At its meeting Monday, city council approved the commencement of two major procurements for the city.

Council voted to begin the procurement process for energy upgrades to the city parks building on Tlingit Street in the Marwell industrial area.

It also directed administration to begin the procurement processes for three pieces of heavy equipment to augment snow- and ice-clearing capabilities.

Authorization from council is required when procurements are expected to be in excess of $500,000.

Each of the three pieces of heavy equipment are expected to cost more than $500,000.

Funding for the new equipment has been identified in the 2023 capital budget.

“These 2023 procurements are being advanced without delay due to current long lead times for equipment, industry supply issues, and volatility in equipment pricing,” says an administrative report prepared for council.

“Based on the latest industry feedback, it is anticipated that the lead time for this equipment may be approximately 12 months from date of order.”

A request for tender will be publicly issued and the lowest compliant bid will be eligible for the contract award, says the report to council.

The report says energy upgrades to the city parks building include additional insulation, exterior doors, windows, LED lighting, building controls and other measures that will significantly reduce the energy consumption required to operate the facility.

Following the completion of the final design for the upgrades, however, the estimate for a new biomass heating system came in over-budget.

As a result, that part of the project has been delayed with the intention to further refine the proposal for a biomass heating system and resubmit it for consideration in the 2024 capital budget.

The administrative report noted the parks building has not seen a substantial reinvestment since it was purchased and customized by the city for its use in the late 1980s.