Agenda - 12-09-2003-9f - Laserfiche WebLink

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There was inadequate time during June 2003 budget work sessions to discuss all proposed County capital projects for 2003-04, Accordingly, discussion of the need for backup generators was scheduled far a BOCG work session on October 27, 2003, As a result of that discussion, the Board asked the Manager to report back on his recommended priorities for providing generators at County facilities, In order to enhance the County's ability to continue some basic County services during power outages, the Manager recommends that at this time, the County pursue backup power at two priority facilities: 1) the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, and 2) the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, Staff suggests earmarking the $152,000 in 2003-04 PAYG funds to retain the services of an electrical engineer to design and implement wiring at these two facilities to make them "generator ready". If needed due to adverse weather or for other prolonged electrical power outages, generators would be leased until such time as the County accumulates sufficient funding for outright purchases, where appropriate. Commissioners also have asked staff to look at the possibilities of having some County facilities taken "off the grid", so that primary (or perhaps backup) power would not be dependent on the electrical utilities' power distribution systems. In addition to proceeding with the design and installation of the wiring for the two priority buildings, staff recommends a parallel course of action over the next several months of investigating the feasibility and cost of using other "off the grid" systems to provide backup power, As noted in the accompanying memo, staff have been investigating grant opportunities for alternative energy sources, as well as grants through the Homeland Security program. Staff have submitted applications for some Homeland Security grant funds, with receipt of some funds for direct Emergency Management facility generators likely. However, formal decisions by the grantors regarding the County's applications are probably several months off. FINANCIAL IMPACT: As noted above, there are $152,000 in pay-as-you-go funds available for appropriation in FY 2003-04 that would address the wiring design and installation activities for the two priority County buildings and further investigation of "off the grid" backup power sources far other County facilities. The accompanying Emergency Power Capital Project Ordinance would authorize expenditure of these funds for these purposes. It is possible that additional finds may became available later this fiscal year through federal/state grant sources. If so, staff would bring an amended capital project ordinance back to the BOCC for consideration of additional appropriations to further enhance the County's backup power situation, RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: 1. Authorize staff to retain the services of an electrical engineer to design the wiring schematic for both the Southern Human Services Center and the Government Services Center, so that bath buildings will be "generator ready"; and 2, Authorize staff to proceed with bidding both projects for Board award as expeditiously as practicable; and 3. Instruct staff to conduct a process to identify a consultant(s) for the Board to consider who would be retained to investigate the feasibility and cost of using other "off the grid" systems to provide backup power in other County buildings; and 4. Adopt the accompanying Emergency Power Capital Project Ordinance..