CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award of Option Year #1 to Contract 23-196R, Transmission Steel Pole Painting, to Public Utilities Maintenance, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $294,000
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DEPARTMENT: Electric Utility
SUBMITTED BY: Brian Groth, Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The City Council awarded Contract 23-196R, Transmission Steel Pole Painting, to Public Utilities Maintenance, Inc. on July 16, 2024, from the date of award to October 31, 2024, with two one-year options to extend the contract. The purpose of this contract is to retain the services of a highly specialized contractor to perform transmission pole painting.
The Naperville Electric Utility (Utility) owns 116 steel transmission structures throughout the City which support 138kV transmission cable at a height of 90-135 feet above ground. Maintenance of these structures includes ensuring the base of the tower is free of vegetation as well as regular cleaning, preparation, and painting. These structures are vital to ensuring a reliable electric supply for the city.
Transmission poles are painted based on the condition of the pole but generally need to be repainted approximately every 10 years. Poles subject to salt overspray from winter
operations require more frequent repainting. This work requires specialized contractors that follow strict safety procedures, as these structures must be painted while
lines attached to them are still energized. De-energizing the transmission system for the purpose of painting subjects the City to significant risk of a major outage.
DISCUSSION:
During the original term of the contract, Public Utilities Maintenance performed to expectations without any complications. The work flowed precisely as was scheduled. Significant attention to detail was witnessed with regard to catching all paint chips scraped from the pole and making sure paint drips landed on nothing other than their tarps. Customers and property owners adjacent to the poles provided positive feedback regarding the communication, coordination, and customer service that the vendor exhibited.
Based on the vendor’s performance, the Utility would like to extend the contract for the first option year. Public Utilities Maintenance has agreed to maintain the rates and terms provided for under the contract.
Public Utilities Maintenance is also reviewing an additional 14 poles on Route 59 for painting in the summer of 2025. These 14 poles are significantly more complicated to paint because the arms overhang a lane of traffic on Route 59 and many of the poles have commercial parking lots within range of wind carried drips. Should Public Utilities Maintenance develop a method or strategy for painting those 14 poles without the risk of dripping paint on cars below, said pricing will be proposed for consideration.
The term of the first option year is November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, with one, one-year option remaining on the agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP#: N/A
Transmission pole painting is expensed to the Equipment Maintenance account listed below. In 2024 the Electric Utility included $520,000 in their budget for transmission pole painting. This option year spans into 2025 and as a result, expenses could be realized in both 2024 and 2025. Although the 2025 budget is still being developed, the Electric Utility did include $700,000 in their proposed 2025 budget for equipment maintenance, including pole painting. The 2024 budget and the proposed 2025 budget indicate sufficient funding available within the budget for this award.
Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Budget Amount |
40251300-531303 |
Electric Utility Fund |
$640,000 |