Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with Jess Howard Electric Company via the City’s Invitation For Bid process for the Circuit #79 Street Lighting Improvements project, C.I.P. Number 670897-100000, in an amount up to $650,207.77, and to encumber funds for the Department of Public Service for prevailing wage services in an amount up to $2,000.00, for a total expenditure of $652,207.77.
Circuit # 79 Street Lighting Improvements consists of replacing street light circuit 079 on streets south of I-670 and east of Saint Claire Ave. The project will replace approximately (46) lights and poles, as well as the associated wiring and controller with new materials in accordance with current standards.
This work will primarily be performed in Columbus Community 56 - Near East.
TIMELINE: Contract work is required to be completed in a manner acceptable to the City within 180 days from the date that a Notice to Proceed (NTP) is given by the City. The contract term will be from the time a Notice To Proceed is issued for the project until the construction is completed and accepted by the City, which may be more than 180 days.
ESTIMATED COST OF PROJECT: The bid amount and proposed award amount is $650,207.77 including a 15% 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 $ 650,207.77
Future Anticipated Needs $ 0.00
CONTRACT TOTAL $ 650,207.77
2. ECONOMIC IMPACT/ADVANTAGES; COMMUNITY OUTREACH; PROJECT DEVELOPMENT; ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/ADVANTAGES OF PROJECT
The installation and conversion to LED lighting within the project area will provide an additional sense of safety and security to the residents. This may also deter criminal activity, which will lessen the financial impact on City resources such as the Police and Fire Departments.
3. BID INFORMATION
This project was formally advertised on the Vendor Services and Bid Express websites from June 12, 2025, through July 16, 2025. Five bids were received:
___Name Bid Amount _City/State Status
Jess Howard Electric Company $650,207.77 Blacklick, Ohio MAJ
Danbert Electric Corp $675,588.64 Plain City, Ohio WBE
Complete General Construction $730,592.36 Columbus, Ohio MAJ
Miller Cable Company $885,393.00 Green Springs, Ohio MAJ
Evolved Lighting & Energy $925,011.05 Columbus, Ohio None
Jess Howard Electric Company’s bid was evaluated and deemed the lowest, best, most responsive bid.
4. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Jess Howard Electric Company’s contract compliance number is CC-006108 and expires 11/18/24. As part of their proposal, Jess Howard Electric Company has proposed the following subcontractor to perform contract work:
Company Name City/State ODI Certification Status
Complete General Construction Columbus, Ohio MAJ
The certification of the Jess Howard Electric Company is not in good standing due to expired contract compliance. Their contract compliance will need to be renewed before a contract can be executed. The subcontractor is in good standing at the time of bid award.
5. PRE-QUALIFICATION STATUS
Jess Howard Electric Company and all subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to pre-qualification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
6. FISCAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $652,207.77 is available and appropriated within the Electricity Bond Fund, Fund 6303. An amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget is needed to align budget authority with the correct project. A transfer of cash between projects within the Electricity Bond Fund is needed to align cash and appropriation with the proper project.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with Jess Howard Electric Company for the Circuit #79 Street Lighting Improvements project, to authorize an amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget; to authorize a transfer of cash and appropriation between projects within the Electricity Bond Fund; and to authorize the expenditure of up to $652,207.77 for the project. ($652,207.77)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities is engaged in the Circuit #79 Street Lighting Improvements project; and
WHEREAS, five bids for construction of the Circuit #79 Street Lighting Improvements project were received and opened on July 16, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the bid from with Jess Howard Electric Company was evaluated and deemed the lowest, best, most responsive bid; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget authorized by Ordinance 1790-2025 must be amended to establish sufficient budget authority for the project; and
WHEREAS, a transfer of cash and appropriation between projects within the Electricity Bond Fund, Fund 6303, is needed to establish cash and appropriation for the proper project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a construction services contract with Jess Howard Electric Company for the Circuit #79 Street Lighting Improvements project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to expend funds to pay for this project; 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 this project:
Fund / Project Number / Project Name (Funding Source) / Current Authority / Revised Authority / Change
6303 / 670907-100000 / Furnace Substation - 138kV Interconnection (Voted Electricity Carryover) / $794,214.00 / $142,006.00 / ($652,208.00)
6303/ 670897-100000 / Circuit # 79 Street Lighting Improvement (Voted Electricity Carryover) / $0.00 / $652,208.00 / $652,208.00
SECTION 2 That the transfer of $652,207.77, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects within the Electricity Bond Fund, Fund 6303, per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to enter into a construction contract with Jess Howard Electric Company, 6630 Taylor Road, Blacklick, Ohio, 43004, for the Circuit #79 Street Lighting Improvement in an amount up to $650,207.77, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract on file in the Department of Public Utilities; and to encumber funds in an amount up to $2,000.00 with the Department of Public Service to provide prevailing wage services for the project, all contingent upon Jess Howard Electric Company becoming compliant with City of Columbus Vendor Services and securing an updated Contract Compliance Number.
SECTION 4. That an expenditure of $652,207.77, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from the Electricity Bond Fund, Fund 6303, to pay for this construction contract, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. 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 6. 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 7. 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 8. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.