TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Mark Danaj, City Manager
FROM:
Tony Olmos, Director of Public Works
Juan Price, Maintenance Superintendent
SUBJECT:Title
Formally Accept the Hardware and Software Upgrades to the Novar HVAC Controls Project as Complete, Authorize Final Payment in the Net Amount of $34,732.00, and Release of Retention in the Amount of $1,828.00 to Building Control Center and (Public Works Director Olmos).
APPROVE
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Formally accept the Hardware and Software Upgrades to the Novar HVAC Controls Project as complete;
2) Approve final payment in the net amount of $34,732.00 to Building Control Center; and
3) Authorize Filing of the Appropriate Notice of Completion; and Release Retention in the Amount of $1,828.00.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are sufficient funds in the Facilities operating budget (615-18-041-5101) to fund this project.
BACKGROUND:
The City Hall HVAC control system was of older, obsolete technology with limited functionality. Unlike modern building control systems that are web base and controlled via point and click interfaces, the current system is programmed within a command line environment using a proprietary control language.
Staff has been making repairs to the existing Novar Control System as needed to avert a complete system shutdown. However, the central processing unit of the system has malfunctioned on more than one occasion and parts and service were no longer available.
The entire City Hall HVAC system as identified in the Facilities Condition Assessment is recommended for replacement. Previously, the Level III Energy Audit also identified the City Hall HVAC system as antiquated. There are many shortfalls in the current system due to airflow and ducting. Aside from comfort issues, the system also generates noise that can be disruptive to the City Hall occupants. However, there are significant challenges involved in ensuring that the affected lighting, plumbing, glazing, and ceiling systems are replaced in concert with any HVAC work, especially in an occupied building. Additionally, the Level III Energy Audit recommended a thermal storage system powered by the existing central plant system at the Police Fire Facility be integrated into a City Hall HVAC system. The design, construction planning, and funding of such an undertaking may take two or more years to finalize.
DISCUSSION:
The completed upgrade adds an interpreter to the existing Novar control system coupled with custom programming, enabling the existing system to function as a more modern system, allowing for remote access and diagnosis. Staff is now able to quickly change temperature set points and immediately identify malfunctions. In many cases, having the ability to login in remotely will allow a system reset or bypass to allow limited function until proper repairs can be made. This is will be especially helpful after-hours and weekends.
The upgrade has maximized and prolonged the useful life of our current hardware and control system and allows for remote control from any workstation within the City. The upgrade allows the system to function for the immediate future until such time that the entire City Hall facility can be comprehensively refurbished.
CONCLUSION:
The contractor has met all contractual requirements and the upgrade has been functioning as designed without incident. Staff recommends the City Council accepts the Novar HVAC control upgrade project as complete and make the aforementioned payments to Building Control Center.