The discussion on the City of Tracy’s SCADA project may have begun in 2020, but it took a big step forward at the regular city council meeting Monday night with the awarding of the contract to Mears Electric in Marshall. However, the awarding of bids didn’t answer all the questions that have come from the project.
SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. It’s a computer-based system that provides basic control and detailed monitoring of plants and industrial equipment. The original estimate for the construction part of the project was $425,900. However, the low bid from Mears Electric was $497,340. In addition, the project will require programming and other costs, bringing the full cost to approximately $679,300. This increased cost brought concern from many council members as to how the overall cost would be paid for, including the $71,440 overage in construction costs.
The contract does have two alternatives that could remove portions of the water side of the project and programming that goes along with them. Alternative 1 would result in a deduction of $81,495, and alternative 2 would result in a deduction of $38,965. Both of those portions of the project could be done later but then would come with a high cost and would be programmed by someone different. This raised concerns from Bollig Engineering staff and Shane Daniels, as if there are issues once all part are working together, questions arise as to who is responsible for the programming issues that arise. The City is currently dealing with similar issues.
After discussion and questions, a motion was made by Seth Schmidt and seconded by Dave Tiegs. The motion passed 4-3 with Tiegs, Hinrichs, Schmidt and Arvizu voting in favor, while Schons, Landuyt and Cooreman voted against awarding the bids.
The biggest concern from those voting against awarding the bids was how to pay for it. Tracy City Administrator Jeff Carpenter told the council he will bring a clear plan of how the difference will be covered at the first council meeting of 2026.
In other council news …
• The board approved a resolution approving additional 2025 delinquent bills be certified to county as special assessment for 2026 tax statements for M&M Property Group LLC for $1,210 for a fire call.
• The board approved a resolution to call for redemption and prepayment of the general obligation housing development refunding bonds, series 2016A.
• The board approved a resolution for a voter agreement with Lyon County.
• The board approved the LELS Union contract.
