City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: November 20, 2023
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Authorization to Seek Bids to Replace the Pool Heater
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive a Technical Memorandum regarding Replacement of the Heater at the Community Pool and direct staff to seek bids to replace the heater with the same make/model.
BACKGROUND
The Community Pool is a City-owned facility located at 205 Elko Street. The Community Pool was originally constructed in 1973 and underwent a major renovation in 2016. The pool typically operates from mid-May to mid-September. The City’s Recreation Department arranges and staffs the following activities at the pool each summer:
• Swim lessons
• Open swim
• Pool parties
• Movie nights
• Water Aerobics
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The pool heater was replaced during the 2016 renovation and is a Raypac Model P1262B. Over the last year, the pool heater struggled to operate. Public Works staff coordinated with Raypac factory representatives to diagnose why the heater was not consistently working. With Raypac’s help, staff replaced several parts only for the heater to continue to struggle to operate.
AGENDA
ITEM
14 In July 2023, the pool heater was inspected by GIS Plumbing (local Raypac Service representative), and staff presented their observations to the Raypac factory representatives for their feedback. Raypac representatives informed City staff that the cost to purchase and install replacement parts would not guarantee that the heater would work as designed, and it would be better to install a new heater.
At the August 7, 2023 Council meeting, staff was directed to engage the Pool Consultant who designed the 2016 Renovation Project to prepare the attached Technical Memorandum on options for replacing or upgrading the pool heater.
Staff contacted Engie, the company that installed and maintains the solar arrays on City properties including the one at the pool, to investigate the ability of the on-site solar array to power an electric pool heater. The effort to pursue this option will extend beyond the desired date to operate the pool in midMay 2024.
Replacement of the pool heater must occur before next May, and staff recommends the City Council direct staff to seek bids to replace the pool heater with the same make/model. The expected schedule is as follows:
Milestone Approximate Date
Issue Request for Bids November 28, 2023
Receive and Review Bids December 20, 2023
Council meeting to Award Contract January 8, 2024
Contract Executed January 19, 2024
Contractor orders pool heater January 24, 2024
Contractor receives heater
(6 to 8 weeks to procure) March 20, 2024
Contractor installs heater
(2 weeks for installation) March 25 – April 5, 2024
Heater installation complete April 12, 2024
Expected Pool Operation after receiving
annual permit from County of Monterey May 3, 2024
Staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to seek bids to replace the heater with the same make/model.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: Maintaining the operation of the City’s Community Pool supports our vision to provide recreational facilities to City residents.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: See Vision explanation above.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes X No N/A
• Housing Yes X No N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
Amend or modify staff recommendation.
BUDGET IMPACT
Staff will be requesting a budget amendment at a future meeting as we need the actual bids to come in before we know what the actual budget impact is going to be.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council receive a Technical Memorandum regarding Replacement of the Heater at the Community Pool and direct staff to seek bids to replace the heater with the same make/model.
Attachments:
1. Aquatic Design Group Technical Memorandum
2. Gonzales Community Pool Opinions of Probable Cost