Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract modification with Travco Construction, Inc. for the Lead Service Line Replacements - Pilot Program, 690236-100178, to apply for a grant award from the H2Ohio Fund, to accept the H2Ohio Fund grant if awarded, to appropriate and expend grant funds in accordance with the conditions of the grant awards, to authorize the execution of agreements in connection with the application for the grants and the return of unused grant funds if any should remain at the end of the grant period.
The H2Ohio Fund grant award will be utilized for the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water, Childcare Facility Lead Service Line Replacement project, in an amount up to $500,000.00. This grant will be used for the removal and replacement of lead and galvanized service lines at designated Childcare Facilities within the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities Water Service Area.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Division of Water serves approximately 1.4 million people in Central Ohio. This includes the City of Columbus and 24 surrounding communities through full-service contract agreements. DPU is in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and is currently building processes to ensure we are in compliance with the recently finalized Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. DPU has prohibited the installation of lead or galvanized service line materials since 1964.
In preparation for the removal of all lead and galvanized service lines within our water system, DPU established its Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program in 2024 through the enactment of Columbus City Code Chapter 1119. This code gives DPU the authority to find and replace lead and galvanized service lines on private property, as well as enforce the requirement for replacement if necessary. As part of our newly established LSLR Program schools and daycares will receive priority attention for replacement due to the vulnerable population they serve.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
An H2Ohio Fund grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) will be used to fund this contract. This grant will be set-up under Fund 6013, Water Grants Fund, Grant G602500 (Childcare Facility Lead Service Line Replacement project). Funds will need to be appropriated.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency designation is requested for this ordinance so water lines containing lead and/or galvanized material may be identified and remedied as soon as possible, eliminating this public health hazard.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract modification with Travco Construction, Inc. for the Lead Service Line Replacements - Pilot Program, to apply for an H2Ohio Fund grant; to authorize the execution of grant agreements and other requisite agreements related to the grant; to appropriate and expend grant funds awarded by the H2Ohio Fund grant in an amount of up to $500,000.00 from the Water Grants Fund; to refund any unused funds; and to declare an emergency. ($500,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities is engaged in the Lead Service Line Replacements - Pilot Program project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a construction services contract with Travco for the Lead Service Line Replacement - Pilot Program project; and
WHEREAS, H2Ohio Grants are awarded by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) for a comprehensive water quality initiative that is working to strategically address serious water issues that have been building in Ohio for decades; and
WHEREAS, the OEPA notified the Department of Public Utilities an H2Ohio Grant in the amount of $500,000.00 was available; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Utilities is authorized to apply for and accept the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency H2Ohio Grant in accordance with the conditions of the grant award; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Utilities is authorized to execute a grant agreement with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities will utilize the grant funds from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the Childcare Facility Lead Service Line Replacement project; and
WHEREAS, As part of Department of Public Utilities’ newly established LSLR Program, schools and daycares will receive priority attention for replacement due to the vulnerable population they serve; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appropriate the grant funds so they can be expended on this important project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $500,000.00, or so much thereof as is needed, from the Water Grants Fund and from the Water Operating Fund to pay for this work; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a grant agreement with Ohio EPA for the H2Ohio Childcare Facility Lead Service Line Replacement project Grant so lead service lines in the water system can be identified and replaced as soon as possible, thereby preserving 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 the Department of Public Utilities is authorized to apply for and enter into grant agreements with Ohio EPA and to accept and expend awarded grant funds for an H2Ohio Childcare Facility Lead Service Line Replacement project.
SECTION 2. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities is authorized to enter into a contract modification for the Lead Service Line Replacement - Pilot Program project with Travco Construction, Inc., 5506 Harrisburg Pike, Grove City, Ohio, 43123, for construction services in accordance with the terms and conditions as shown in the contract on file with the Department of Public Utilities in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00.
SECTION 3. That from the unappropriated monies in the Water Grants Fund (6013) and from monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any purpose during the year ending December 31, 2025, the sum of $500,000.00 is appropriated in Fund 6013 Water Grants Fund in Object Class 06 Capital Outlay per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the expenditure of $500,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized in Fund 6013 (Water Grants 2025 Childcare Facility Lead Service Line Replacement project) in Object Class 06 (Services) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That at the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized without additional legislation required to make the repayment, and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated, in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 6. 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 7. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and any additional awarded funds are appropriated in Fund 6013 according to notification of award or grant agreement by the grantor.
SECTION 8. 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.