HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8k - Accept Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project
STAFF REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: August 18, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Paul Cranmer, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Services Director
By: Carlos Aguilar, General Services Superintendent
SUBJECT: ACCEPT ALL WORK PERFORMED BY CARRIER CORPORATION FOR THE
LIBRARY COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT AS COMPLETE
CEQA: Exempt
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
On May 6, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with Carrier Corporation for
the Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project in the amount of $199,775. The
project has been completed in accordance with the contract and to the satisfaction
of the Project Manager at a final cost of $195,018.50, reflecting a reduction of
$4,756.50 (2.38%) from the original contract amount due to change orders.
It is recommended that the City Council accept the project as complete and authorize
final payment to Carrier Corporation in accordance with the contract documents,
subject to the retention of $9,114.50.
BACKGROUND
The Library's cooling tower, which provides cooling for the building, was installed
during the 1996 Library renovation and had exceeded its typical 10-year service life.
After nearly 30 years of operation, the equipment showed significant wear and
deterioration, resulting in reduced cooling capacity and frequent mechanical failures
that disrupted air conditioning service.
Corrosion, scale buildup, outdated components, and aging equipment made it
increasingly difficult to maintain the Library's temperature requirements, while
Accept Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project
August 18, 2026
Page 2 of 3
maintenance and repair costs continued to rise. Replacing the cooling tower with a
new energy-efficient system was necessary to improve reliability, performance, and
operational efficiency.
DISCUSSION
On May 6, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with Carrier Corporation for
the Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project. The project included installation of
a new cooling tower motor, condenser water pump, and water treatment equipment.
During construction, it was determined that some planned replacements were
unnecessary because the existing equipment remained in good condition, while two
butterfly valves were replaced to repair leaking pipes. These changes reduced the
contract amount by $4,756.50.
The new cooling tower improves cooling efficiency, reduces demand on the building's
chillers and HVAC system, lowers energy consumption and maintenance costs, and
provides reliable climate control. All work was completed in accordance with the
contract documents and to the satisfaction of the Project Manager. Carrier
Corporation completed the project efficiently and in compliance with the approved
plans and specifications.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This Project is considered a Class 1 exemption as defined in Section 15301(d) “Existing
Facilities” projects of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), which
exempts projects consisting of the minor alteration of existing public structures.
FISCAL IMPACT
A total of $300,000 was budgeted for this project in the Fiscal Year 2024–25 Capital
Improvement Program. On May 6, 2025, the City Council approved a $199,775
contract to Carrier Corporation for the Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project.
The final project cost was $195,018.50, reflecting contract change orders that
reduced the contract amount by $4,756.50 (2.38%).
Accept Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project
August 18, 2026
Page 3 of 3
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this project is exempt under
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and accept all work performed by
Carrier Corporation for the Library Cooling Tower Replacement Project as complete
and authorize the final payment to be made in accordance with the contract
documents, subject to the retention of $9,114.50.