Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	David L. Corliss – City Manager Diane Stoddard - Assistant City Manager Casey Toomay - Assistant City Manager
FROM:	Jeanette Klamm – Management Analyst
CC:	Dave Wagner – Director of Utilities Mike Lawless – Deputy Director of Utilities Mark Hegeman – Utilities Operations Superintendent Dave King – Utilities Maintenance Superintendent
Date:	July 24, 2014
RE:	Agenda Item – Authorize the Purchase of 2 Variable Frequency Drives for the Wastewater Treatment Plant

Project Description:

The Wastewater Treatment Plant receives and treats wastewater and returns it safely to the environment. The wastewater influent pump station receives the wastewater from the collections system and uses 1 to 4 pumps to deliver the wastewater to the rest of the treatment processes. The pumps are controlled with a VFD for variable speed control. The availability of these pumps is critical during high flows and rain events. Currently one pump is not available due to an inoperable VFD.

An additional VFD, which provides variable speed control to one of three blowers, has failed also. The blowers provide air to the aeration basins, which is critical in meeting the secondary treatment requirements of the regulations. Although maintenance staff was able to keep the blower operational, the VFD is in poor condition and risks permanent failure. Both VFDs have been in service for over fourteen years.

Project Status:

Staff has determined that the replacement of the 2 VFDs is required to maintain treatment reliability. Staff have negotiated a quote for both VFDs, startup services, and a 5 year warranty with Logic Inc. in the amount of $73,632. Logic Inc. is the local supplier for Department’s specified standard ABB VFDs.

Project Funding:

The project is funded from Department of Utilities cash construction funds.

Action Request:

Authorize the execution of a purchase agreement with Logic Inc. in the amount of $73,632 for the purchase of two ABB Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) with a 5 year warranty for Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Thank you for your assistance. Please advise if you have any questions.