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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jason Bauer, Assistant Director of Public Works, Assistant City Engineer
DATE: September 18, 2024
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the director of purchasing to order equipment from Graybar, Itasca, IL in the amount of $140,000 for RiverEdge Park in Ward 1.
PURPOSE:
To authorize the purchase of a switchgear for the Phase II Expansion of RiverEdge Park.
BACKGROUND:
The City is in the process of the design, bid and construction of the Phase II RiverEdge Park Expansion. Construction backstage will commence September 23rd and the second bid package will be released on September 30. The second bid package includes various electrical and mechanical components, one of which was supposed to be the switchgear, which is essentially the meter cabinet and main disconnect for the electrical supply.
The architect for the project indicated that they have seen switchgears on other projects backordered with lead times as long as 30 months. As this would be problematic for this project, staff began exploring options on how to procure a switchgear in a shorter timeline. Staff reached out to Graybar, as they have what they call a "Gear Stocking Program". In 2021, they noticed the trend of longer lead times and proactively began ordering long lead time equipment, rather than waiting for a customer order. When staff contacted Graybar, they indicated that they had 3 unaccounted for 3000 amp switchgears in stock. These are immediately available, however, as the units could be sold at any time, staff is recommending purchasing the switchgear at this time.
DISCUSSION:
Funds for this $140,000 purchase are available in account 355-4440-431.73.43 for CIP A062. Graybar is in a cooperative purchasing program, Omnia Contract #EV2370, satisfying the city's procurement ordinance.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Securing this switchgear will reduce the potential for delays during construction, which would significantly impact events at the park.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the director of purchasing to order equipment from Graybar, Itasca, IL in the amount of $140,000 for RiverEdge Park in Ward 1.
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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 city is in the process expanding RiverEdge Park, with construction commencing this month backstage; and
WHEREAS, there are long lead time pieces of equipment, such as the required 3000 amp switchgear, that will be needed for the park to be fully functional when construction is complete; and
WHEREAS, the city has identified a source with that switchgear in stock; and
WHEREAS, staff is recommending purchasing the switchgear now to avoid one potential element that could delay the reopening of the park; and
WHEREAS, funds for this $140,000 purchase are available in account 355-4440-431.73-43, in CIP A062, to order this switchgear from Graybar through a cooperative purchasing program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the director of purchasing is hereby authorized to order equipment from Graybar, Itasca, IL in the amount of $140,000 for RiverEdge Park in Ward 1.