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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: David E. Schumacher, P.E.; Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: January 13, 2014
SUBJECT:
Resolution Authorizing the Upgrade of Hardware and Software Components of the Lime Slaking Control System for the Water Production Division.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council authorization for Tri-R Systems Incorporated (Tri-R), DeKalb, IL, to provide the necessary services for upgrading the control components, both hardware and software, of the Lime Slaking System (Slakers) at the City of Aurora Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
BACKGROUND:
The slakers at the WTP are one of many critical chemical systems utilized in the water treatment process. The slakers operate in an automated and continuous mode converting unslaked lime (calcium oxide) to hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) which is used to clarify and soften the raw water. The current slaker control system is more than 11 years old and is becoming unserviceable due to its age and unfortunate proprietary nature. Upgrading the system controls will assure reliable and continuous system operation and will greatly simplify and expedite future repairs/updates as the replacement components will be of a non-proprietary nature.
DISCUSSION:
The labor portion of the project, both installation and programming is highly technical and rises to the level of professional services. The proposal provided by Tri-R is all inclusive of those professional services as well as providing all needed hardware components at a cost of $65,600.00. Purchasing delicate and specific electronic components and assuming that they will function together correctly without overall coordination can lead to ongoing deficiencies. Thus, it is believed to be in the City's best interest for one entity to be responsible for not only the successful integration of all the individual components into an updated, functioning system, but to also have the same entity be responsible for providing the exact required components.
Tri-R has a well-established and successful history in performing similar work for the Water Production Division (WPD) and is uniquely qualified to perform such work as an established systems integrator. As such, the WPD recommends Tri-R for completion of this work to ensure a successful outcome.
The City Council may approve this without competitive bidding under Section 2-335(a)(6) of the City Code of Ordinances with a three-fifths majority of the members holding office.
This course of action is recommended for the following reasons:
1. It is not completely appropriate to characterize this work entirely as "professional services." While the labor portion of Tri-R's work under the proposed agreement is highly technical and will rise to the level of professional services, the proposal also provides for procurement of the hardware and software components required.
2. Administering this work as a "turnkey" project offers two distinct cost-saving opportunities. First, detailed hardware and software specifications normally required for competitive bidding would not be required, reducing engineering and contract administration expenses significantly. Second, programming and integration of all the hardware and software components requires extensive knowledge of the equipment and its associated operating systems. Because of Tri-R's experience with and extensive knowledge of the existing system and proposed system components, they are uniquely qualified to perform this work in a cost-effective manner.
Funding was made available as a 2014 Decision Package - Water Treatment Plant Lime Slaking Control System Update, and funds are available in the 2014 City Budget in Account No. 510-4058-511-38-01.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
None.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That a resolution authorizing hardware and software upgrades to the WTP Lime Slaking Control System by Tri-R in the amount of $65,600.00 be approved by the Mayor and City Council. It is further recommended that this matter be submitted to the Buildings, Grounds, and Infrastructure Committee for review and recommendation.
cc: Alderman Peters, Chairman
Alderman Garza
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Saville, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the Upgrade of Hardware and Software Components of the Lime Slaking Control System for the Water Production Division.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Water Production Division seeks to upgrade hardware and software components of the Lime Slaking Control System at the City's water treatment plant; and
WHEREAS, upgrading the control system will assure reliable and continuous system operation and will greatly simplify and expedite future repairs/updates; and
WHEREAS, Tri-R Systems Incorporated provides professional services related to complex and technical control systems integration, has worked successfully for the Water Production Division on similar tasks, and is subsequently recommended to provide hardware procurement, installation, and programming of various components associated with this project; and
WHEREAS, under Section 2-335(a)(6) of the Aurora Code of Ordinances, any municipal work or public improvement, when the expense thereof will exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), may be undertaken or constructed by contract or agreement without advertising for bids if authorized by a vote of three-fifths (3/5) of the members of the city council then holding office; and
WHEREAS, authority is granted and funds are available in the 2014 City Budget in Account No. 510-4058-511-38-01;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Its Purchasing Director be and is hereby authorized to issue purchase orders to Tri-R Systems Incorporated for upgrades to the hardware and software components of the Lime Slaking Control System in the amount of $65,600.00.
PASSED AND APPROVED on ______________.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
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Alderman Bohman, Ward 1 Alderman Garza, Ward 2
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Alderman Mesiacos, Ward 3 Alderman Donnell, Ward 4
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Alderman Peters, Ward 5 Alderman Saville, Ward 6
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Alderman Hart-Burns, Ward 7 Alderman Mervine, Ward 8
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Alderman Bugg, Ward 9 Alderman Johnson, Ward 10
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Alderman Irvin, At Large Alderman O'Connor, At Large
ATTEST:
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City Clerk Mayor