Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with JLD Construction Services, LLC via the City’s Invitation For Bid Process for the Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3, CIP 690236-110003, in an amount up to $10,756,912.00, and to encumber funds with the Department of Public Service for prevailing wage services in an amount up to $2,000.00, for a total expenditure of $10,758,912.00.
The Department of Public Utilities is required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) to eliminate all lead water service lines in the Division of Water’s distribution system within the next ten years. This project will provide for the replacement of a portion of the known, existing lead water service lines in the distribution system by replacing taps and service lines in order to meet the OEPA requirements. An estimated 548 public side and 274 private side services will be replaced. Work consists of open-cut installation of water mains, connecting to existing water taps, as well as the replacement of privately owned lead and galvanized water service lines, and other such work as may be necessary to complete the contract, in accordance with the drawings, technical specifications, special provisions, and City of Columbus Construction and Material specifications set forth in this Invitation For Bid (IFB).
The Columbus Communities is: 53-Greater Hilltop
TIMELINE:
All work shall be complete within 730 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed. The City anticipates issuing a Notice to Proceed in July 2026. The contract will end when all work is completed and accepted by the City.
ESTIMATED COST OF PROJECT:
The bid amount and proposed award amount is $10,756,912.00, including a 10% construction contingency amount that will be utilized to fund needed and approved changes in the work. No contract modifications are anticipated at this time; however, construction exigency might later compel modification of this contract, if unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
Cost summary:
Original Contract $10,756,912.00
Future Anticipated Needs $ 0.00
CONTRACT TOTAL $10,756,912.00
DPS Prevailing Wage Administration $ 2,000.00
Total $10,758,912.00
2. ECONOMIC IMPACT/ADVANTAGES; COMMUNITY OUTREACH; PROJECT DEVELOPMENT; ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/ADVANTAGES OF PROJECT
The goal of this project is to remove and replace the public and private lead service lines from the distribution system to comply with OEPA requirements while also relocating the meters to an exterior meter box. The Neighborhood Liaison has been contacted and informed of this project and coordination directly with residents is planned throughout construction.
3. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARD
An Invitation for Bids for the Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3 Project was advertised on the Vendor Services and Bid Express websites from March 3, 2026, through April 1, 2026. Three bids were received for the project and opened on April 1, 2026. The following companies submitted bids:
Company Bid Amount
1. JLD Construction Services, LLC $10,756,912.00
2. Travco Construction, Inc. $11,048,250.18
3. Miller Pipeline LLC $14,969,216.13
JLD Construction Services, LLC 's bid was deemed the lowest, best, most responsive and responsible bid in the amount of $10,756,912.00.
4. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
JLD Construction Services, LLC’s contract compliance number is CC041179 and expires 2/17/2028.
Searches in the Excluded Party List System (Federal) and the Findings for Recovery list (State) produced no findings against JLD Construction Services, LLC.
As part of their proposal JLD Construction Services, LLC has proposed the following subcontractors to perform contract work:
Company Name City/State Contract Compliance Status
CAP-STONE & Associates Inc Columbus, OH WBE
Complete Clearing, Inc Marengo, OH MAJ
614 Drains LLC Johnstown, OH MAJ
Traffic Detectors & Signs Inc Youngstown, OH MAJ
West Fairfield Inc. Amanda, OH WBE
The certifications of JLD Construction Services, LLC and all proposed subcontractors were in good standing at the time the bid was awarded.
5. PRE-QUALIFICATION STATUS
JLD Construction Services, LLC has met code requirements with respect to pre-qualification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
6. FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available and appropriated within the Water System Reserve Fund, Fund 6003. The construction portion of this project is anticipated to be financed with a loan from the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA), a program jointly administered by the Ohio EPA's Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA). City Council authorized this loan application and acceptance of funding via Ordinance 0348-2025, passed by Council on 4/28/25. The loan is expected to be approved in June 2026. The Department of Public Utilities will inform the Auditor's Office when this loan has been approved. The WSRLA program is now a reimbursement program. The Department of Public Utilities will pay invoices for the work performed and then submit them to OWDA for reimbursement.
This Ordinance authorizes the City Auditor to appropriate and transfer funds from the Water System Reserve Fund, Fund 6003, to the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund, Fund 6011, in order to fund this proposed expenditure. This transaction is a temporary measure that is required until such time as the Division is able to execute a loan with the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund and reimburse the Water System Reserve Fund. The 2025 Capital Improvement Budget must be amended to align budget authority with the proper project. Funds will need to be appropriated in the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund, Fund 6011, in the amount of $10,756,912.00.
Funds in the amount of $2,000.00 are available and appropriated within the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, Project 690236, to pay the Department of Public Service to perform prevailing wage services for the project. The 2025 Capital Improvement Budget must be amended to align budget authority with the proper project
7. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency designation is requested for this ordinance. The use of lead water lines is a public health hazard that must be eliminated as quickly as possible.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with JLD Construction Services, LLC, for the Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3 Project; to amend the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget; to authorize a transfer of cash and appropriation between the Water System Reserve Fund and the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund; to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of up to $10,756,912.00 from the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund for the contract; to authorize the expenditure of up to $2,000.00 from the Water Bond Fund to pay for prevailing wage services; and to declare an emergency. ($10,758,912.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities is engaged in the Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3 Project; and
WHEREAS, three bids for the Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3 Project were received and opened on April 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the lowest, best, most responsive and responsible bid was from JLD Construction Services, LLC; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to both appropriate funds from the Water System Reserve Fund, Fund 6003, and to authorize the transfer of said funds into the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund, Fund 6011, in order to temporarily fund this expenditure, until such time as the City is able to execute a loan for the above stated purpose and reimburse the Water System Reserve Fund; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 0348-2025, passed by City Council on 4/28/25, authorized this project to be funded by a loan to be obtained through the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA); and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget must be modified to align budget authority with the proper project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appropriate and expend funds from the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund, Fund 6011, to pay for the construction of this project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to expend funds from the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, to pay the Department of Public Service for prevailing wage services for this project; and
WHEREAS, the City anticipates incurring certain Original Expenditures (as defined in Section 1.150-2(c) of the Treasury Regulations (the “Treasury Regulations” promulgated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended)) with respect to the construction of the Project described in this Ordinance (collectively, the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with JLD Construction Services, LLC, for the Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3 Project, as the use of lead water lines is a public health hazard that must be eliminated as quickly as possible, all for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, property, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget authorized by Ordinance 1790-2025 be amended as follows to establish sufficient budget authority for this project:
Fund / Project Number / Project Name (Funding Source) / Current Authority / Revised Authority / Change
6011 / 690236-110003 / Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3 (WSRLA Loan) / $0.00 / $10,756,912.00 / $10,756,912.00 (To match the loan amount)
6006 / 690236-100000 / Water Main Rehabilitation (Voted Water Carryover) / $23,544.00 / $21,544.00 / ($2,000.00)
6006 / 690236-110003 / Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3 (Voted Water Carryover) / $0.00 / $2,000.00 / $2,000.00
SECTION 2. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources, and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, the sum of $10,756,912.00 is appropriated in the Water System Reserve Fund, Fund 6003, per the account codes in the funding attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the transfer of $10,756,912.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between the Water System Reserve Fund, Fund 6003, to the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund, Fund 6011, per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources, and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, the sum of $10,756,912.00 is appropriated in the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund, Fund 6011, per the account codes in the funding attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to enter into a construction contract for the Lead Service Line Replacements - Part 3 Project with JLD Construction Services, LLC, 1110 N Cassady Ave, Columbus, OH 43219, in an amount up to $10,756,912.00; in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract on file in the Department of Public Utilities; and to obtain the necessary prevailing wage services for this project from the Department of Public Services in an amount up to $2,000.00.
SECTION 6. That the expenditure of $10,758,912.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized to pay for this project per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That upon obtaining other funds for the purpose of funding the Lead Service Line Outreach project, the City Auditor is hereby authorized to repay the Water System Reserve Fund the amount transferred above (Section 3), and said funds are hereby deemed appropriated for such purposes.
SECTION 8. That the City intends that this Ordinance constitute an "official intent" for purposes of Section 1.150-2(e) of the Treasury Regulations, and that the City reasonably expects to reimburse itself for certain Original Expenditures incurred with respect to the Project from the proceeds of obligations to be issued by the City in a principal amount currently estimated to be $11,783,000.00 (the "Obligations").
The City intends to make a reimbursement allocation on its books for the Original Expenditures not later than eighteen months following the later to occur of the date of the Original Expenditure to be reimbursed or the date the Project for which such Original Expenditures were made is "placed in service" within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2(c). Upon the issuance of the Obligations, the proceeds of such Obligations shall be used to reimburse Water System Reserve Fund, Fund 6003, which is the fund from which the advance for costs of the Project will be made.
SECTION 9. That funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures and transfers authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 10. 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 11. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 12. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is made a part hereof, this Ordinance is declared to be 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 this Ordinance.