DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two Plunger Valves from Core & Main LP in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $155,850 as part of the 250-Foot Zone for Pressure Reducing Strategy at Decoto Pump Station Project No. 07074
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the City Manager to execute the purchase of two plunger valves from Core & Main LP as part of the 250’ Zone for Pressure Reducing Strategy at Decoto Project No. 07074 in an amount not-to-exceed $155,850.
SUMMARY
Plunger valves enable operators to control and regulate water flow and pressure. By controlling the water pressure, staff can effectively conserve water, reduce stress on the water mains and service connections, decrease water loss from leaking joints, and reduce the need to pump water out of tanks. Staff recommends purchasing two plunger valves to ensure efficiency of the water distribution system and further reduce overall water loss. Council has previously approved funding for this purchase as part of the FY24 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 250’ Zone for Pressure Reducing Strategy at Decoto Project No. 070744.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Public Works & Utilities’ Water Distribution Division is responsible for the transmission, storage, and distribution of potable water and recycled water. It maintains and operates all water facilities and wastewater lift stations, collects water meter reading data and meter maintenance, performs field customer service, maintains and repairs the water distribution system mains, and installs new utility services.
The City’s water system currently has one 16-inch plunger valve in service, which has exceeded performance expectations since installation four years ago. The plunger valves are an essential component and a highly specialized item that control and reduce the pressure in approximately 84% of the City’s water service area. Staff recommends adding a second 16-inch plunger valve and purchasing another as a spare due to their importance in controlling the pressure of such a large portion of the distribution system and the long lead-time associated with their purchase. There are a limited number of manufacturers that produce these valves. The timely purchase of these made to order valves is paramount as the current lead-time is approximately six months. Staff obtained three quotes for this purchase and recommends to proceed with the lowest bidder, Core & Main LP. While the valves are a substantial investment, the cost savings in reducing stress in the distribution system, thereby extending the service life of piping, make them cost effective. The plunger valves installation is part of the CIP Project 250-Foot Zone for Pressure Reducing Strategy at Decoto. The goal of the project is to reduce overall water loss and to be able to operate the 250-foot zone tanks without disruptions and the need for reducing water level of the tanks.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
By investing in a second plunger valve, the City can continue to provide quality water service to its residents and businesses, while maintaining an efficient water distribution system.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is sufficient funding in the Water Improvement Fund (Fund 604) to cover the cost of the equipment, as the FY 2024 budget included $200,000 in CIP Project No. 07074 - 250-Foot Zone for Pressure Reducing Strategy at Decoto. The valves will be installed by City employees. The cost of these plunger valves, as quoted by Core & Main LP, is approximately $155,850. There will be no impact on the General Fund.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This agenda item is a routine operational item and does not relate to any of the six priorities outlined in the Council’s Strategic Roadmap.
SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
The purchase of the two plunger valves will help ensure water pressure reduction and control is managed efficiently which will help conserve essential water resources for the City.
PUBLIC CONTACT
The purchase of this equipment requires no public contact.
NEXT STEPS
If Council approves, staff will purchase two plunger valves for CIP Project No. 07074 in an amount not-to-exceed $155,850.
Prepared by: Marissa Matta, Management Analyst
Bert Weiss, Utilities Operations and Maintenance Manager Recommended by: Alex Ameri, Director of Public Works Approved by:
______________________________________
Kelly McAdoo, City Manager