Explanation
The cooperative program of stream investigation and monitoring by the U.S. Geological Survey has been continued for several years. It provides valuable water resource data to the City at a lower cost than providing such data by other means. The data form the scientific basis for decision making related to protection of life and property from water-related hazards, such as floods; cost-effective management of freshwater that is safe and available for drinking, industry, recreation, and ecosystem health; and local economic well-being.
The program is sponsored by the Federal Government for forty percent (40%) of the cost for most of these projects.
The agreement will provide stream gauging, reservoir gauging and groundwater monitoring for the Division of Water and the Division of Sewerage and Drainage. The Division of Water and the Division of Sewerage and Drainage solicited a quotation from the U.S. Geological Survey in accordance with Section 329.07C. The period for this agreement is from October 1, 2023 to and including September 30, 2024.
ORGANIZATION: Geological Survey, United States Department of Interior (53-0196958)
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are budgeted in the 2023 Water Operating Fund (Fund 6000), Sewer System Operating Fund (Fund 6100), and Storm Sewer Operating Fund (Fund 6200) for this purchase which totals $487,794.00.
The Division of Water and the Division of Sewerage and Drainage have participated in a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey in the amount of $473,044.00 in 2022-2023 and $341,644.00 in 2021-2022.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Geological Survey, United States Department of Interior, for the investigation of water resources in central Ohio, including groundwater and several rivers for the Division of Water and the Division of Sewerage and Drainage; to authorize the expenditure of $239,069.00 from the Water Operating Fund, $70,425.00 from the Sewer System Operating Fund and $178,300.00 from the Storm Sewer Operating Fund ($487,794.00).
Body
WHEREAS, for many years, the City has entered into agreements with the U.S. Geological Survey for stream restoration and monitoring; and
WHEREAS, this work provides valuable water resource data to the City as a lower cost than providing such data by other means; and
WHEREAS, the data form the scientific basis for decision making related to protection of life and property from water-related hazards, such as floods; cost-effective management of freshwater that is safe and available for drinking, industry, recreation and ecosystem health; and local economic well-being; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to enter into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey, United States Department of Interior, for the investigation of water resources including: Scioto River near Prospect and Shadeville; Mill Creek at Bellpoint; Bokes Creek near Warrensburg; Big Walnut Creek at Central College and Sunbury; reservoir elevations at O'Shaughnessy, Griggs, and Hoover Reservoirs; groundwater levels; and hydrologic interaction between the Scioto River and the Columbus wellfield for the Division of Water and the Scioto River near 5th Avenue and Commercial Point; Big Walnut Creek at Rees; Hellbranch Run near Harrisburg; Clover Groff Ditch near Galloway; Olentangy River near Delaware, Worthington, and OSU; and Alum Creek near Kilbourne for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, for the period of October 1, 2023 to and including September 30, 2024; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into these agreements between the U.S. Geological Survey, United States Department of Interior, and the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities, for stream investigation and monitoring, stream gauging, reservoir gauging, groundwater monitoring and reports covering the results of said investigations by the Geological Survey for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities is authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Geological Survey, United States Department of Interior, and the City of Columbus, by and through its Department of Public Utilities, for the investigation of water resources including the following: Scioto River near Prospect and Shadeville; Mill Creek at Bellpoint; Bokes Creek near Warrensburg; Big Walnut Creek at Central College and Sunbury; reservoir elevations at O'Shaughnessy, Griggs, and Hoover Reservoirs; groundwater levels; and hydrologic interaction between the Scioto River and the Columbus wellfield for the Division of Water and the Scioto River near 5th Avenue and Commercial Point; Big Walnut Creek at Rees; Hellbranch Run near Harrisburg; Clover Groff Ditch near Galloway; Olentangy River near Delaware, Worthington, and OSU; and Alum Creek near Kilbourne for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, for the period of October 1, 2023 to and including September 30, 2024.
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this Ordinance are deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $487,794.00 or as much as may be needed, is authorized according to the attached funding template, to fund the cooperative agreement.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this Ordinance.
SECTION 5. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.