City of Nashua re ea a
Community Development Division Code Cnforcovnent 230.3100
City Hall, 229 Main Street, PO Box 2019 Ttaneportation Department 880-0100
Nashua, New Hampshire 03061-2019 eyatenays oo ei19
Date: December 4, 2020
To: John Griffin, CFO; Kelly Parkinson, Purchasing Manager
From: Sarah Marchant, Community Development Division Director
Re: = Jackson Mills Turbine, Generator and Controls (TGC) Replacement
Background
The City of Nashua became the owner/operator of the Jackson Mills hydroelectric facility in
January of 2015, after the 30 year lease with the operator expired. This one megawatt facility
produces an average of 4,000,000 kwh of clean power per year which the City net meters to
maximize revenue. This facility was originally built in 1984 and as such is in need of
replacement of the turbine, generator and major controls. The project has been repaired twice
since 2015 in an attempt to keep it going until we can get started on a replacement.
The City has hired The HL Turner Group as the project engineer and has contracted with Mavel
Americas to fabricate the new turbine. The remaining requirement for the project is to hire the
General Contractor that will be responsible for removal of existing turbine, generator, and
controls; preparation of the site and Powerhouse for new equipment; and installation, startup and
testing of new equipment.
Bond Authorization
In preparation for the replacement the Mayor and Board of Aldermen passed R-19-142
authorizing the issuance of bond for improvements to both Mine Falls and Jackson Mills hydro
projects. The issuance of the bond specifically included a new turbine, generator and
replacement controls (TGC) at Jackson Mills.
General Contractor
Bancroft was part of the original installation team in the 1980’s and they are the only general
contracting firm in this region with expertise in hydro facilities. In addition, they have recently
completed work for Pennichuck who recommended Bancroft to the City. In accordance with
NRO 5-84 Special Purchase Procedures competitive bidding shall not be required for specialized
services when evaluated in the context of that NRO.
The City, in conversations with Essex Power Services and HL Turner, solicited Bancroft
Contracting as the general contractor for the project. In evaluating price, the City spoke with
Pennichuck who went out to bid for a major dam project. Bancroft was the lowest bidder on their
dam reconstruction project, which included similar highly specialized work to build coffer dams,
dewater and provide specialized construction services. Pennichuck reported that the project was
completed on time and budget. In addition to Pennichuck’s positive experience with Bancroft,
the team of professionals at Bancroft includes a number of the same staff who originally built
