COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

March 18, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 8, 2003

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Public Hearing to Consider an Agreement to Upgrade One of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Chillers in the Hall of Justice and Records - Redwood City Area

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution setting a time and date for a public hearing to consider an agreement to upgrade one of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) chillers in the Hall of Justice and Records.

 

Previous Board Action

1.

Approved the County's participation in the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Program, a Federal program that commits the participating agencies to reduce energy consumption by using energy efficient lighting and by replacing existing building mechanical systems with energy efficient systems.

 

2.

Authorized the Director of Public Works in April of 2001 to negotiate and execute an agreement with Invensys Building Systems (Invensys) to conduct a detailed analysis of specific building lighting and mechanical systems and to draft a performance based contract agreement.

 

Key Facts

1.

An existing absorption chiller in the Hall of Justice and Records is reaching the end of its useful life and should be replaced with a new energy efficient unit.

 

2.

Section 4217.10 et sec. of the Government Code provides that a governmental agency may enter into an agreement to install energy saving systems after considering said agreement during a regularly scheduled public hearing.

 

3.

We are recommending that your Board set a date for a public hearing to consider entering into an agreement with Invensys, a State of California pre-qualified Energy Service Company, which can provide for the chiller replacement.

 

Discussion

Invensys performed a detailed inspection and analysis of the mechanical systems in the Hall of Justice and Records and recommends replacing the one of the two chillers which cools the air for the building's HVAC systems, as the chiller has reached the end of its economic and serviceable life. The second chiller was replaced approximately 5 years ago.

 

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Commitment to "ensure basic health and safety for all," as the project will improve the County facility for the benefit of both the employees and the public that use this facility.

 

Fiscal Impact

The total estimated cost of the work, including a ten percent (10%) contingency is $751,000, and an appropriation for the work was approved in the 2002-2003 Capital Projects Budget that is financed with General Funds. The County will realize energy savings of approximately $26,000 per year, based on current energy rates, after the chiller is replaced. There is no additional impact to the General Fund.

 

A form of resolution has been approved by County Counsel.