2016.03.22 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

March 22, 2016 Page 6 of 1 I Bach would be pivsenting this item to the Council. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Hicks explained per the direction of Council at the February 2 Council Work Session, staff has continued researching the Roof Top Unit (RTU) replacement project at the New Brighton Community Center (NBCC) using Trane as a vendor through the US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance. At this work session discussion, Council expressed an interest in having staff explore options to present to the Council regarding energy efficiencies. Staff also looked into the recently adopted Green Steps program to learn what might be offered via that program as well. Staff researched a program, Guaranteed Energy Savings Program through the Minnesota Department of Commerce, recommended by Green Steps. This program is what is referred to as a performance contract. Performance contracts are viewed as less desirable because this type of contract would require changes to the operations of the facility that wouldn't take into account the demand on the system by its users. If you have ever been in a large government building that doesn't seem cool enough when it is hot outside or warm enough in the winter; those buildings are often using a performance-based system. Staff is recommending not using this program. The efficiencies that can be gained by following the Trane recommendations will allow the City to maximize the comfort of the environment for the building's users while reducing payback time and maximizing control of the building. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Hicks reported Trane completed a study on the performance of the current HVAC system at NBCC by utilizing data logging devices that were installed at various locations inside the building. The data found shows the current RTU's are not working at optimal levels. This impacts the comfort level of NBCC visitors and doesn't allow the NBCC to operate at peak efficiency. It is also demanding on the RTU's as they are forced to work harder to overcompensate for the various swings in temperatures. This results in higher energy bills and potential repair costs. The RTU's are also not working at optimal levels due to the units being near the end of their useful life. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Hicks indicated an absolute necessity to utilizing any new HVAC system to the fullest extent possible is to replace the current pneumatic controls as part of this project. The NBCC's current outdated pneumatic controls will be replaced with Direct Digital Controls (DDC). DDC will allow greater control in various areas of NBCC. The cost to replace the RTU's and install DDC is $706,250. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Hicks stated one option that could be included to further improve indoor air quality is a system called a Genesis Air Cleaner. This piece of equipment uses ultra violet lamps to reduce airborne contaminants and volatile organic compounds through a process called Photo Catalytic Oxidation. This system is used in applications such as schools and health care facilities or other facilities that draw large amounts of people. Council expressed an interest in having the Genesis Air Cleaners installed on the RTU's that service the Eagles Nest and the gymnasium/fitness center areas. The cost for this option is $94,882. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Hicks commented because there is a desire to reduce the energy required to operate NBCC, additional projects have been researched. These projects include upgrading the lighting to Light Emitting Diodes (LED), building envelope repairs and the potential for solar power. It was noted LEDs are very attractive because they are more efficient than the current fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) used at NBCC. This will reduce the amount of energy necessary to operate NBCC and provide high quality lighting. Another positive of LED upgrades is that the LEDs last longer than tubes or CFLs. This will require less staff time to replace when they have burned out. Another maintenance issue that will be resolved is it will no longer be necessary to replace the ballasts to light