HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-10 City Council (7)C ry of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Repor
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
FEBRUARY 10, 2003
DEPARTMENT:UTILITIES
CMR:164:03
EMERGENCY PU3IP MOTOR REPAIRS TO CORTE MADERA
BOOSTER STATION
This is an informational report and no Council action is required.
BACKGROUND
On January 21, at the Corte Madera Booster Station, one pump motor failed due to age,
and the second motor was determined to be on the brink of failure. Because of age, both
motors suffered from weakened insulation that caused their failure.
The pumps are critical in supplying drinking water and fire protection to the foothill area.
The Corte Madera Station is a critical component of the water system. Without
immediate repairs there was a possibility the four storage reservoirs above Corte Madera
would drain below required water service and fire storage demands. The impacts on the
Foothill area customers could have been: low water pressure, loss of water service, and
loss of fire protection services. Electricians were able to keep one pump in service
temporally to fill the four reselw-oirs, which allowed time for repairs to be made.
Staff made the determination that this was an emergency situation due to possible fire
hazard and public health risk. Staff made the decision to use the City Manager’s
authority and contract with Koffler Electrical Company. Koffler Electrical was highly
recommended by Water-Wastewater staff because of past experience with their reliability
and speed of service. Koffler Electrical removed one motor at a time, guaranteeing to
have them back in service within four to five days of removal. Koffler rebuilt the two
motors by replacing the insulation and wiring. The rebuilt motors are expected to last at
CMR:164:03 Page 1 of 2
least 10 years depending on the maintenance pro~am. Koffler discovered that on both
motors insulation and wiring failed due to age. The lack of an annual maintenance
pro~am is also considered to be a factor in the motor failure.
On February 9, the Corte Madera Booster Station will be returned to normal operation,
and Koffler Electrical is expected to successfully meet the staff’ s deadline.
PREPARED BY:
JOHN Z~
;mission Sul:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:JOHN’ULRICH
Director of Utilities
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Assistant City Manager
CMR:164:03 Page 2 of 2