By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
It is important for Nephi City to have an updated mapping system for the electric services in the city. Information about the city’s utility infrastructure is limited; however, over many years some utility maps have been compiled to give the utility workers the ability to better serve the public. Kyle Marchant, Nephi City Public Works Director, has been diligent about maps for utilities systems, said Seth Atkinson, city administrator. “The utility maps that have been compiled into visual master maps include water and sewer,” said Atkinson. “The natural gas utility is currently being compiled and reconciled in-house, but still remains incomplete.” “The electrical utility has never had the luxury of updated maps,” said Marchant. The electrical department has been operated for many years without the aid of a master map. Nephi City electricians have relied heavily on old outdated maps. “The time has come to upgrade the current mapping system and more specifically the electrical maps,” said Marchant. System maps can help improve the quality of service that the electrical department can provide, and modeling the electrical system will provide the City electricians with the information necessary to keep the system in prime operating condition. “Last year, in the 2016-2017 fiscal year budget, approximately $40,000 was set aside in an effort to get a master map and electrical model for the electrical department, but the quantity fell short,” said Atkinson. The proposed cost for the master map and electrical model is $88,902. Because of a lack of funds in the last fiscal year budget, no money was spent from that specific budget item with the intent of carrying it over to the current fiscal year budget, said Atkinson. By combining the two years of budget, there is sufficient money to cover the cost of the mapping and modeling project. In the coming fiscal year the city will be investing in new GPS equipment that will provide us with the ability to expand this new master map as the electrical system expands. The city will no longer need to contract out services in order to keep the utility master maps up to date. By utilizing the GPS equipment in conjunction with current GIS software, this mapping project becomes a one-time need and one-time purchase. The public works department sought out multiple qualified surveys and engineering firms to produce a master map and model of the Nephi City electrical system. A request for qualifications was sent to multiple firms including Ludlow Engineering, CIS surveying, KEE Engineering, Horrocks Engineering, Codale Electric, and Sunrise Engineering. After reviewing all the qualified submittals the staff felt that Horrocks Engineering (who teamed with KEE Engineering) would be the best option to fulfill the electric department’s needs. Horrocks Engineers recently teamed up with KEE Engineering & Consulting, said Atkinson. “I feel like we have a good combo with the two engineering firms,” said Atkinson. He said that money was budgeted for the work. Horrocks won the bid to map the electrical system, said Atkinson. They sent their letter of acceptance to the city. “Horrocks Engineers and KEE Engineering & Consulting are excited to work with Nephi City to provide engineering services for the city’s electrical mapping and modeling project. Based on information in the city’s original RFQ, subsequent meetings and discussions with city staff, and field visits, we have developed the attached proposed scope of work, associated fee, and work schedule,” said Ron Mortimer, TE Principal. Nathan Memmott, city council member, said that once the work was done, the electric system would be mapped and workers undertaking a project would no longer need to go on memory. “We will have all our eggs in the same basket,” said Rust Finlinson, electric department superintendent. Marchant said that the work will give the city good data on the electric system. There was good information on other systems in the city, but the electric system had older areas mixed with new subdivisions and new construction. “It will give us amazing capabilities,” he said. The firm also included a copy of the Engineering Services Agreement which also needed to be approved by the council. “Please review these documents and let us know of any concern,” said Mortimer. Since the city council approved the documents they will be countersigned and a fully executed copy will be returned to the city. “We appreciate the opportunity to perform this important work for Nephi City and we look forward to working with you and your staff,” said Mortimer. The city can also contact Jonathan M. Clegg, PE, Project Manager, with any concerns. | 