Title
Northeast Pool Blankets, Reels and Reel Covers Purchase Authorization (B)
This item involves a request for the City Commission to authorize the purchase of pool blankets, reels and reel covers for Northeast Pool from Commercial Energy Specialist, Inc. (CES) in conjunction with the installation of the geo-thermal heating project currently underway.
Explanation
On May 21, 2009, the City Commission approved the heating project for Northeast Pool through the Wild Spaces Public Places sales tax initiative. There are two components to the pool heating project: The first, which is currently underway, requires the installation of geo-thermal heating units at Northeast Pool. Symbiont Service Corporation is currently installing the geo-thermal heaters at Northeast Pool; and second, pool blankets, reels and reel covers need to be purchased for installation at Northeast Pool.
Pool blankets are necessary on pool heating projects to prevent heat escape from the pool water at night and during times that the pool is closed. Pool blankets can eliminate up to 90% of the heat loss from pool water, and can save 50-70% on total heating costs. Pool blankets, when properly measured and fit to the exact specifications of each pool, will greatly improve the efficiency of the heating operation.
The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department is requesting approval to purchase T-Star Energy Saver FE EX/HD-XER pool blankets; 100% stainless steel reels; and reel covers from Commercial Energy Specialists, Inc. (CES) through a specified source purchase based on the factors described below.
T-Star Enterprises offers a higher quality pool blanket than other manufacturers, including hemmed edging that is double folded and sewn, versus single folded on standard blankets; plate-reinforced corner construction to prevent tearing; and 12x10 thickness on the cover material versus 10x10 on standard blankets. T-Star pool blankets are also covered under a 6-year warranty, versus 3-5 years on standard pool blankets. The blanket reels offered by Commercial Energy Specialists, Inc. (CES) are manufactured from 100% stainless steel parts, guaranteed not to rust or corrode in a swimming pool environment. This includes stainless steel castors and wheels.
There is only one authorized vendor for T-Star pool blankets in Florida. That vendor is Commercial Energy Specialists, Inc. (CES), based out of Jupiter, Florida. CES will custom-measure our pool on-site and guarantee that the blankets are manufactured to our exact specifications and measurements, or they will replace them for free. CES will also provide customized cut-outs around all ladders, rails and protrusions in the pool to ensure a tight, secure fit for the pool blankets.
The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department already has an annual maintenance and service contract in place with CES for our aquatic facilities. CES is very familiar with our pool facilities and operations, and as a result they will send certified pool service technicians free of charge to custom measure for the pool blankets.
Finally, custom manufacture of pool blankets is a very lengthy process. CES and T-Star Enterprises can meet the City's deadline for measuring, ordering, manufacturing and delivery of the pool blankets in the timeframe necessary to complete the Northeast Pool heating project.
Fiscal Note
Funding for the Northeast Pool blankets, reels and reel covers is available in the Wild Spaces Public Places capital projects account. A total of $360,000 is available for the Northeast Pool heating project was approved by the City Commission on 5/21/09. This is a request to use a portion of that funding not to exceed $60,275.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the purchase of the pool blankets, reels and reel covers from Commercial Energy Specialists; and 2) the issuance of a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $60,275 for the purchase of pool blankets for Northeast Pool.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City Commission deny this request for purchase of pool blankets, reels and reel covers from Commercial Energy Specialists for the Northeast Pool heating project.