HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 09k - Change Order for Emergency Generator Rental
STAFF REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Paul Cranmer, Public Works Services Director
By: Carlos Aguilar, General Services Superintendent
SUBJECT: CHANGE ORDER TO INCREASE THE PURCHASE ORDER WITH VALLEY
POWER SYSTEMS, INC. FOR THE EMERGENCY GENERATOR RENTAL AT
FIRE STATION 107 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,440.70
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
During the January 2025 Windstorm Event, several components of the emergency
generator at Fire Station 107 were damaged due to widespread power surges in the
area. After thorough troubleshooting, it was determined that immediate repairs
were not feasible. As a result, the Public Works Services Department (“PWSD”)
opened an emergency Purchase Order with Valley Power Systems, Inc. for the rental
of an emergency generator for Fire Station 107. Due to the equipment being needed
for longer than anticipated, the total cost of the generator rental exceeds the
Purchase Order amount by $5,440.70. Since the total rental cost from Valley Power
Systems, Inc. now exceeds $30,000, the Change Order requires City Council approval.
For this reason, it is recommended that the City Council approve a Change Order to
increase the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Purchase Order with Valley Power Systems, Inc. for
the emergency generator rental at Fire Station 107, in the amount of $5,440.70.
BACKGROUND
During the January 2025 Windstorm Event, widespread power surges in the area
damaged several components of the emergency generator at Fire Station 107,
including the control board, transfer switch, and switchgear. After thorough
Change Order for Emergency Generator Rental
October 7, 2025
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troubleshooting, it was determined that immediate repairs were not feasible. As a
result, a temporary emergency generator was rented to quickly restore backup
power and ensure readiness in the event of additional outages. In response, the
PWSD opened an Emergency Purchase Order for Fiscal Year 2024-25 with Valley
Power Systems, Inc. for the rental of an emergency generator. Valley Power Systems,
Inc. promptly supplied the requested emergency generator and ensured the rented
equipment was properly connected to Fire Station 107 to provide reliable backup
power.
DISCUSSION
Over the past few months, PWSD staff have been attempting to repair the damaged
emergency generator; however, many of its replacement parts are now obsolete. As
a result, sourcing these parts is difficult and comes with higher costs, as some parts
may need custom fabrication. Furthermore, replacing certain components of the
generator requires the purchase of additional parts, even those currently in working
condition, to ensure compatibility and proper overall system functionality. The PWSD
has determined that the purchase of a new emergency generator for Fire Station 107
is needed.
Due to the emergency generator being needed for longer than anticipated, the
Emergency Purchase Order of $29,999, issued in Fiscal Year 2024-25, was insufficient
to cover the generator rental costs. The rented emergency generator has been
installed at Fire Station 107 since January 2025 and will remain in place until a new
emergency generator is purchased. The rented equipment has been essential in
ensuring uninterrupted power is maintained in the event of outages. It enables
critical systems, such as emergency communications, dispatch equipment, lighting,
bay door operations, and life-safety systems, to remain fully functional, even when
the main power supply is down. The additional rental services provided by Valley
Power Systems, Inc. total $5,440.70, requiring an increase to the Fiscal Year 2024-25
Purchase Order. Since the City Manager’s signature authority is limited to $30,000,
City Council authorization is now required to increase the Purchase Order.
It is recommended that the City Council approve a Change Order to increase the
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Purchase Order with Valley Power Systems, Inc. for the
emergency generator rental at Fire Station 107, in the amount of $5,440.70.
Change Order for Emergency Generator Rental
October 7, 2025
Page 3 of 3
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), as it can be seen with certainty that it will have
no impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are available in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget to cover
these costs. A Purchase Order for Fiscal Year 2025-26 has been opened to cover the
rental cost needed in this fiscal year, until a new generator for Fire Station 107 is
purchased.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action does not
constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and
approve a Change Order to increase the Purchase Order with Valley Power Systems,
Inc. for the emergency generator rental at Fire Station 107, in the amount of
$5,440.70.