Explanation
Seventeen (17) arches were installed over North High Street as the essence of the Short North Arch project. This project was funded by a combination of city money and funding from private sources. The private funds were deposited into the Short North Special Improvement District Fund. Construction was authorized by Ordinance 0144-2001 passed by City Council January 29, 2001.
Subsequent to installation of the arches, the fiber optic lighting system failed to function properly. The City has determined that it is necessary to engage additional engineering services in connection with the project.
Although the City informally evaluated several firms, the firm was chosen outside the standard consultant selection process due to the time-sensitive nature of the project as well as the limited availability of the engineering firms that specialize in lighting systems, including fiber optic lighting. This selection will require a waiver of the formal competitive bidding process prescribed by Section 329 of the Columbus City Code.
Ralph and Curl Engineer's contract compliance number is 31-1067613 and expires February 14, 2004.
Based upon discussions with Ralph and Curl Engineers, it is estimated that $87,260.00 is needed for this contract. Funding is available within the Short North Special Improvement District Fund, Fund 716, utilizing private monies. The City is involved in litigation with the original design firm and other entities, and recovery of this amount will be sought.
Emergency action is requested to allow Ralph and Curl Engineers to proceed with the work as quickly as possible in order to restore the lighting system to operational status in the shortest possible timeframe.
Title
To appropriate $87,260.00 from the Short North Special Improvement District Fund; to authorize the Public Service Director to enter into a contract with Ralph and Curl Engineers to provide engineering services in connection with the Short North Arch project; to authorize the expenditure of $87,260.00 from the Short North Special Improvement District Fund; to waive the formal competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Code, 1959, and to declare an emergency. ($87,260.00)
Body
WHEREAS, seventeen (17) arches were installed over North High Street as the essence of the Short North Arch project; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to installation of the arches, the fiber optic lighting system failed to function properly; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that it is necessary to engage additional engineering services in connection with such project; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Transportation Division, Public Service Department, in that it is immediately necessary to enter into a contract with Ralph and Curl Engineers to provide services as expeditiously as possible, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the sum of $87,260.00 be and hereby is appropriated from the unappropriated balance of the Short North Special Improvement District Fund, Fund 716, 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, 2004, to Department No. 44-02, Development Department, Object Level One Code 06, Object Level Three Code 6682 and OCA Code 471841.
SECTION 2. That the Public Service Director be and hereby is authorized to enter into a contract in the amount of $87,260.00 with Ralph and Curl Engineers, 3720 East Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219-1807 to provide engineering services related to the Short North Arches lighting system.
SECTION 3. That to pay the cost of the aforementioned contract, the expenditure of $87,260.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary be and hereby is authorized from the Short North Special Improvement District Fund, Fund 716, Department No. 44-02, Development Department, Object Level One Code 06, Object Level Three Code 6682 and OCA Code 471841.
SECTION 4. That in accordance with Section 329.27 of the Columbus City Code, City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus that Section 329.12 relating to formal competitive bidding requirements be waived and hereby waives said section.
SECTION 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby 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 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.