Explanation
Many of the Division of Water's meters are in pits. In an effort to reduce the problems in obtaining reads from these meters we have gone through 1 and 2 year trials with two different radio-read technologies from two different companies. We believe the products from Underground Pipe & Valve, Inc. warrant expanded tests. Because Underground Pipe & Valve, Inc. has provided the materials for the first phase of our test at no cost to the Division, it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus that the provisions of competitive bidding be waived, and the Director of Public Utilities contract with this vendor, for water meters to be used in the radio-read system testing, in the amount of $75,000.00. The Contract Compliance Number for Underground Pipe & Valve, Inc. is 35-1381740. They do not have certified MBE/FBE status.
Since the Division of Water has already spent 2 years testing equipment from this vendor, it is requested that this Ordinance be handled in an emergency manner, in order to expedite the process of additional testing.
FISCAL IMPACT: Monies are being transferred to fund this project and the 2002 C.I.B. is being modified to provide the necessary authority.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Underground Pipe & Valve, Inc., for water meters to be used in the radio-read system testing, for the Division of Water, to waive the provisions of formal competitive bidding, to amend the 2002 C.I.B., to authorize the City Auditor to transfer funds within the Water Works Enlargement Voted 1991 Bonds Fund, to authorize the expenditure of $75,000.00 from the Water Works Enlargement Voted 1991 Bonds Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($75,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Water has been testing different radio-read technologies to reduce the problems in obtaining reads from meters in pits, and
WHEREAS, the Division would like to contract with Underground Pipe & Valve, Inc. as they have provided the materials for the first phase of our test at no cost to the Division, and
WHEREAS, the Division believes the products from Underground Pipe & Valve, Inc. warrant expanded tests, and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Water, Department of Public Utilities, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Public Utilities Director to enter into a contract, for water meters to be used in the radio-read system testing, for the Meter Repair activity of the Division of Water, for the immediate preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; 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 enter into a contract with Underground Pipe & Valve, Inc., for water meters to be used in the radio-read system testing, for the Division of Water, Department of Public Utilities.
Section 2. That it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of Section 329.06 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, and such provisions are hereby waived.
Section 3. That the expenditure of $75,000.00 or as much thereof as may be needed is hereby authorized from Water Works Enlargement Voted 1991 Bonds Fund No. 606, Department 60, Division 09, OCA Code 606394, Object Level One 06, Object Level Three 6670, Project No. 690394 to pay the cost thereof.
Section 4. 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 except that no transfer shall be so made from a project account funded by monies from more than one source.
Section 5. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to transfer funds within the Water Works Enlargement Voted 1991 Bonds Fund, Fund No. 606, Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water, as follows:
From: 690468 Sunbury Rd. 12' Water Main
OCA Code 690468 $75,000.00
To: 690394 Water Meter Renewal Program
OCA Code 606394 $75,000.00
Section 6. That Section 1, Public Utilities/Water 60-09 of Ordinance 1674-02 is hereby amended as follows:
PROJECT 2002
NO. PROJECT BUDGET
690290 Distribution Improvements $ 1,344,490 *(1)*
690394 Water Meter Renewal Program $ 75,000 *(2)*
Section 7. 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.
2002 ORIGINAL 2002 AMEMDED
BUDGET BUDGET COMMENTS
*(1)* $1,419,490 $1,344,490 AUTHORITY DECREASED
*(2)* $0 $75,000 AUTHORITY INCREASED