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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-09-2003-9fORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 9, 2003 Action Agenda Item No. SUBJECT: Emergency Power Sources for County Buildings DEPARTMENT: Manager/Public Works/ Emergency Management/Purchasing ATTACHMENT(S): 12/01/03 Public Works Director Memo re: Existing Emergency Power Generators 12/03/03 EM Staff Memo re: Primary Emergency Shelter Generator Capability 11/25/03 EM Staff Memo re: Alternative Energy Source Grants Status Emergency Power Capital Project Ordinance PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No INFORMATION CONTACT: Rod Visser, 245-2300 Wilbert McAdco, 235-2625 Nick Waters, 644-3030 Pam Jones, 245-2350 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To discuss the need for and authorize staff to take certain steps towards providing backup power capabilities at key County facilities during electrical power outages. BACKGROUND: In recent years, Orange County has experienced a significant number of widespread electrical power outages, generally as the result of adverse weather. Certain key County facilities, particularly the Emergency Operations Center and related Emergency Management Department offices, have backup generators installed that provide for a seamless transfer of the power load and continuous operations in the event of electrical power failures.. Others can receive generator power through manual transfer switches. However, recent experience has been that because not all Cotanty buildings have backup power sources, many important County services came to a virtual halt under adverse weather conditions and their immediate aftermath. In early 2003, the BOCC encouraged the Manager and staff to consider including funding for some emergency generators in the 2003-2013 Capital Investment Plan.. The recommended CIP includes $152,000 in County pay-as-you-go (PAYG) funding to begin the expansion of existing backup power capabilities at County facilities. Staff have prepared a table of existing County facilities with generators in place and the degree to which those generators are capable of powering the facilities they support. Staff have also prepared a summary of the wiring in place at the County's two main "generator ready" shelters at Stanford and Smith Middle Schools. 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.. DATE: TO: John Link, Cotanty Manager FROM: Wilbert McAdoo, Public Works Director RE: Generators Orange County currently has a number of emergency power generators in place at County buildings and facilities. Table 1 below presents a summary of each, including the capacity and a general description of the areas and equipment served by each, Preventive maintenance, including routine "exercising" of generators is, provided by the Motor Pool Division of Public Works. Motor Pool staff provide additional service inspections and fuel top-ups based on forecasts of severe weather, Table 1 Existing Orange County Emergency Power Generators Location .Size/Capacity Areas/Equipment Served' Stationa Generators Cedar Grove Fire Station 1.5 KVA Various lights and rece tacles Communications Tower 30 KVA All communications equipment; small electric heater Efland Sewer Station 125 KVA Sewa e um s EMS 911 Center 73,7 KVA Communication center, EOC, various li hts throu hout Fuel Station 30 KVA All operations Jail 80 KVA Fire alarm, exit lights, basement lights, telephone equip, various outlets throu h-out Motor Pool Old 11 KVA Entire buildin - no HVAC Motor Pool (New) (includes Public Works 80 KVA All operations excluding Admin buildin coolin Purchasing & Central Services Building 60 KVA Entire building including HVAC, telephone equip and PC servers Location Size/Capacity Areas/Equipment Served: Richard E. Whitted Numan Services Center 110 KVA Fire alarm, telephone equip, elevator (lights & controls only), receptacles throughout A & B basement Sheriff's Office 75 KVA Eve hin but NVAC Portable Generators Stored at Public Works 5,000 watt/ea Available for use throughout the Count as needed eea` . D` ~" ',. r,. $~ w t~'tG ¢a^~~`~ ORANGE COUNTY EMEPGENCY MANAGEMENT PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 F.utergency Medical Services Firc Mursltal Hazardous Materials'ieam Disttster Response 9-I-1 Conuuunications Nor'rnnl DuSirrass Hours. 919-9GS-20>0 919-644-3030 29 flour I-0~mning Foint: 919-933-2600 919-732-Si GI l7usfuess Fned~faehine. 919-9GS-4066 24-flour' F,a,c rYfncGina. 919-967-9026 DIRECTOR Nicl: Waters nwatexs@co,orange.nc. us DEPCI'll' DIRECTOR/EMS/ADMINISTRA'IION C. ICeut McKenzie kmckenzie@co. orange.nc. us DEPUTY DIRECTOR/FIRE MAFSHAL Mike 'Papp mtapp@co. orange.nc.us DIPU'T1' DIRECTOR/COMMUNICATIONS GWCIl S110Wde11 gsnowden@co.orange, nc. us EMERGENCI' MANAGEMEIVF SPECIALIST" Epic Griffin egriffin@co.orange.nc.us ADM[NIS`iRATIVF. ASSIS'fAN'i Tauuuy Comar tcomar@co. orange, nc.us MEMORANDUM To: Nick Waters Prom: Elie Griffin, Mike Tapp Date: December 3, 200 Subject: Primary Emergency Shelter Generator Capabilities Smith Middle School has a permanently mounted diesel powered generator that provides power to the gymnasium, locker rooms, auditorium, and kitchen as well as the emergency exits and egress lights.. The generator does not provide power to the chiller units for air conditioning, however it will facilitate heating by powering one boiler and all of the blower fans. The generator is diesel powered, 350 I{W/480 volt, three phase.. Generator power is supplied to the facility tlu`ough a manual transfer switch. C.W. Stanford Middle School uses a rental diesel powered generator supplied by Gregory Poole Power Systems in Raleigh which connects to a permanently mounted manual transfer switch. The generator powers the manual transfer switch through a set of cables, which is part of the generator system supplied by the rental company,. The rental generator must provide 225 K.W/480 volt, tlnee phase power. The generator has a small fuel tank, which requires the unit to be refueled on a daily basis when the shelter is in operation. The generator supplies power to the chiller units for air conditioning and the boiler for heat to the gymnasium, locker rooms, cafeteria, the special needs area, emergency/egress lighting. .,,a~ , ~~ `°° ,a a ~ ,y r' ,. '.~ z.,~o~~~° ORANGE COUNTY EMERGL•NCY MANAGEMENT PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Emergency Medics] Services Fire Marshal Hazardous Materials 1-e~mt Disaster Response 9-I-1 Conununicatious Nur~trn/Dusiuess Hounsr 919-9GS-zoso 9t9-Gd4-3030 24 Hour INnrrtirrg Point 919-933-2G00 919-732-SIGI lSUSiness Fn.~c Mnc/tine 919-9GS-40GG ?-t -Hour £n.e ddnclune~ 919-9Gi-902G DIRECTOR Nick Waters nwaters@co. orange.nc, us DEPUTI' DIRECTOR/EMS/ADMINI51-RAT[( C. Kent McKenzie kmckenzie@co. or ange.ne.us DEPU7"1' DIRECT"OR/FIRE MARSFIAI Milce Tapp mtapp@co. orange.nc.us DEPUTY DIRECTOR/COMMUNICA'IIONG Gwen Snowden gsnowden@co orange nc.us EMERGENCI' MANAGF,MENT SPECIALIST Eric Griffin egriffm@co .orange .nc.us ADMINISI-RATIVE ASSISTANT Tanury Comar tcomar@co . or ange. nc. u s MEMORANDUM To: Nick Waters From: Eric Griffin Date: November 25, 20.3 Subject: Alternative Energy Source Grants Status ~~ As you know, I actively research grants thl°ough public and private sources in performance of my job duties. To date, I have found very few that fiord altenlative energy sources. The North Carolina State Energy Office, a division of state govenunent, is the holding agency for federal energy grants, and is our best chance of building alternative power source capacity. I have monitored this office for grant announcements, and have been unable to capitalize on their Request For Proposals to date. I plan to continue attempts to tap this funding stream to acquire photovoltaic systems to supplement our° facilities' power needs. Alternative energy needs have so far been unacceptable to federal Homeland Security grant mairagers, even for generators to allow us to take our facilities "off the grid". The existing grants which Orange County is eligible for are limited to specific funding criteria skewed toward "f rst responder" equipment only.. Currently, this grant constitutes the only Homeland Security funding available to Emergency Management for capital equipment purchases and is spread out through all the first responder agencies in the County. I will latow of other opporttmities in the coming months as Congress approves more deparhnental budgets. There are a limited irumber of private grants that will find govermnental prgjects. As you recall, most of the large grant fenders such as the Ford Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts only fiord agencies with a national scope, like the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships. The grantors for local agencies favor those which are 501 (c) 3 organizations, which is a private non-profit designation. Govermnent is less favored since it is seen as having "dedicated" finding streams. I have, and will, continue to research and apply to these private grant progl-ams. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funded tlu-ough the Stafford Act after federally declared disasters will continue to be a source of grant funds. However, they are limited to public safety uses only, Currently, the stipulations are that only primary Emergency Operation Centers; EMS stations, Fire Departments, and 9-1-1 cotnrnunication facilities are eligible for permanent generators. Other facilities are eligible for "quick corrects", which consist of limited writing and the electrical panel to connect a leased generator to the facility. Emergency Power Capital Project Ordinance Be it ordained by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners that pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project is hereby adopted. Section 1.The project authorized provides funds for backup power capabilities at key County facilities during electrical power outages. Proceeds from the County's dedicated property tax finance this project. Section 2.The officers of the County are hereby directed to proceed with the project within the budget contained herein. Section 3.The following revenue is anticipated to complete this project 'Through FY 2002-03 FY 2003-04 Through FY 2003-04 Sales Tax $0 $0 Bond Funds $0 $0 Private Placement $0 $0 Fees $0 T $0 Dedicated Pro ert Tax $0 $152,000 $152,000 TotalFundin $0 $152,000 $152,000 Section 4.The following amount is appropriated for this project: Through FY 2002-03 FY 2003-04 Through FY 2003-04 LandBuildin $0 $0 Desi n $0 $0 Construction $0 $0 Emer enc Power Sources $0 $152,000 $152,000 Total Costs $0 $152,000 $152,000 Section 5.This ordinance supersedes all previous Emergency Generators Capital Project Ordinances for Orange County. Section 6.This ordinance shall be in effect until June 30, 2004. 7 Adopted this 9th day of December 2003.