The Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center opened in November 2007 with the pools utilizing a saltwater disinfection system. After experiencing many issues with air quality and corrosion of the pool and HVAC equipment, the saltwater system was replaced with a traditional chlorine system in August 2009. While the change had an immediate positive impact on the air quality, the corrosion of the pumps, motors, filters, fitting, and support structures had already begun. Over the years staff has successfully kept the system operational by incrementally replacing rusted parts and repairing leaks caused by corroded support structures. Over time however, the number and severity of the repairs have increased. In addition, many of the parts needed are no longer manufactured.
In the May 2019 Bond Referendum, $935,000 was approved by the voters for the renovation of the pool pump room at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center. Since February 2020, the Recreation Division has been working with the Facilities Department, MD Engineering, and the aquatic design team of Counsilman-Hunsaker to develop plans for the project. The plans were finalized in January 2021.
There is a very limited number of qualified vendors for major pool projects in this region. As a result, the one consistent qualified vendor to bid on the City’s pool projects is Sunbelt Pools. Sunbelt Pools has built the majority of Plano’s public pools, and has been the only pool vendor qualified to perform major pool repairs. In addition, Sunbelt Pools holds territorial manufactures rights for products specified in this project. These territorial rights make Sunbelt the only vendor in the area authorized to sell and provide service without voiding manufacturers’ warranties. A quote for the pool pump room renovation at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center was received from Sunbelt Pools in the amount of $889,950 utilizing BuyBoard Contract #613-20.
The utilization of the established Buy Board contract meets the competitive bid law requirement and provides additional benefits:
- Saves money – Equipment consistency at all City pools minimizes parts inventory, streamlines preventative maintenance schedules, and allows for ease of operation.
- Less disruption to citizens – The use of the Buy Board contract allows the project to be completed now, while not yet fully open to the public, minimizing the disruption to patrons.
- Efficiency and control - Contracting directly with Sunbelt Pools will provide direct control over the quality of work with the vendor performing the install and any warranty work, since Sunbelt Pools is the only authorized service provider in the region for the pumps, filters, ultra-violet, and chemical control systems specified in the project.
Failure to award this contract could result in more devastating and costly repairs due to the pump room’s current condition. Future equipment failures could cause lengthy closures, a disruption in service, and a significant loss of revenue.
The City is authorized to purchase from a cooperative purchasing program with another local government or a local cooperative organization pursuant to Chapter 271 Subchapter F of the Texas Local Government Code and by doing so satisfies any State Law requiring local governments to seek competitive bids for items. (BuyBoard Contract 613-20, City of Plano Contract No. 2021-0133-O)