Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Electricity has in service a transformer located at the Dublin Avenue substation. This transformer is showing an internal problem, which has been verified by a detection of gases in an oil sample taken from the transformer. While the Division is monitoring this transformer by taking regular oil samples, it is a concern that if this transformer should fail it would have a detrimental effect on the Division's electrical system. The transformer cannot be repaired while it is in service, therefore, the Division would like to remove this transformer and install a new grounding transformer as quickly as possible. This transformer is the only one of its kind in the Division's electrical system and is not available on any existing universal term contract.
Six vendors were solicited for informal bids and Carte International Inc. submitted the lowest bid. Because of the unplanned need to replace the existing transformer, the City does not have time to go through the formal bidding process, it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities, Division of Electricity to waive Chapter 329.06 of the Columbus City Code and to award a contract to Carte International Inc., in the amount of $30,012.00. Their Contract Compliance Number is 999999993-538.
Emergency action is requested in order that the transformer may be ordered, received and installed so that the existing transformer may be replaced to avoid possible electrical system failure.
FISCAL IMPACT: $80,000 was budgeted for the purchase of transformers in the 2005 Electricity Operating Budget. $351,827 was spent in 2003 and $179,484 was spent in 2004 from the Electricity Operating Fund and the Voted Street Lighting and Electricity Distribution Improvements Fund for the purchase of transformers.
Title
To authorize the Finance and Management Director to purchase a transformer for the Division of Electricity, to waive the provisions of competitive bidding, to authorize the expenditure of $30,012.00 from the Division of Electricity Operating Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($30,012.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Electricity, has an immediate need to purchase a grounding transformer to replace an existing transformer that is in need of repair; and
WHEREAS, failure of the existing transformer would have a detrimental effect of the Division of Electricity's electrical system; and
WHEREAS, there is insufficient time to obtain formal bids to meet the immediate need; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the formal competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code to purchase a zig zag wound grounding transformer; and
WHEREAS, emergency action is necessary to purchase the transformer to prevent a possible electrical system failure; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Electricity, in that it is necessary to purchase a transformer for the immediate preservation of 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 Finance and Management Director be and is hereby authorized to purchase a transformer for the Division of Electricity from Carte International Inc., in the amount of $30,012.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 329.27 of the Columbus City Code, 1959, it is determined to be in the best interest of the City of Columbus that the provisions of Section 329.06 for competitive sealed bidding be and are hereby waived for this purchase.
SECTION 3. That to pay the cost of the aforesaid purchase, the expenditure of $30,012.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from the Division of Electricity Operating Fund 550, Division Number 60-07, OCA Code 606723, Object Level Three 6621.
SECTION 4. That for the 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.