Item Description:
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Negotiation of Agmt with Tech Logic corporation for the design construction and installation of an automated materials handling system at the Southdale Library (1010912), 08/18/26-08/18/28, NTE $320,112
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Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Agreement with Tech-Logic Corporation to design, construct and install an Automated Materials Handling systems at the Hennepin County Southdale Library as a part of the Library Equipment 2025-2030 Fund (1010912) during the period August 18, 2026 through August 18, 2028 in an amount not to exceed $320,112 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Providing stable and efficient availability of library materials is a key goal of Hennepin County Library. The provision and equitable distribution of library materials strongly contributes to Residents achieving success and having access to opportunities for life-long learning. Staff efficiency and improved ergonomics is beneficial in helping to serve residents and meet the material circulation demands of Hennepin County.
Hennepin County currently owns eight Ultra-Sort Automatic Materials Handling Machines (AMH) manufactured by Tech Logic Corporation in White Bear Lake, MN. The Ultra-Sorts are large conveyance and sorting machines that assist Hennepin County Library in managing the nearly 15 million items circulating through the system annually.
Funding for this contract is available through the Library Equipment 2025-2030 Fund. Facilities Services, our lead/partner in all building related and capital project work, has been consulted and approved of this use of the Library Equipment Fund.
Agreement PR00004449 with Tech Logic provided for a Southdale Automated Materials Handling System in 2022 - however, that AMH machine was intentionally built to be mobile given the potential Southdale remodeling plans at the time. Upon the closure of Southdale that machine was moved to Brookdale Library. Brookdale Library’s AMH was failing and in need of replacement to better serve the Brookdale community and so the AMH purchased under Agreement PR00004449 will remain in service at Brookdale.
Currently the library system has eight large Ultra-Sort AMH systems and eighteen smaller AMH systems produced by Tech Logic.They are similar mechanically and operationally, with interchangeable Smart bins that we move throughout the library system primarily transporting collection materials. Staff that operate these systems receive training consistent with the Tech Logic Ultra-Sort AMH and smaller AMH systems and therefore can work at any location and feel competent operating them. It makes training, operating and safety easier and consistent. Additionally, we have several full-time technical staff trained to service and maintain these machines. The software running the AMH systems allows us to monitor and diagnose any maintenance and performance issues on all of the machines from one central site. The sole source nature of this purchase for Southdale has been vetted and approved by the Hennepin County Purchasing Department and the purchase and supports the County-wide disparity reduction work in education, serving both youth in county systems and lifelong adult learners.
Minnesota Statutes, section 134.51 outlines access to library materials and rights as protected, and this contract allows HCL to sort and provide access to collection materials across all library locations.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval