HomeMy WebLinkAboutRequest to Purchase - Central ServicesGrant County
Central Services
POBox 37
Ephrata WA 98823
(509) 754-2011 Ext -3276
Board of County Commissioners March 8, 2023
Re: Needed Maintenance at the Fairgrounds
The Harwood fire suppression system needs emergency repair. The system works by use of an
air compressor that keeps a dry system filled with pressurized air. When a fire occurs the heat
will melt a device that allows air to escape. The compressor cannot keep up and the system
recognizes that as a fire and opens a water valve that activates the sprinkler system.
Its not uncommon for there to be minor air leaks in a piping system, or due to the expansion and
contraction of air causing fluctuations in the system pressure due to temperature variations, the
compressor typically comes on once a month or sometimes every few months, adding 1-3 psi to
the system and this goes on for the life of the system.
For some reason the air compressor failed to come on, the air pressure dropped, and the system
filled with water. But because there was nowhere for the water to escape it repressurized and the
system thought it was normal (it does not know the difference between air and water)
There is no heat in the Harwood arena and the piping system froze, causing damage to several
areas of the system requiring replacement of some piping. McKinstry who is currently serving as
our fire services contractor (through Convergint Tech.) has provided a repair cost of $6,905.00
and will be funded from our maintenance budget.
With the Boards permission we will provide a Notice to Proceed to McKinstry and perform the
repairs as needed.
Respectfully submitted,
�om &a-rncf
Tom Gaines
Director, Grant County WA
Central Services Department
Tom Gaines
Director of Central Services
tgaines@grantcountywa.gov
♦ F 4 •�
.siz•
MAR 14 2023
"To meet current and future needs, serving together with public and private entities, while fostering a respectful and successful work environment"