The City of Delta recently issued a request for bids for a qualified and experienced mechanical contractor to design-build one replacement air handling unit at Lander Leisure Centre and four at South Delta Recreation Centre.
The project includes the design-build of a new roof top unit to supply heat and air conditioning for the main lobby and coffee shop area of Ladner Leisure Centre, while four new roof top units are to replace existing units at South Delta Recreation Centre.
The city also notes that it wants to identify three contractors that can be called upon to provide design-build mechanical services on an “as and when requested” basis.
Meanwhile, council recently gave the go-ahead for staff to develop an enhanced corporate asset management program.
A report to council notes there is growing awareness of the importance of implementing long-term asset management practices, and senior governments are increasingly requiring enhanced asset management reporting as a condition of grant funding.
Delta has conducted some condition assessments on civic facilities and utility infrastructure, however, the need exists for the city to undertake a more comprehensive and systematic asset assessment and planning approach, the report notes.
The process involves continuously assessing management practices and the state of assets.
The report explains that the first phase of Delta’s enhanced corporate asset management program will involve gathering data for a thorough condition assessment of asset classes, then developing an asset management policy, strategy, plan and integration into Delta’s long-range financial plan.
The second phase will involve implementing formalized practices across all areas of the city. Once Delta’s program is fully developed, ongoing review and updates will be essential, the report adds.
As far as having the appropriate staff to oversee the program, Delta recently implemented organizational changes to place a greater focus on long-term facility planning and asset management. Through a departmental amalgamation, the Facilities and Major Projects Department was created.
To adequately address capacity challenges related to a backlog of capital projects in facility lifecycle and asset management, additional staff resources are required, including hiring four-to-six additional positions.
Among the positions, one will oversee maintenance operations across multiple facilities, leading a team of maintenance staff, coordinating schedules, prioritizing tasks and allocating resources. A new lands specialist will work with the city’s lands manager and other staff to enhance the day-to-day management of the Delta’s real estate holdings.
