HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 17, 2000 E-08CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMil1VICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Purchase of Three Power Quality Monitors ($21,058.50)
MEETING DATE: May 17, 2000
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the
purchase of three power quality monitors (also known as power
analyzers) from Test Solutions West, San Jose, California, in the
amount of $21,058.50. (Test Solutions West is the region's authorized distributor for Dranetz-BMI, the
manufacturer of the department's existing power quality monitors. This purchase has not been
competitively bid).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Electric Utility Department's existing three Dranetz-BMI
monitors were purchased in 1985, but can no longer be calibrated
to provide accurate data. In addition, the equipment is not Y21K
compliant, and as a result has not been operational during year 2000. The Department has had to rent
equipment to respond to customer service calls for each individual call. Renting this type of equipment,
as compared to ownership, is not an economical option and does delay response to customer calls.
Finally, the manufacturer has advised the Department that it will no longer support or repair pre -Y2K -
compliant monitors.
Lodi Municipal Code authorizes dispensing with bids when it is in the best interest of the city to do so.
Staff recommends that buying replacement power quality monitors from Dranetz-BMI is in the City's
best interest for the following reasons:
(1) Electric Utility Department employees are familiar with Dranetz-BMI equipment and software, and
procedure for setup and programming, thus reducing the learning curve on new equipment;
(2) The new Dranetz-BMI monitors have the ability to analyze power quality and to generate reports
and graphs to assist in troubleshooting customers' power problems at a price that is less than half
the cost of the original equipment, and
(3) Dranetz-BMI is the technology leader in power quality instrumentation, system and analysis
software with a reputation for superior products, technical application support and customer
service (Utility Watch Industry News, May, 1998).
Dranetz-BMI has designated Test Solutions West of San Jose as the sole authorized distributor for the
Lodi area.
FUNDING: 1999-2001 Financial Plan and Budget, Page E-30
(Ref: Special Allocation #84, JV #20995, dated 3/8/2000)
Vicky McAthie, inance Director 1 i
J E
Vallow, Electric Utility Director
cc: Manager, Engineering and Operations
APPRov ®: ,�/&--C! —
H. Dixon Flynn — City Manager
Power Analyzer 5 00_CC2 05!10/00
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-78
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
THE PURCHASE OF THREE POWER QUALITY MONITORS
FOR THE ELECTRIC UTILITY DEPARTMENT
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WHEREAS, Lodi Municipal Code, §3.20.070, authorizes dispensing with bids for
purchases of supplies, services or equipment when it is in the best interest of the City to do so;
and
WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Department's existing three Dranetz-BMI monitors (also
known as power analyzers) were purchased in 1985, and can no longer be calibrated to provide
accurate data; and
WHEREAS, the equipment is not Y21K Compliant, and the manufacturer has determined
that it will not support nor repair non-compliant monitors.
WHEREAS, staff recommends purchasing Dranetz-BMI replacement monitors from their
sole authorized distributor, Test Solutions West of San Jose, for the following three reasons:
(1) Electric Utility Department employees are familiar with Dranetz-BMI equipment
and software, and the procedures for setup and programming, thus reducing the
learning curve on new equipment; and
(2) The new Dranetz-BMI monitors have the ability to analyze power quality and to
generate reports and graphs to assist in troubleshooting customers' power
problems at a price that is less than half the cost of the original equipment; and
(3) Dranetz-BMI is the technology leader in power quality instrumentation, system
and analysis software with a reputation for superior products, technical
application support and customer service (Utility Watch Industry News, May
1998).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council hereby approves the
Purchase of three Dranetz-BMI Power Quality Monitors from their sole authorized distributor for
the Lodi area, Test Solutions West of San Jose, in the amount of $21,058.50.
Dated: May 17, 2000
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I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2000-78 was passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held May 17, 2000, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hitchcock, Land, Pennino and Mann (Mayor)
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Nakanishi
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — No
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In rim ity Cler
2000-78