Report details HVAC problems
Revised cost estimates put rec centre repair price higher than expected
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, May 12, 2016
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
A schematic design report on the HVAC system at Fort Simpson's recreation centre puts the price of completely rehabilitating the system at $700,000.
During a committee of the whole meeting on May 9, senior administrative officer Beth Jumbo said the estimate is more than double what was expected. Previous estimates were not available at press time.
The report, conducted by Associated Engineering, deems the system "in very poor condition with every sub-system either (operating) manually (either partially or completely) or not operational at all," according to an executive summary.
A list of recommended project phases included in the report starts with six high-priority items, including the main plant room piping and installation, main plant room ventilation system, refurbishing the plant room's electrical equipment, installing a base control system for the plant room's equipment, repairing or replacing exhaust fans and servicing and repairing all electrical systems.
Eleven other items are included in the recommendations, although lower in priority than the initial six.
The first three recommended items are necessary in order for a control system to be installed, according to the report. Additionally, it states none of the exhaust fans are operational.
Senior administrative officer Beth Jumbo described the situation as "of an emergent nature," which allows council to override its policy for local purchasing. Instead of going through the tender process, the village will allow Associated Engineering to bring in contractors the firm chooses to fix the problems listed.
"(Associated Engineering has) noted there are three components of our system that are hanging by a thread," said Jumbo. "This is somewhat of an emergent nature."
The report also found the circulation pumps, which are always running, are responsible for nearly half of the building's electricity cost, which cost $133,714 between February 2015 and January 2016.
The report states any improvement in control could have "a significant effect on the electricity cost."
"Conversely, if not tightly controlled, refurbishing systems that re currently not operating could increase operating costs," states the report.
Councillors expressed approval of the thoroughness of the report.
"This is the way to do things when it comes to fixing stuff up," said Coun. Chuck Blyth.
Jumbo said the discussion of how far down the list of recommendations to go would be had in-camera.
