Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	David L. Corliss – City Manager Cynthia Wagner – Assistant City Manager Diane Stoddard – Assistant City Manager
FROM:	Carolyn Woodhead – Utilities Specialist
CC:	Dave Wagner – Director of Utilities Mike Lawless – Deputy Director Philip Ciesielski – Asst. Director of Utilities Mark Hegeman – Utilities Operations Superintendent Dave King – Utilities Maintenance Superintendent Beth Krishtalka – Assistant to the Director
Date:	July 10, 2013
RE:	Agenda Item – Authorize the City Manager to issue a purchase order for a back-up blower and motor assembly to Spencer Turbine Company

Please include the following item on the City Commission Agenda for consideration at the July 16, 2013 meeting:

Authorize the City Manager to approve a purchase order to Spencer Turbine Company in the amount of $93,696 for a back-up blower and motor assembly.

Project Description

Blowers are necessary to provide oxygen and mixing to the secondary processes at the wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant currently operates three blowers alternately. The blowers were put in operation during the plant expansion in 2004. All three blowers have been rehabilitated in recent years, which require removal of the blower and shipment to the manufacturer for rehab. The rehabilitation process can take approximately 4 months to complete. A reasonable expected lifespan for blowers of this nature is approximately 10-15 years. The plant processes can maintain adequate treatment with two blowers in operation. However, as the blowers are approaching their lifespan, the plant has experienced intermittent and increased periods where only two blowers are available. This places a risk on the process if a second blower were to fail or require significant maintenance.

The blower and motor assembly requires a sole source purchase for identical match of the existing three blowers, due to the necessity to fit with the existing base and controls.  

Project Funding

Funding for the project will be from the Department of Utilities 2013 operations and maintenance budget.

Action Request

Authorize the City Manager to approve a purchase order to Spencer Turbine Company in the amount of $93,696 for a back-up blower and motor assembly.

Thank you for your assistance. Please advise if you have any questions.