needs. Establishing ALC products within the PCC 3400 Exclusive Standard Specifications list creates a uniform controls platform consistent with the systems currently in use at the Police Department. This standardization reduces integration challenges, supports reliable and cohesive system functionality, and enhances long-term maintainability.
From a fiscal and lifecycle perspective, citywide standardization promotes long-term cost savings and risk reduction. Uniform specifications improve procurement efficiency, simplify contract documents, and support predictable budgeting for maintenance and future capital improvements. The use of a single, compatible HVAC control platform ensures scalability for future expansions, strengthens cybersecurity and system integration, and reduces the likelihood of costly retrofits caused by incompatible technologies. By adopting the Exclusive Standard Specifications list, the City establishes a strategic, forward-looking framework that maximizes reliability, extends equipment service life, and delivers measurable operational efficiencies across all City facilities.
Future HVAC control upgrades at other City facilities will be proposed using Automated Logic Controls to maintain consistency across all city buildings. Separate resolutions will be prepared in accordance with PCC 3400 as individual projects are initiated. Each facility will undergo a detailed assessment of its HVAC system type, equipment condition, compatibility limitations, and control-system configuration to determine the appropriate ALC DDC controller models and specifications required for each subsequent Resolution.
The Resolution also delegated to the Public Works Director the authority to review and amend the exclusive standard specifications list from time to time, provided that any amendments are made in accordance with applicable law and in a form approved by the City Attorney.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with the recommended actions.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action is to designate certain HVAC control system equipment and products as exclusive standard equipment and products at City facilities, and there is no possibility that approving this agreement will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
PREPARED BY: MIRNA ROMERO, MANAGEMENT ANALYST II
REVIEWED BY: DONNA FINCH, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
JAVIER LUNA, CIP MANAGER / ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER
ATTACHMENT:
1. Exhibit 1 – Resolution No. 2026-012