HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/2001, C4 - DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS DENSITY TESTING GAUGE council
acEnoA REpoRt �mN
C ITY OF SAN LU IS OBI S PO
FROM: Michael D. McCluskey, Public Works Director
Prepared By: Richard Fisher, Field Engineering.Supervisor YC�
SUBJECT: Disposal of Surplus Density Testing Gauge
CAO RECOMMENDATIONS
By resolution declare the City's density testing gauge to be surplus and authorize staff to sell the
gauge to Maurer Technical Services
DISCUSSION
In 1986 Public Works purchased a testing gauge from Campbell Pacific Nuclear (CPN) for
verifying proper compaction of soils and asphalt concrete. Because this gauge uses sealed
sources of radioactive material to determine material density, the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) requires operator certification, ongoing licensing fees, and annual safety
monitoring. In addition, there is a certain level of liability associated with storing and using this
equipment.
Since 1993 Public Works has de-emphasized the use of City employees for surveying and testing
tasks, preferring instead to hire private firms that specialize in this work. Most employees
certified to use this equipment have left the City, and the'gauge has not seen service in two years.
Also, the NRC recently issued an alert bulletin advising the City about heightened awareness and
security for the type of radioactive material used in this gauge. Consequently, Public Works is
recommending that this equipment be declared surplus and sold in order to avoid ongoing costs
and potential liability.
NRC licensing regulations for ownership and transportation preclude the usual disposal method
of sending equipment off for consignment auction. Public Works called several licensed testing
laboratories, but none were interested in buying this equipment. The only firm willing to buy it
is Maurer Technical Services, an authorized sales and service representative for the
manufacturer. An incidental benefit of selling to Maurer is that the City would avoid the time
and expense of verifying buyer certification and documenting the transaction. For these reasons,
Public Works is recommending authorization to sell the equipment to Maurer.
FISCAL IMPACT
Maurer has informally offered to buy this equipment for$1,200.
After disposal of this equipment,.the City will save about $1,000 each year in licensing and
monitoring expenses.
Attachment 1: Resolution
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Attachment i
RESOLUTION NO. (2001 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DECLARING A DENSITY TESTING GAUGE AS SURPLUS PROPERTY
WHEREAS,the City Charter requires that the Council approve the sale or disposal of
surplus property with an estimated value greater than $100; and
WHEREAS,the Public Works Department has identified equipment no longer needed by
the City;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. One Campbell Pacific Nuclear density testing gauge is no longer needed
by the City and is surplus property.
SECTION 2. Because federal licensing regulations for ownership and transportation
preclude the usual disposal method of sending equipment off for consignment auction, disposal
of the property shall be made by sale to Maurer Technical Services, a licensed and authorized
sales and service representative for the manufacturer.
Upon motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 2001.
Mayor Allen Settle
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM
Lee Price, City Clerk Je •e ..Jo gense , Cit Attorney
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