Gabe Stark
Reporter

The Trenton City Council approved several utility-related purchases Monday night, including a heat exchanger for an electric generator at the north substation and new pumps for the water treatment plant.

The most extensive discussion centered on a $21,420 Mueller heat exchanger for Electric Motive Division Unit 2.

Electric Production Supervisor Kyle Sharp said the unit has a ruptured radiator core and has experienced cooling problems.

Council Member Bart Thomas questioned whether repairing the existing radiator would be less expensive. Thomas said he contacted someone with 32 years of locomotive industry experience who told him individual damaged tubes can sometimes be closed off while still allowing the radiator to operate effectively.

“I don’t want to see the taxpayers spend all this money if it’s not necessary,” Thomas said. “If it is, great. So be it, let’s do it.”

Sharp said repairing the radiator would still require substantial disassembly and would not address hot air from neighboring generators being pulled into the cooling system. He said Units 2 and 4 have experienced overheating issues.

Sharp said reliable cooling is also important because the city receives financial credits tied to its ability to generate electricity when needed.

City Administrator Matt Harline said the city plans to seek engineering assistance for a broader review of the electric production system and long-term capital needs.

“We don’t want to waste any of the taxpayers’ money, but we do want to make sure that these engines are functional, because there’s a lot of money at stake,” Harline said.

The council approved the heat exchanger purchase 5-2, with Thomas and Council Member David Mlika voting against it.

Council members also approved $17,300 for VIPower to perform polarization index, breaker and relay testing at the north substation. Sharp said VIPower could perform the full range of testing required.

At the water treatment plant, the council approved a $40,242.82 bid from Hawkins for new peristaltic metering pumps. Hawkins submitted the only bid.

Interim Water Supervisor Gunner Golden said the pumps will replace aging sodium hypochlorite equipment that has become less reliable.

Golden said one existing pump previously seized and had to be rebuilt, with replacement parts taking an extended period to arrive. The replacements will use peristaltic technology similar to equipment already used elsewhere at the plant and should be easier for city employees to maintain.