REPORT

DATE: / November 9, 2005
TO: / Cynthia Hildebrand
FROM: / Kelly J. Batt
SUBJECT: / ELECTRIC ice resurfacer and edger PURCHASE

PURPOSE

To communicate the results of ongoing ice resurfacer and edger testing and evaluation.

HISTORY

During the 2005 Capital Budget process $120,000 was made available to purchase an ice resurfacer as the existing machine is showing signs of failure despite a regular maintenance program.

DISCUSSION

Upon approval to proceed to with the research of new ice resurfacers we decided to look at alternate fuel and electric technology to minimize emissions and reduce fuel costs. Arena emissions are a real concern and carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete burning of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines. Two major sources of the poor air quality for Arenas are the ice resurfacer and the ice edger. Air tests in Canadian Arenas have shown that there is often too much carbon monoxide gas in the air after the ice has been shaved and flooded. In sufficient concentrations, carbon monoxide is very dangerous and can be deadly. In addition to the emissions concerns of natural gas, the supply cost and the cost to dehumidify the air once new air is introduced to the Arena to clear the emissions must also be considered. Town staff found three equipment manufacturers of electric machines, Zamboni, Olympia and UKKO and proceeded to contact them to find out more information and set up demonstrations and use of loaner machines to conduct independent testing. The existing ice resurfacer requires repairs to the conditioner, suspension and engine. The total estimate of repairs is $7,500-$8,500 with other possible failures due to the age of the machine.

EQUIPMENT TESTING and RESULTS

Zamboni

In December 2004, Zamboni representatives were contacted to discuss the possibility of replacing our natural gas powered ice resurfacer with an electric machine. Frank Kellner of Zamboni came to Tillsonburg to explain that their electric ice resurfacer does not have the electric capacity to flood two ice surfaces for the entire day and their electric model was designed for a single arena operation. Frank suggested we try the other electric models and if we could not find anything suitable to get back to him to provide a quotation on a natural gas machine. I contacted Zamboni recently and received a budget price of $75,000 plus taxes for a Zamboni 520 natural gas ice resurfacer with an updated quote and trade in amount to follow as the sales representative is away from the office this week.

Ukko

On January 27, 2005, The Town of Tillsonburg hosted the Canadian Product Launch for the UKKO Ice Resurfacer. We were given the opportunity to trial the machine and see for ourselves the capabilities of a battery powered ice resurfacer. The machine we had demonstrated to us was a UKKO 400. UKKO also builds a 500 machine and is currently in use in Helsinki, Finland. The UKKO 500 has larger battery capabilities and also a new worm gear feature for traversing inclines leading to snow dump areas. In late July, the UKKO 500 arrived and we tested the machine for about one week. The machine had some technical problems and after a couple attempts to repair the problems with the manufacturer we were unable to find a resolution. The machine was picked up by UKKO. The purchase cost for this machine was about $120,000 plus tax.

Olympia Bearcat

The Bearcat machine was tested first as it had to be returned to Olympia for another customer. The Bearcat was tested for about one week by all facility staff and was a pleasure to operate and is a well-built machine. It is very predictable and is designed to do an excellent job of ice resurfacing. The machine has a compact design and superior sight lines, yet has the largest water and snow collecting capacities of all the ice resurfacers tested. The battery system on the Bearcat needs to be refined as it takes 7-8 hours to fully recharge the batteries and this may prove to be problematic during busy weekend ice programming. Representatives from Olympia have offered to modify the batteries at no extra cost to the Town of Tillsonburg. While the cost is quite high, this ice resurfacer offers zero emissions and a sturdy construction and does a nice job of resurfacing the ice. The quoted cost is $140,000 and includes an electric ice edger as part of the package.

Olympia Millennium

Olympia also manufacturers a line of natural gas ice resurfacers and a quote for a comparable machine to the Zamboni is about $70,000. An option of a laser level system and an automatic flood water system will probably add another $15,000 to the overall cost, however the initial extra cost will save time with ice maintenance and assist with higher quality ice conditions. The estimated cost for an Olympia ice resurfacer with flood water control and a blade laser level will be about $85,000-$90,000.Attached please find a copy of the laser level ice Ice Guard system. This system will reduce ice maintenance and assist with lowering overall energy costs. Lasers are used in other industries and this approach makes sense for the Arena industry as well.

Subject to Council approval, proceed to purchase a new Olympia Millennium ice resurfacer as per the above noted description for $76,641.75. The replacement of the Ice Surfacer was a 2005 Budgeted item and budgeted for financing as follows: Trade in $15,000, $40,000 Debenture, and $70,000 taxation

Cellect

The Olympia Cellect was tested by staff and found to be a pretty well built machine built on the Olympia Millennium platform with a retrofitted electric engine. The staff of Olympia worked cooperatively with staff to try and address a concern with the drive motor to traverse the slope at the back of the Arena. Despite their best efforts they were unable to make this modified drive motor work. As a result of this failed retrofit we are unable to proceed with this machine.

If the 2005 Budget requires additional funds the purchase could be made in 2005 and as the delivery of the ice resurfacer will be about six months, the purchase could take place in 2006.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Electric ice resurfacer technology, albeit exciting and environmental friendly is an area that still requires further development and refinement. With indoor emission standards being changed in North America and alternate fuels being researched and developed, the future holds some exciting prospects in this area. At this point, we need a reliable proven ice resurfacer that can keep two sheets of ice maintained. In closing, I would like to recommend purchasing the Olympia Millennium natural gas machine flood water control and a laser leveling capabilities to reduce ice maintenance time and provide improved ice conditions. These systems will keep ice conditions more constant and reduce energy costs by keeping the ice thinner and consistently even at all times. Increased ice thickness adds to the refrigeration load and each additional inch of ice adds to the overall energy bill. Both of these systems can be added after market and are being quoted separately to compare apples to apples, as Zamboni does not offer these options in house on their equipment. While the staff tested electric ice resurfacers, electric ice edgers were tested at the same time. An ice edger is used to thin out the ice against the boards, as an ice resurfacer cannot get close enough to the boards to shave this ice. Electric edgers were tested from UKKO and Olympia. The ice edger from Olympia worked very well, is easy to operate and creates zero emissions. Zamboni was asked to quote on an electric ice edger and quoted on a propane powered ice edger to match the edger we currently own. I would like to propose we consider purchasing an electric ice edger at the same time as the ice resurfacer purchase as the existing propane edger emits higher emissions and is showing signs of failure. In addition it is heavier and more difficult for staff to start and operate. I will be contacting Olympia to see if they have a loaner ice resurfacer to reduce our costs to repair the existing machine. Should you have any other specific questions I would be pleased to answer them.

Please note that this information has been shared and discussed with the Town’s Fleet Manager..

QUOTATION RESULTS

Olympia Millennium with options as quoted and a speed related water system, electric edger and laser level system added - $76,641.75

* includes a trade in allowance of $20,000

Zamboni 520 with options as quoted and an ice edger, speed related water system and laser level system added - $ 89,734.50

  • includes a trade in of $18,500

RECOMMENDATION

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ATTACHMENTS

  • Photos
  • Quotations
  • Laser “Ice Guard” system

Ice Bear by Olympia

Cellect by Olympia

Olympia

UKKO Ice Cat

Zamboni

“And resolved that Council approve the purchase of a new Olympia Millennium ice resurfacer with attachments for a purchase price of $76,641.75, and that be directed to proceed with purchase.”

PREPARED BY: / Kelly J. Batt / APPROVED BY: / Cynthia Hildebrand

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