The City of Yakima (City) utilizes two Otis elevators at City Hall that were originally installed in 1949 and have been in service for over 70 years without any major equipment upgrades. The considered expected useful life for this type of equipment is generally 25-30 years. These elevators have surpassed their expected life expectancy by several years.
While the elevators complied with the code that was in effect at the time of their installation, they do not comply with the current 2010 ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators currently in effect in the State of Washington. The elevators also pose life safety issues such as noncompliance with the current codes related to firefighter’s service and seismic protection. In addition, the elevators are not compliant with the current codes for intercom system, cab enclosure, hall and car operating, and the entrance doors are not fire rated.
ECS Elevator Consulting Services has recommended the modernization of the two elevators as soon as possible. Doing so will provide upgraded and reliable control equipment that also upgrades both safety and quality of life enhancements while providing energy savings.
Currently, the City has an Interlocal Purchasing Agreement with OMNIA and Kone, Inc. holds the OMNIA contract for elevator modernization as awarded through a competitive process. Enclosed for City Council review is the proposed agreement with Kone, Inc. for the modernization of the two City Hall elevators in an amount not to exceed Nine Hundred Forty-Two Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-Seven Dollars ($942,427).
The modernization of the City Hall elevators was identified as a critical project within the City’s 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the safety of City staff and of the public. The project is to be funded utilizing REET 1 funds. |