To: Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: Advertisement for Chiller Replacement Project at 151 Linus Pauling Drive, Hercules
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE the design and bid documents, including the plans and specifications, for the Chiller Replacement Project located at 151 Linus Pauling Drive, Hercules.
AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to advertise/solicit bids on August 12, 2026, and bids to be received on or about October 1, 2026. Authorize bid addenda to be issued as needed, for clarification of bid documents, provided the changes do not significantly increase the construction cost estimate.
DIRECT the Clerk of the Board to publish, at least 14 days before the bid opening date, the Notice to Contractors in accordance with the Public Contract Code Section 22037, inviting bids for this project.
DIRECT the Public Works Director, or designee, to send notices by email, and by US Mail to the construction trade journals specified in the Public Contract Code Section 22036 at least 15 days before the bid opening.
DETERMINE the Project is California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Article 19, Section 15302(c) of the CEQA Statutes and Guidelines.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Estimated Construction cost: $4,182,193. $1,400,000 (33.48%) will be funded through Measure X fund, $186,294 (4.45%) will be funded through unallocated Measure X Funds, $823,000 (19.68) will be funded through EHSD Funds, $940,000 (22.48%) will be transferred from 30 Douglas Generator Project, and $832,899. (19.91) undesignated cap funds.
BACKGROUND:
The existing chiller units (HVAC units) which provide air cooling to the building, have been in use since the 1990’s, have reached the end of their useful life, and are failing. The existing chillers are frequently out of order and can no longer keep the building at a consistent temperature. Staff have on occasion been relocated out of the building due to excessive interior temperatures, and there are regular complaints about uncomfortable working conditions. Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) staffing has increased at this location, magnifying the problem.
The project consists of replacing four rooftop packaged HVAC (chiller) units. These units will be replaced with four higher efficiency packaged HVAC units and tied into the existing building management system.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without Board of Supervisors approval, the project will not be constructed, and excessive interior temperatures during hot weather will create uncomfortable working conditions, at times requiring relocation of staff and interruption of services.
Delay in approving the plans will impact the staff working in the building and result in ensuing temperature fluctuations. Temperature ranges outside the human comfort zone will result in expenses incurred due to the necessity of relocating staff.