Agenda Item Wording:
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Approve a Change Order for a Blower Rental - Approve change order no. 1 with Aerzen Rental Solutions in the amount of $56,680 for the extended rental of an aeration basin blower at the Water Reclamation Facility and transfer $56,680 from the Wastewater Fund.
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Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, ben.litwack@visalia.gov, 559-713-4671
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov, 559-713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends the approval of change order no. 1 with Aerzen Rental Solutions under P04375 in the amount of $56,680 for the extended rental of an aeration basin blower at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and transfer $56,680 from the Wastewater Fund.
Summary:
P04375 authorized a two-month rental of an Aerzen blower beginning on September 24, 2025, to maintain adequate aeration capacity at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) during multiple blower and VFD failures. Repairs remain in progress, and additional rental time is needed to ensure the facility continues to meet nitrogen and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) permit limits. Staff is requesting approval for up to two additional 28-day rental periods at $28,340 per period, with pro-rated refund if returned early. This extension will provide operational stability while long-term blower and VFD improvements are evaluated.
Background Discussion:
P04375 authorized a two-month rental of an Aerzen blower beginning on September 24, 2025, to ensure adequate aeration capacity at the WRF. Due to multiple blower and VFD failures, the rental unit has been essential for maintaining dissolved oxygen levels in the aeration basins to support effective nitrogen and BOD removal. While repairs to the City’s blower systems are underway, additional time is required before a sufficient number of permanent blowers can be brought back online to reliably meet treatment requirements.
Staff is requesting approval of a change order for up to two additional 28-day rental periods at a cost of $28,340 per period, to ensure continued use of the Aerzen rental blower while permanent units are restored. The extension will allow the WRF to remain in compliance with regulatory permit limits and avoid operational risks that could occur if aeration capacity is reduced prematurely. The rental terms allow the City to return the blower early, and the vendor will pro-rate refund to the nearest week, ensuring the City only pays for the time needed. The additional rental duration provides necessary operational stability while options for long-term blower and VFD system improvements continue to be evaluated.
This change order was approved on 12/10/2025 by the change order committee. Staff is bringing this item to Council for approval since the change order amount will take the purchase order total from $82,530 to $139,210. To maintain compliance with the City’s purchasing policy, all purchase orders and contracts over $100,000 must be approved by the City Council.
Fiscal Impact: The additional 28-day rental periods will cost $28,340 per month for a total additional cost of $56,680 for two months. To cover the cost, staff requests that $56,680 be transferred from within the Wastewater Fund (431) Capital Budget from CP9768 to EQ0280.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to approve change order no. 1 with Aerzen Rental Solutions under P04375 in the amount of $56,680 and transfer $56,680 from the Wastewater Fund.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 12/15/2025
Attachments:
CO#1 - P04375