Some well-advised foresight has helped the Town of Stettler address an expensive breakdown at one of the most important facilities in town. The decision to replace the water treatment plant’s boiler was made at the Feb. 6 regular meeting of council.
Councillors heard a report from Director of Operational Services Melissa Robbins regarding the failure of a boiler at the water treatment plant.
“The existing 2,000,000 BTU boiler at the water treatment plant has had a tube failure,” stated Robbins in her memo to council.
“The boiler is close to end of life and full replacement instead of repair is the best plan. Administration has been establishing a reserve at the water treatment plan to cover these types of unexpected expenditures. The water treatment plant small equipment reserve has a current balance of $171,374.88.”
In her presentation Robbins reported requests were sent to three local businesses that could perform the required work, plus one firm in Red Deer.
“All three local companies submitted proposals,” stated Robbins’ report. “All companies recommended replacing the large boiler with four smaller units.
“This proposal will allow taking a boiler out of service for repair or replacement without losing the ability to produce water.
“Action Plumbing and Keith’s Refrigeration both propose utilizing the same footprint and piping connections. Burmac Mechanical has proposed a different configuration requiring additional work.”
Robbins’ report noted the three offers: Action Plumbing $82,000, Keith’s Refrigeration $83,995 and Burmac Mechanical $205,622.80.
It’s estimated electrical work required for the new boilers will add about $2,000 to the total cost.
Robbins stated town staff recommended accepting Action Plumbing’s offer.
During discussion, several councillors stated they were pleased to see foresight paid off by having that reserve account available rather than scrambling around to find money to pay for this unexpected breakdown.
Town Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Leann Graham stated it was Assistant CAO Steve Gerlitz who deserved the credit for that.
Councillors unanimously passed a resolution to offer the water treatment boiler work to Action Plumbing.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
