Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes payment for utility relocation work as needed by American Electric Power, and other utilities (or companies hired by utilities to perform utility relocation work) for the Bridge Rehab - UIRF - Milo Grogan Second Avenue Improvements project in an amount up to $335,000.00.
The Public Service Department is engaged in the Bridge Rehab - UIRF - Milo Grogan Second Avenue Improvements project. This project consists of new pervious pavement in the parking lane of Second Avenue, replacing the existing curb and installation of curb extensions to define the parking areas. Streetscape improvements will consist of replacement of existing sidewalks, new street trees and new street lighting with underground circuit. The signals at Cleveland Avenue and St Clair Avenue will be modified to accommodate the proposed improvements. Project will relocate utilities to allow for the reconstructing of existing retaining walls along the project corridor.
In the course of effecting roadway improvements, it is sometimes necessary to force the relocation of utilities from privately held easements or place overhead utilities underground to promote public health, safety and welfare including the economic development of the City. It is necessary to move utilities to complete this project.
The funding request for utilities relocation reimbursement is based upon estimates from the utilities. The utilities will invoice the City for actual costs incurred in relocating the utilities. The amount needed may exceed the amount requested in this ordinance. Additional legislation will be submitted by the Department of Public Service if additional funds are needed to complete the relocations.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
This is a budgeted expense. Funding for this expense is available and appropriated within Fund 7704, the Streets and Highways Bond Fund.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested in order to complete needed improvements at the earliest possible time and meet the requirements of the start date for the Ohio Public Works Commission funding award to avoid penalty and to ensure the safety of the traveling public.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to pay utility relocation costs to various utilities for the Bridge Rehab UIRF - Milo Grogan Second Avenue Improvements project; to authorize the expenditure of up to $335,000.00, for utility relocations for this project from the Streets & Highways Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($335,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is concerned with the use of the various rights-of-way areas in the City as such rights-of-way areas represent a valuable and limited resource that must be utilized to promote the public health, safety and welfare including the economic development of the City; and
WHEREAS, utility relocations must be completed before construction can begin; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service requires funding to be available for utility relocation expenses for the Bridge Rehab - UIRF - Milo Grogan Second Avenue Improvements project; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes funding in the amount of $335,000.00 for that purpose to establish sufficient cash to pay for the project; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize payment for utility relocation expenses to prevent construction delays to ensure the safety of the traveling public and meet the requirements of the start date for the Ohio Public Works Commission funding award to avoid penalty; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Service be and hereby is authorized to reimburse utilities for utility relocation work, or to reimburse companies hired by utilities to perform utility relocation work for the Bridge Rehab - UIRF - Milo Grogan Second Avenue Improvements project.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $335,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 7704 (Streets and Highways Bond Fund), Dept-Div 5911 (Infrastructure Management), Project P440005-102221 (Bridge Rehab - UIRF - Milo Grogan Second Avenue Improvements), in Object Class 06 (Capital Outlay) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. 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 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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.