Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to modify a contract for the Reservoir Restoration Project with Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC to add funding for 2026 in an amount up to $600,000.00. This contract is used to maintain the shoreline at the Hoover and O’Shaughnessy Reservoirs by planting trees, shrubs and for herbicide treatment of invasive species.
PROCUREMENT
The Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids for the Reservoir Restoration Project in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 (RFQ025146). Fifty-six (56) vendors (1 EBE/MBE, 1 EBE/WBE, 46 MAJ, 6 MBE, 1 MBE/WBE, 1 WBE) were solicited and three (1 EBE/MBE and 2 MAJ) bids were received on July 12, 2023. One contract was awarded to Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC.
CONTRACT AMOUNTS / TIMELINE
The contract term was for one year from the date of execution to and including October 31, 2024. The contract language allows for two (2) one (1) year renewal options on a year to year basis upon mutual agreement, availability of funds, and approval by Columbus City Council. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
This Ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code pertaining to contract renewals and modifications.
Cost summary:
Original Contract - Ordinance #2734-2023 $ 300,000.00
Modification #1 - Ordinance #3475-2023 $ 600,000.00
Modification/Renewal #2 - Ordinance #0789-2024 $ 300,000.00
Modification #3 - Ordinance #2582-2024 $ 15,000.00
Modification/Renewal #4 - Ordinance #0294-2025 $ 1,400,000.00
Modification #5 - Ordinance #0509-2026 $ 600,000.00
Contract Total to Date: $ $ 3,215,000.00
1. Amount of additional funds: Total amount of additional funds needed for this contract modification is to ADD $600,000.00. Total contract amount including this modification is $ 3,215,000.00.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds were included in the initial contract. This contract is funded on an incremental basis.
3. Reason other procurement processes are not used: Work under this modification is a continuation of services. No lower pricing/more attractive terms and conditions are anticipated at this time.
4. How cost was determined: A cost proposal was provided by Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC in their bid and was deemed acceptable.
SUPPLIER(S) / CONTRACT COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC, vendor #044891 expires 3/25/27
The certification of Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC was in good standing at the time of the contract award. The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT
$600,000.00 funds are budgeted and available for this expenditure within the Water Operating Fund.
$1,272,434.05 was spent in 2025
$920,278.80 was spent in 2024
$282,814.50 was spent in 2023
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to avoid the delay of purchasing services for time-critical work due to concerns over reduced tree survivability and proliferation of invasive species due to ineffective treatments. This work is a continuation of ongoing efforts that begun several years to support reservoir restoration efforts around Hoover, Griggs, and O’Shaughnessy Reservoirs, as well as repair areas of city property due to prior encroachments or property damage.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to modify the contract with Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC for the Reservoir Restoration Project; to authorize the expenditure of $600,000.00 from the Water Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($600,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities solicited competitive bids for the Reservoir Restoration Project in accordance with the relevant provisions of Section 329 (RFQ025146); and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities entered into a contract for the Reservoir Restoration Project with Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC; and
WHEREAS, the contract is used to maintain the shoreline at the Hoover and O’Shaughnessy Reservoirs by planting trees, shrubs and for herbicide treatment of invasive species; and
WHEREAS, the contract language allows for two (2) one (1) year renewal options on a year to year basis upon mutual agreement, availability of funds, and approval by Columbus City Council; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities wishes to provide funding for services through October 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the vendor has agreed to modify and increase the contract at current prices and conditions; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Department of Public Utilities in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to modify a contract with Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC for the Reservoir Restoration Project without delay to avoid delay of purchasing services for time-critical work due to concerns over reduced tree survivability and proliferation of invasive species due to ineffective treatments, all for the immediate preservation of the 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 Director of the Department of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to modify the contract for the Reservoir Restoration Project with Williams Forestry & Associates, LLC per the terms and conditions of RFQ025146 on file in the Department of Public Utilities.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $600,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, $600,000.00 is hereby authorized in Fund 6000 (Water Operating Fund) in object class 03 Services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That said firm shall conduct the work to the satisfaction of the Director of the Department of Public Utilities.
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 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.