Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the City Auditor to set up a certificate in the amount of $2,162,500.00 for the purchase of equipment for the Recreation and Parks Department. These purchases will be made through the City of Columbus Purchasing Office. All bids will be obtained and contracts awarded in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Columbus City Code, Chapter 329. This ordinance will set up all of the funding required to enter into contracts with the vendors on an as-needed basis. Competitive bids will be solicited and opened by the Purchasing Office, obtained through any current universal term contract, or state term contract as authorized by ordinance number 582-87. The new equipment will replace aging equipment used by the Building Maintenance, Forestry, Golf, Parks, and Sports Sections of the Recreation and Parks Department.
The list below outlines the equipment expected to be purchased as soon as possible as a result of this ordinance:
Building Maintenance:
F350 with Bucket Lift (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $150,000.00
Band Saw Wide Slab Sawmill (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $35,000.00
Trailered Water Jetter (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $64,000.00
Gantry and Hoist (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $12,000.00
Dust Collection System (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $20,000.00
Building Maintenance Estimated Total: $281,000.00
Forestry:
Stump Grinder (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $32,500.00
F450 Dump Body (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $180,000.00
F450 Stake Body (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $180,000.00
Forestry Estimated Total: $392,500.00
Golf:
Bunker Rake (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $48,000.00
Turbine Mega Blower (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $26,000.00
Topdresser Spinner (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $25,500.00
Greens Roller (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $26,000.00
Wide-area Zero Turn Mower (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $80,500.00
Rotary Mower (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $52,000.00
Greens Mower (Quantity - 3) - Estimated Expenditure: $144,000.00
Golf Estimated Total: $402,000.00
Parks Maintenance:
Tractor with Cab (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $140,000.00
Bush Hog Mower Deck (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $20,000.00
Large Area Mower (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $260,000.00
61” Zero-Turn Mowers (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $15,000.00
Wide-area Walk-behind Mower (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $10,000.00
Equipment Trailer (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $13,000.00
Mercury Outboard Motor (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $10,000.00
Utility Task Vehicles (Quantity - 5) - Estimated Expenditure: $105,000.00
Hitch Mounted Leaf Vacuum (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $20,000.00
Trailered Power Washer (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $15,000.00
Turf Sprayer (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $15,000.00
F550 Supercab Chipper (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $100,000.00
Parks Estimated Total: $723,000.00
Sports:
Utility Tractor and Accessories (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $133,000.00
Utility Task Vehicle with Trash Hopper (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $30,000.00
Utility Task Vehicles (Quantity - 5) - Estimated Expenditure: $75,000.00
61” Zero Turn Mowers (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $35,000.00
72” Zero Turn Mowers (Quantity - 2) - Estimated Expenditure: $24,000.00
Water Reel (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $11,000.00
Synthetic Turf Cleaner (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $11,000.00
Turf Aerator (Quantity - 1) - Estimated Expenditure: $45,000.00
Sports Estimated Total: $364,000.00
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is being requested in order to have as much of this equipment as possible delivered and available for the remainder of the season, as most of the items are needed to replace aging equipment that is already in the process of being bid out. Equipment will be ordered immediately upon the approval of this ordinance and resulting purchase orders. This ordinance is establishing the funding required for the equipment being purchased
Benefits to the Public: Facilities, parkland, sports fields, golf courses, and trees maintained by the city enhance the quality of life of our citizens. This equipment will allow for the continued maintenance and upkeep of these amenities.
Community Input Issues: The community has expressed a desire for accessible and well-maintained facilities, parkland, sports fields, golf courses, and trees.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This certificate and resulting purchases support the Recreation and Parks Department’s Master Plan by helping to ensure that facilities, parkland, sports fields, golf courses, and trees remain accessible, safe, updated, user friendly, and well maintained.
Fiscal Impact: $2,162,500.00 is budgeted and available from within the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund 7702 and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 to meet the financial obligations of these various expenditures.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Auditor to set up a certificate in the amount of $2,162,500.00 for the purchase of equipment for the Recreation and Parks Department; to authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to enter into various contracts for the purchase of equipment on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Department; to authorize the transfer of $1,506,000.00 between the General Fund Income Tax Set Aside Subfund and the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund; to authorize the appropriation of $1,770,000.00 in the Income Tax Set Aside Subfund, Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund, and Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund; to authorize the transfer of $656,500.00 within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund and Permanent Improvement Fund; to authorize the amendment of the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget; to authorize the expenditure of $2,162,500.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund and Permanent Improvement Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($2,162,500.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary that the City Auditor set up a certificate in the amount of $2,162,500.00 for the purchase of equipment for the Recreation and Parks Department; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary that the Director of Finance and Management enter into various contracts for the purchase of equipment on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Department; and
WHEREAS, funding is budgeted and available from within the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund 7702 and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 to meet the financial obligations of these various expenditures; and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office will solicit competitive bids to acquire various equipment for the Recreation and Parks Department in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Columbus City Code, Chapter 329 or use State Term Contracts authorized per Ordinance No. 582-87; and
WHEREAS, brass tags for equipment to be replaced will be submitted to the Division of Fleet Management, and all specifications for equipment to be purchased and brass tagged will be approved by the Division of Fleet Management prior to acquisition;
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 (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $1,506,000.00 between the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099, and the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund, Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, funds will need to be appropriated within the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099 and within the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, the City will reimburse the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099; and
WHEREAS, this transfer should be considered as a temporary funding method; and
WHEREAS, the aggregated principal amount of obligations which the City will issue to finance this project is presently expected not to exceed $1,506,000.00; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $1,770,000.00 in the Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099, Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702, and Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $656,500.00 within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the amendment of the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 1790-2025 in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this and future projects; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $2,162,500.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Funds 7702 and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize and direct the Director of Finance and Management to enter into various contracts for the purchase of this equipment in order to have as much of the equipment as possible delivered and available for the remainder of the season, as most of the items are needed to replace aging equipment that is already in the process of being bid out, all for the immediate preservation of public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to set up a certificate in the amount of $2,162,500.00 for the purchase of equipment and vehicles for the Recreation and Parks Department.
SECTION 2. That the Director of Finance and Management is hereby authorized to enter into contracts for the purchase of equipment, on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Department, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Columbus City Code Chapter 329 or using State Term Contracts authorized per ordinance number 582-87.
SECTION 3. That the brass tags for equipment to be replaced will be submitted to the Division of Fleet Management, and all specifications for equipment to be purchased and brass tagged will be approved by the Division of Fleet Management prior to acquisition.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. 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 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 from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said funds from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, the sum of $1,506,000.00 is appropriated in General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099, in Object Class 10 Transfer Out Operating, and in Fund 7702, Recreation and Parks Bond Fund, in Object Class 06 Capital Outlay per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 8. That the transfer of $1,506,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099, and the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund, Fund 7702, per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 9. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer said funds to the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702, at such time as is deemed necessary by the City Auditor, and to expend said funds, or so much thereof as may be necessary.
SECTION 10. That upon obtaining other funds from the 2024-2025 Bond Sale for the City of Columbus, the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to repay the General Fund 1000, Income Tax Set Aside Subfund 100099 the amount transferred under Section 5.
SECTION 11. That the City intends that this ordinance constitutes 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 $1,506,000.00 (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 the fund from which the advance for costs of the Project will be made.
SECTION 12. That the appropriation of $264,000.00 is authorized within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 13. That the transfer of $656,500.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects within the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund 7702 and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 14. That the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 1790-2025 is hereby amended as follows in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this ordinance and future projects.
Fund / Project / Project Name / Current Revised Authority / Current Remaining Authority / Change / Amended Revised Authority / Amended Remaining Authority
Fund 7702 / P511012-100001 / Street Trees - Urban Forestry Master Plan Implementation (Voted Carryover) / $55,007 / $55,007 / $408,693 / $463,700 / $463,700 (to match cash)
Fund 7702 / P511012-100001 / Street Trees - Urban Forestry Master Plan Implementation (Voted Carryover) / $463,700 / $463,700 / ($392,500) / $71,200 / $71,200
Fund 7747 / P747999-100000; Unallocated Balance Fund 7747 (Carryover) / $698,478 / $698,478 / ($264,000) / $434,478 / $434,478
Fund 7702 / P511017-100000 / Forestry Equipment (Voted Carryover) / $0 / $0 / $392,500 / $392,500 / $392,500
Fund 7747 / P514006-100000 / Sports Equipment (Carryover) / $0 / $0 / $264,000 / $264,000 / $264,000
SECTION 15. That the expenditure of $2,162,500.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund 7702 and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 16. That this Council hereby recognizes that this ordinance does not identify specific contractors or vendors for the expenditure purposes authorized herein and hereby delegates sole and final contracting decisions relative to the determination of lowest, best, most responsive and most responsible vendor(s) to the Director of Finance and Management and the Director of Recreation and Parks.
SECTION 17. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part of 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 (10) days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.