Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Claypool Electric, Inc. for the Bicentennial Park Electric Replacement Project. The contract amount being authorized by this ordinance is a total of $77,631.00.
The electric power feed near the amphitheater at Bicentennial Park has failed and is no longer operational. Efforts to find the source of the failure have been exhausted. It has been determined that the most efficient alternative to restore power is to install a new drop and power feed at a new location within the park. This new installation will reduce the distance of the run, be more cost efficient, and reduce impact to the surrounding park area which would require extensive restoration. The amphitheater and park are major gathering points for the community, hosting many events and providing entertainment throughout the year. Restoring power within the park, prior to the busy spring and summer event season, is critical to the success of many community events. The new electric service will provide power to the amphitheater, allowing the scheduled events and festivals to proceed unaffected. Downtown Columbus, Inc. (DCI), has agreed to reimburse the Recreation and Parks Department 50% of the project costs since this project closely aligns with the mission of the non-profit organization. This collaboration will improve the livability of Downtown Columbus and help to ensure that Bicentennial Park continues to be a space that can be enjoyed by all.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions (Office of Diversity and Inclusion designation status):
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on February 20, 2026 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on March 2, 2026. A single bid was received from the following company:
Claypool Electric, Inc.: $77,631.00
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Claypool Electric, Inc. was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Claypool Electric, Inc. and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Claypool Electric, Inc.
1275 Lancaster Kirkersville Road
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Christina Claypool Deem, (740) 653-5683
Contract Compliance Number: 004366
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: February 17, 2028
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to have electric service installed and tested prior to programming scheduled to begin at Bicentennial Park in May of 2026.
Benefits to the Public: Bicentennial Park serves as the centerpiece for some of the City’s most vital downtown programming, including the Columbus Arts Festival, the Jazz & Rib Fest, and the CBUS Soul Fest. This project will benefit residents by replacing the electric service needed to power the Bicentennial Park Stage so this robust programming can continue uninterrupted.
Community Input/Issues: The community has expressed the desire for well-kept and updated amenities through public workshops, social media, and direct contact with the Recreation and Parks Department.
Area(s) Affected: Downtown (55)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by helping to create opportunities for cultural experiences, joyful moments, and belonging through diverse community events.
Fiscal Impact: $77,631.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222302, Voted Bond Fund 7712, and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 to meet the financial obligations of this expenditure.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Claypool Electric, Inc. for the Bicentennial Park Electric Replacement Project; to authorize the appropriation of $38,815.50 within the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund; to authorize the transfer of $38,815.50 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund and Voted Bond Fund; to authorize the amendment of the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget; to authorize the expenditure of $77,631.00 from the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund, Special Purpose Fund, and Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($77,631.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Claypool Electric, Inc. for the Bicentennial Park Electric Replacement Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $38,815.50 within the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222302; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $38,815.50.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 and Voted Bond Fund 7712; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the amendment of the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 1790-2025 in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this and future projects; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $77,631.00 from the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222302, Voted Bond Fund 7712, and Permanent Improvements Fund 7747; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Claypool Electric, Inc. to have electric service installed and tested prior to programming scheduled to begin at Bicentennial Park in May of 2026, 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 Recreation and Parks Department be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract Claypool Electric, Inc. for the Bicentennial Park Electric Replacement Project.
SECTION 2. 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 3. 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 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.
SECTION 5. That the appropriation of $38,815.50 is authorized within the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222302 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the transfer of $38,815.50 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 and Voted Bond Fund 7712 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 1790-2025 is hereby amended as follows in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this ordinance and future projects.
Fund / Project / Project Name / Current Revised Authority / Current Remaining Authority / Change / Amended Revised Authority / Amended Remaining Authority
Fund 7712 / P514020-100000 / Program Projects (Small) - General Design & Construction Management Services (Carryover) / $0 / $0 / $23,886 / $23,886 / $23,886 (to match cash)
Fund 7712 / P514024-100000 / Berliner Sports Park Improvements 2023-2024 (Carryover) / $0 / $0 / $5,974 / $5,974 / $5,974 (to match cash)
Fund 7712 / P511000-100000 / Renovation - Misc. (Carryover) / $105,135 / $105,135 / ($6,505) / $98,630 / $98,630
Fund 7712 / P514020-100000 / Program Projects (Small) - General Design & Construction Management Services (Carryover) / $23,886 / $23,886 / ($23,886) / $0 / $0
Fund 7712 / P514024-100000 / Berliner Sports Park Improvements 2023-2024 (Carryover) / $5,974 / $5,974 / ($5,974) / $0 / $0
Fund 7747 / P510043-100000 / Parkland Dedication - Downtown (Carryover) / $2,451 / $2,451 / ($2,451) / $0 / $0
Fund 7712 / P511118-100000 / Bicentennial Park Electric Replacement (Voted Carryover) / $0 / $0 / $36,365 / $36,365 / $36,365
Fund 7747 / P511118-100000 / Bicentennial Park Electric Replacement (Voted Carryover) / $0 / $0 / $2,451 / $2,451 / $2,451
SECTION 8. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $77,631.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222302, Voted Bond Fund 7712, and Permanent Improvements Fund 7747, in object class 06 Capital Outlay, per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 9. That this ordinance, for the reasons stated in the preamble, which are made a part of this ordinance and fully incorporated for reference as if rewritten, is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after this ordinance’s passage and approval by the Mayor or ten (10) days after its adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.