REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Shannon Buckley, Assistant City Manager
Date:June 24, 2025
Subject:Purchase of a Back-up Generator from Quinn Caterpillar for the New City Hall Project (CIP No. Z20006)
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase order with Quinn Caterpillar for a back-up generator for the new City Hall Project (CIP Project #Z20006) in an amount not to exceed $113,545.45.
Background
The purpose of this report is to recommend the purchase of a reliable and robust backup generator for the new City Hall to ensure uninterrupted operation of essential systems during power outages. This initiative aligns with the City’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and operational resilience. The new City Hall is designed to serve as a critical hub for municipal operations, public services, and community response coordination. It is imperative that essential functions such as communication systems, security, lighting, HVAC, and IT infrastructure remain operational during any power outage. A dependable backup generator is crucial to achieve this objective.
Staff conducted an extensive review of generator manufacturers capable of supplying reliable equipment that meets the City's sustainability and performance requirements. The research focused on identifying generators that integrate seamlessly with the existing infrastructure plans while providing efficiency and durability.
Back-Up Generator New City Hall
Discussion
The following key criteria were emphasized during the review process to ensure the selection of the most suitable generator:
Reliability:The generator must provide uninterrupted power to critical systems during outages.
Capacity:The generator must meet the power demands of all essential systems in City Hall.
Efficiency:A strong focus on fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Integration:Compatibility with existing and planned infrastructure.
Resilience:Ability to operate under varying conditions with minimal maintenance.
Sustainability:Alignment with the City’s environmental goals, including reduced emissions and noise levels.
Staff review identified several manufacturers capable of meeting the City's requirements. Among these, the preferred generator models demonstrated superior performance in reliability, fuel efficiency, and operational resilience. These models also provide advanced monitoring and control systems, ensuring that City Hall staff can manage power supply effectively during outages. Staff have conducted research on various generator manufacturers to conclude that the Caterpillar generator is also available on the National Buy Board (Sourcewell, Contract # 092222- CAT) through the Quinn Cat dealership. Here, the City is receiving a Sourcewell Product Discount of 31% ($26,444.55) off the generator list price. Utilizing the buy board (Sourcewell) considerably reduces administrative time, purchases directly from the manufacturer, on a pre-determined competitive price schedule, and avoids any additional mark-ups.
The basic purchase is for the new Caterpillar, Model C9 GC, EPA Tier 3, stationary emergency generator set is rated at 300kWh standby power, 60Hz, 3 phase 277/480V configuration. This Caterpillar genset is pre-certified with the local air board (SCAQMD), and it replaces an existing standby generator for the facility. This generator will:
•Ensure uninterrupted operation of essential systems during power outages. •Support emergency response efforts by maintaining communication and coordination capabilities.
•Protect the City Hall’s structural and technological investments from potential power-related damage.
•Demonstrate the City’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
Fiscal Impact
The cost is provided for in the City Hall Project Budget.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Quotation No. 250400-Well (rev. 1)
City Manager's Office