The central energy plant at the Meadowlanes complex previously served Meadowlane Intermediate, Meadowlane Primary and Central Middle Schools. The system did not have the capacity or reliability to adequately cool all three schools during peak season. The chillers were refurbished and the primary loop and condensing water pumps were replaced in summer 2020 as part of the facility renewal projects. A new central energy plant has recently been completed at Central Middle School. This reduces the load on the Meadowlane chillers and also provides redundancy to keep all schools operational. 

Work has been ongoing to replace and refurbish the central energy plant components at the Meadowlanes complex in order to improve reliability of the system. Cooling towers were repaired last summer as a stop-gap measure, but the state of the equipment is such that replacement is proposed as part of this project.  The external condensing water piping was replaced with previous work, but the internal condensing water piping will be replaced in conjunction with the cooling tower replacement. This project will also address a noise complaint from the adjacent neighborhood as the newer model cooling towers are much quieter.

The replacement of the cooling towers and condensing water piping was reviewed by the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee at its August 19, 2020 meeting and recommended for funding through the 2014 sales surtax revenue over the $198 million program target. Of the $600,000 recommended allocation, $41,451 has been previously programmed for the Design Criteria Package (DCP) and preconstruction services, including design. The original budget for Meadowlane Intermediate also has funds remaining for central energy plant renewal that can partially support this project. 

Welsh Construction, LLC (Welsh) has submitted a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) in an amount not to exceed $582,854 for the cooling tower and condensing water pipe replacement project at the Meadowlanes complex under their continuing contract for design build services.  Administration and permitting costs are estimated at $12,000. 

Board approval is required for purchase orders over $50,000. The standard agreement template has been used, which does not require legal review.

Approve the total project construction budget in the amount of $594,854 for the cooling tower and condensing water pipe replacement project at the Meadowlanes complex.

Approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price submitted by Welsh in an amount not to exceed $582,854 under their continuing contract for design build services for the cooling tower and condensing water pipe replacement project at the Meadowlanes complex.

Approve the allocation of up to $600,000 from the 2014 sales surtax program revenue over $198 million for the cooling tower and condensing water pipe replacement project at the Meadowlanes complex.