Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes a modification of Contract EL-006954, with Asplundh Tree Expert Co., to provide power line clearance services for the Division of Power and Water.
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 its street lighting and distribution facilities. This modification provides funding for services needed through the remainder of the existing contract.
Reasons other procurement processes are not used: The existing contract is based upon the lowest responsive and responsible bid received and opened on December 20, 2006. The contract provides for services from April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2009. Additional funds are necessary due to the division's need for this service increasing with the growth of its distribution and street lighting facilities. In addition, due the wind storm of September 14, 2008 and associated service and facility restoration activities, expenditures have been greater than anticipated.
How cost of modification was determined: The cost is based upon the estimated needs for the remainder of the contract at the rates in the existing contract.
Emergency action is requested in order that power line clearance and payments for said services may continue without interruption.
Contract Compliance Number: 231277550, expires 2/1/09
FISCAL IMPACT: $220,000.00 was budgeted and encumbered in 2008 for this service. The additional funds required will be absorbed within the current budget due to reduced expenditures for other items in Object Level One: 06. Ordinance 1656-2008 to authorize the transfer of funds within the Electricity Operating Fund for this and other anticipated expenditures is in process.
2006 encumbrances for this service: $200,000
2007 encumbrances for this service: $275,000
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 Power and Water; to authorize the expenditure of $75,000.00 from the Electricity Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($75,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, power line clearance services are required by the Division of Power and Water for maintenance of distribution and street lighting circuits through the term of the existing contract; and
WHEREAS, Contract Number EL006954, with Asplundh Tree Expert Company, was authorized by Ordinance Number 0175-2007, passed April 2, 2007, for power line clearance services from April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2009; and
WHEREAS, due to the growth of the division's distribution and street lighting systems and recent storm damages it is necessary to increase the funding associated with the existing contract; and
WHEREAS, emergency action is necessary to prevent interruption of this service that is critical to the daily operation of the division; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Power and Water, in that it is immediately necessary to increase funding for power line clearance services for the 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 EL006954 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 329.16 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 the Electricity Operating Fund 550, Division No. 60-07, OCA 606764, Object Level Three 3375.
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 disapproves the same.