Explanation
The City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities, operates the Jackson Pike Wastewater Treatment Plant (JPWWTP), which recently underwent upgrades to its plant headworks, including replacement of the screens which filter influent wastewater. These screens have been in place for several months and have had recurring problems including head buildup, clogging, drive failures, control failures, and electrical failures. The City retained the consulting engineering firm of SEA, Inc. to evaluate the problems and propose remedial measures. An initial amount of $20,000 was allotted to that contract. On December 24, 2004, Council approved a modification to this contract which authorized an additional expenditure of $80,000 with the passage of Ordinance No. 2047-2004.
This ordinance will authorize a modification to provide additional funding to the contract with SEA, Inc. to continue its work on the City's behalf to analyze the problems with the screens and determine the appropriate remedies.
This ordinance is being submitted as an emergency measure so that the work of SEA, Inc. will continue without interruption.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to modify an existing contract for consulting engineering services with SEA, Inc. on behalf of the Department of Public Utilities, to authorize the expenditure of an additional One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00), and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, problems with the recently installed screens at the Jackson Pike Wastewater Treatment Plant (JPWWTP) have required consultation with the engineering firm of SEA, Inc. to determine the source and best resolution of such problems; and
WHEREAS, the City entered into contract with SEA, Inc. and additional funds must be expended in order to continue the process of resolving the problems with the screens at the JPWWTP; and
WHEREAS, a contract modification in the amount of $150,000 is necessary to ensure that work with SEA, Inc. continues without interruption; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City in that it is immediately necessary to resolve the issues at the JPWWTP and to have SEA, Inc. continue its work without delay so that the plant can return to full operational capacity, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; Now Therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO:
Section 1. That the City Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to modify the existing contract with SEA, Inc. on behalf of the Department of Public Utilities for consulting engineering services at the JPWWTP.
Section 2. That the City Attorney be and hereby is authorized and approved to expend One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars and no/cents ($150,000.00) or so much thereof as may be necessary, in accordance with the terms and conditions of such contract as follows:
Fund - 650
OCA - 605006
Object Level 1 - 03
Object Level 3 - 3336
Section 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is declared an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten (10) days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.