Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes a modification of Contract EL-005243, with Asplundh Tree Expert Co., to provide power line clearance services for the Division of Electricity.
Amount of additional funds to be expended: $75,000.00
Reasons additional goods/services could not be foreseen: Power line clearance is a tree trimming service that the division continuously needs for proper maintenance of street lighting and distribution facilities. Severe weather during the winter of 2004-05 caused a greater need for this service, therefore, the previous contract had to be increased using 2005 budget authority. The current contract was established using the remainder of the amount budgeted for this service in 2005, however, it is not sufficient to meet the Divison's needs. This modification provides funding for services needed until annual budget authority is authorized by City Council in 2006.
Reasons other procurement processes are not used: The existing contract is based upon the lowest responsive and responsible bid received and opened on December 15, 2004. The contract provides for services from April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2007, however, funds are certified during each fiscal year. It is necessary to increase funding in order that services may continue.
How cost of modification was determined: The cost is based upon the estimated needs at the rates in the existing contract.
Contract Compliance Number: 231277550
Emergency action is requested in order that the contract modification may be executed on a timely basis so that this essential service may continue without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: $195,000 was budgeted in the 2005 Division of Electricity operating fund for this expenditure. Approximately $195,000 was spent each year in 2003 and 2004 for this service.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to modify an existing contract with Asplundh Tree Expert Co. for power line clearance services for the Division of Electricity; to authorize the expenditure of $75,000.00 from the Division of Electricity Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($75,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, power line clearance services are required by the Division of Electricity for maintenance of distribution and street lighting circuits through the term of the existing contract; and
WHEREAS, Contract Number EL005243, with Asplundh Tree Expert Company, was authorized by Ordinance Number 0410-205, passed March 28, 2005, for power line clearance services from April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2007; and
WHEREAS, emergency action is necessary to modify the contract to provide funding so that this essential service may continue without interruption; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Electricity, in that it is immediately necessary to modify an existing contract with Asplundh Tree Expert Co. for power line clearance services 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 Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to modify Contract Number EL005243 with Asplundh Tree Expert Co. for power line clearance services, in the amount of $75,000.00.
SECTION 2. That this contract modification is in compliance with Section 329.13 of Columbus City Codes, 1959.
SECTION 3. That to pay the cost of the aforesaid contract modification, the expenditure of $75,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from Division of Electricity Operating Fund 550, Division No. 60-07, OCA Code 606764, Object Level Three 3375.
SECTION 4. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby 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 days after passage, if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.