Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a service contract with K.N.S. Services, Inc. for the Watershed Camera Improvements project, C.I.P. Number 690411-100000, in an amount of up to $249,349.43.
The existing camera equipment at Hoover Dam is past its useful life, experiencing issues, and is no longer reliable. Due to its age, the equipment is difficult to maintain, and spare parts are hard to acquire. The camera system is an important tool for maintaining awareness of the dam and the surrounding environment. This contract will replace the entire existing system including cameras, cabling, and related equipment, with Genetec-compatible equipment in accordance with Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Emergency Preparedness/Security guidelines. The Division of Water (DOW) has coordinated with DPU Technology and DPU security staff regarding this work. Deficiencies in the existing camera system will also be addressed.
The Hoover Dam serves multiple planning areas so this falls under planning areas “99”.
1.1 Contract Amount
The contract amount is $249,349.43, which includes a contingency amount of $30,000 to fund needed and approved changes in the work. No contract modifications are anticipated at this time; however, construction exigency might later compel modification of this contract, if unforeseen difficulties are encountered.
Cost summary:
Quote Amount $219,349.43
Contingency $ 30,000.00
CONTRACT TOTAL $249,349.43
1.2 Timeline
It is anticipated the Notice To Proceed (NTP) will be issued in May 2026 and the project will be completed by May 31, 2027. The contract will continue until the work is complete and accepted by the City.
2. ECONOMIC IMPACT/ADVANTAGES; COMMUNITY OUTREACH; PROJECT DEVELOPMENT; ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/ADVANTAGES OF PROJECT
The Hoover Dam provides a reliable raw water supply to our largest water treatment plant. The camera system is an important tool for maintaining awareness of dam security. There will be no public meetings held regarding this project. The Division of Water will be responsible for coordinating with stakeholders.
3. SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT
A quote for this work was obtained from K.N.S. Services, Inc. (KNS). KNS is the only Genetec Unified Elite integrator in the Central Ohio area. Due to the proprietary nature of the security software and the need to maintain compatibility with the Genetec system for equipment already installed throughout DPU and the rest of the City, it is in the best interest of the City to enter into a contract with KNS in accordance with the City’s sole source procurement provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 rather than installing a system from a different manufacturer.
4. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
The contract compliance number for K.N.S. Services, Inc. is CC005443 and expires 1/27/2027.
This work is anticipated to be accomplished without subcontractors. The certification of K.N.S. Services, Inc. is in good standing at the time of this ordinance.
5. FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available and appropriated within the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006. An amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget is needed to align budget authority with the proper project. Cash and appropriation also need to be transferred between projects within the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, to align cash and appropriation with the proper project.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a service contract with K.N.S. Services for the Watershed Camera Improvements project; to waive the formal bidding requirements of Columbus City Code; to authorize an amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget; to authorize a transfer of funds and appropriation within the Water Bond Fund; and to authorize the expenditure of up to $249,349.43 for the project. ($249,349.43)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities is engaged in the Watershed Camera Improvements project; and
WHEREAS, the work for this project consists of replacing and enhancing the existing camera system that is past its useful life and has performance and repair parts issues; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the competitive bidding requirements of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 is requested to allow the camera system and parts to be compatible with the camera systems and security equipment in the other Department of Public Utilities buildings; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities requires funding to be available for the Watershed Camera Improvements project; and
WHEREAS, an amendment to the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget is needed to align budget authority with the proper project; and
WHEREAS, cash and appropriation will need to be transferred between projects within the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, to align cash and appropriation with the proper project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to expend funds to pay for this service; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary in the daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a service contract with K.N.S. Services, Inc., for the Watershed Camera Improvements Project; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget authorized by Ordinance 1790-2025 be amended as follows to establish sufficient budget authority for this project:
Fund / Project Number / Project Name (Funding Source) / Current Authority / Revised Authority / Change
6006 / 690528-100000 / Gen'l Engineering Services - Distribution Group (Voted Water Carryover) / $325,000.00 / $75,650.00 / ($249,350.00)
6006 / 690411-100000 / Watershed Misc. Improv. Facilities (Voted Water Carryover) / $726,255.00 / $975,605.00 / $249,350.00
SECTION 2. That the transfer of $249,349.43, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects within the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That City Council finds it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the formal competitive bidding requirements of City Code Chapter 329 so equipment purchased for this camera system is compatible with the camera and security system equipment already standardized and installed in other Department of Public Utilities locations and does hereby waive the same.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a service contract with K.N.S. Services, Inc., 5460 Rauch Drive, Plain City, Ohio 43067, for the Watershed Camera Improvements project in an amount of up to $249,349.43 in accordance with the specifications and plans on file in the Department of Public Utilities, which are hereby approved.
SECTION 5. That the expenditure of $249,349.43, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in the Water Bond Fund, Fund 6006, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures and transfers authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 7. 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 8. 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 9. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.