Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorization to Amend the Measure N Spending Plan - Conduct the first of two Public Hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan to increase allocated funds for the modernization of elevators within both parking structures and Fire Station 52.
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Prepared by: Donny MacLennan, Building Maintenance Superintendent 713-4525; donny.maclennan@visalia.city Alvin Dias, Parks and Facilities Manager 713-4564; alvin.dias@visalia.city Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director 713-4042; jason.glick@visalia
Department Recommendation: Conduct the first of two Public Hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan to appropriate an additional $519,638 for the modernization of elevators within both parking structures and Fire Station 52. The second public hearing is scheduled for September 8, 2025.
Summary:
Measure N, the ½ cent sales tax that began April 1, 2017, requires the City to conduct two Public Hearings before amending the 2025/26 spending plan to appropriate additional funds for the modernization of elevators within both parking structures and Fire Station 52. The cost of the amendment is $519,638.
On August 4, 2025, the City Council voted unanimously to allow staff to initiate the Measure N amendment process to approve change orders 1 through 3 with TK Elevator in the amount of $199,306 and appropriate $519,638 for FY 2025/26.
On August 11, 2025, City Staff met with the Measure N Committee and presented the recommended amendment, including a detailed summary of the request, the increased budget, and why the increases were necessary. Upon being presented with the proposed amendment and appropriation, the committee was provided with an opportunity for comments. Upon accepting the motion, the committee recommended approval of this item.
Background Discussion:
Measure N serves as the funding source to repair buildings. These projects are typically roof repairs, HVAC replacements, and large miscellaneous repairs to City facilities. The City currently operates thirteen (13) elevators at various facilities. There are two (2) elevators within the West Acequia Parking Structure (located across from the Hospital), one (1) at the East Acequia Parking Structure (located across from City Hall East), and one (1) at Fire Station 52 (located at 2224 W. Monte Vista). Of these elevators only one elevator is currently operational at West Acequia Parking Structure. The other three (3) elevators have experienced operational failures and have been out of service for almost a year due to part manufacturing, repair personnel availability and the time involved in design.
On November 18, 2024, Council awarded a contract to TK Elevator for $804,013 to modernize the four elevators by doing a major overhaul on them. Over the last six months, TKE has been manufacturing components for the elevators. Since the contract award, tariffs have been put in place by the Federal Government causing an increase in material costs by $10,000 (change order #1). In addition, it was discovered that the insulation inside the hydraulic tank of the south elevator at the West Acequia Parking Structure had separated and contaminated the hydraulic oil, destroying the hydraulic control valve. The cost for the removal and installation of new hydraulic tanks is $90,000 (change order #2)
Staff is also anticipating a third change order for the replacement and relocation of the elevator hydraulic line at Fire Station 52 for an estimated cost of $100,000 (potential change order #3). TK Elevator will need to install the new hydraulic ram to test the existing hydraulic line. It is hopeful that the line is functional, but if the line fails the pressure test, the City will need to install a new hydraulic line across the building from the machine room to the elevator.
TKE has also informed staff that the Fire, Life, Safety systems will need to be updated to meet the current building code. This update will be completed by another vendor who coordinates with TKE. Staff are also requesting a 10% construction contingency for any unforeseen issues that may arise.
The East Parking Structure was built in 2001 (24 years old) and the West Parking Structure was built in 2007 (18 years old). Both the Parking Structures have been experiencing equipment failures, costly repairs, and many of the replacement parts have become obsolete. Staff have been working with TK Elevators for the past several years to keep the elevators functional and in compliance with the State of California regulations. This has led to costly repairs and the elevators to be down for long periods of time until replacement parts could be located. The non-functioning elevators have become more frequent as the elevators continue to age and have become especially noticeable at the West Acequia Parking Structure due to the high-volume use for Kaweah Health patients and staff.
There are two (2) elevators within the West Acequia Parking Structure and one (1) at the East Acequia Parking Structure. Of these elevators only one elevator is currently operational at West Acequia Parking Structure and continues require maintenance to resolve functional issues. The other two (2) elevators have experienced operational failures and have been out of service for several months.
Fire Station 52 was built in 1995 and is 30 years old. The elevator has been non-operational since April 2024 after failing the State required load test. During this time, TK Elevators discovered that the hydraulic ram that lifts and lowers the elevator cart was failing and would need to be replaced for the elevator to pass inspection and be operable for use. This is a costly repair due to the design of the system.
To get the three elevators operational (2 at parking structures + 1 at Station 52) and modernize the one functional elevator, Council awarded a contract to TK Elevator for $804,013 to modernize the four elevators by doing a major overhaul on them in November 2024. Over the last six months, TKE has been manufacturing components for the elevators. Since the contract award, material costs have been documented to have increased by $10,000 (change order #1). In addition, it was discovered that the insolation inside the hydraulic tank of the south elevator at the West Acequia Parking Structure had separated and contaminated the hydraulic oil, destroying the hydraulic control valve. During the original evaluation of the elevators the hydraulic tanks were in good condition. The cost for the removal and installation of new hydraulic tanks is $90,000 (change order #2)
Staff is also anticipating a third change order (change order #3) for the replacement and relocation of the elevator hydraulic line at Fire Station 52. The existing hydraulic line runs under the concrete bays and is directly buried in the soil. TK Elevator will need to install the new hydraulic ram to test the existing hydraulic line. It is hopeful that the line is functional, but if the line fails the pressure test, we will need to install a new hydraulic line across the building from the machine room to the elevator. The estimated cost for this change order is $100,000. These three change orders total $199,306.
In addition, TKE has informed staff that the Fire, Life, Safety systems will also need to be updated to meet the current building code. The System will need to be updated for the three non-operating elevators plus the one functional at the West Parking Structure. This work will need to be performed by another vendor who will coordinate with TKE. Staff are currently receiving quotes from our current vendor for the system upgrade. If the price is more than $100,000, staff will return to Council for the award. This does not need to be approved by the Measure N Committee, just the budget amendment.
Measure N Budget Amendment Process:
• Recommendation to City Council to make changes and present them to the Measure N Committee;
• Staff receives comments by Committee;
• Staff conducts two public hearings at regular Council Meetings to consider amendments.
Staff is requesting that the Council proceed with the Measure N process and conduct the first public hearing in order to continue with the Measure N budget amendment process for the three change orders, Safety System upgrades, and a 10% construction contingency for any unforeseen issues that may arise totaling $519,638.
Any remaining funds at the completion of the elevator modernization project would be disbursed back to the Measure N funds.
Fiscal Impact: During the 2024/25 Budget process, Council approved a $1.18 million capital project in the Measure N Fund for Building Maintenance. This project is used for roof repairs, HVAC replacements, and large miscellaneous repairs to City facilities.
The life expectancy of an elevator is now twenty years. Based on the age of the elevators and ongoing issues, staff had included the elevator repairs in the budget to be performed in phases, starting with the two (2) elevators at the West Acequia Parking Structure in FY 24-25, and the one (1) elevator at the East Acequia Parking Structure to be completed in FY 25-26. Fire Station 52 was not originally included in the budget due to not having any major issues. To stay within the elevator budget, Station 52 was swapped with the second elevator in the West Parking Structure.
Staff are requesting to continue the Measure N amendment process to appropriate an additional $519,638 as shown in the table below.
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Modernization of elevators within both parking structures |
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and Fire Station 52 Project |
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Current Budget |
$804,013 |
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Change Order #1 - Tariff cost increase |
$9,306 |
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Change Order #2 - Hydraulic Oil Reservoir Tanks (West Parking Structure) |
$90,000 |
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Anticipated Change Order #3 - Hydraulic line replacement and relocation (Fire Station 52) |
$100,000 |
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Fire, Life, Safety required upgrades - All elevators (estimate) |
$200,000 |
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Construction Contingency (est.10%) |
$120,332 |
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Total Estimated Project Costs |
$1,323,651 |
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Total Additional Appropriation Request |
$519,638 |
Any remaining funds at the completion of the elevator modernization project would be disbursed back to the Measure N fund.
Prior Council Action: August 4, 2025 - Authorized staff to enter into Measure N Amendment Process and approved change orders 1 through 3 to TK Elevator.
June 17, 2024 - the City Council approved the appropriation of $310,000 in CIP CP0250 for the modernization of the elevators within the 300 E Acequia Parking Structure.
Other: None
Alternatives: Reject staffs request to conduct a public hearing and perform a second Request for Bids. This will delay the repairs and use of the elevators to reach the upper levels of the facilities.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Conduct the first of two Public Hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan for an amendment to the current contract Plan to appropriate an additional $519,638 for the modernization of elevators within both parking structures and Fire Station 52.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 8/18/2025
Attachments: TK Elevator Tariff Change Order #1, TK Elevator Hydraulic Tanks Change Order #2