Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for a program to kill root growth in sanitary sewer lines 6” to 36” in diameter and inhibit root re-growth. The Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD) wishes to enter into a contract to and including December 31, 2024.
DOSD determined that the chemical diquat dibromide is the most effective way to treat roots in sewers. Diquat dibromide, classified as non-carcinogenic and not considered a volatile compound, is approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for this use. Additionally, diquat dibromide has little or no effect on treatment plant processes, making this chemical preferred for use in the root control program. The Division has further determined that other chemicals are not acceptable for use in this program due to either ineffectiveness or the presence of metam sodium, which the US EPA classifies as a probable carcinogen.
Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is the only commercial applicator licensed to apply diquat dibromide, which the company does through its proprietary product known as Razorooter. Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and its applicators are certified by the agency to perform pesticide applications to sewers.
While there are multiple ways to treat root growth and inhibit re-growth, the effectiveness of Razorooter and its classification as non-carcinogenic and not a volatile compound mean it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of competitive bidding and enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for these services.
SUPPLIER:
Duke’s Root Control, Inc. | D365 #010159 | Expires May 5, 2024 - Being Updated
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:
$90,000.00 is budgeted and available within the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund for this purchase.
$89,990.00 was spent in 2023
$109,253.30 was spent in 2022
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for sewer root control services for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage in 2024; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code; and to authorize the expenditure of $90,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund. ($90,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Sewer Maintenance Operation Center has a need for a sewer root control program to kill root growth in sewer lines and inhibit root re-growth; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Sewerage and Drainage determined that the chemical diquat dibromide is the most effective way to treat roots in sewers; and
WHEREAS, diquat dibromide, classified as non-carcinogenic and not considered a volatile compound, is approved for this use by the United States EPA and has little or no effect on treatment plant processes, making it the preferred chemical for use in the Division’s root control program; and
WHEREAS, the Division further determined that other chemicals are not acceptable for use in this program due to either ineffectiveness or the presence of metam sodium, which has been classified by the US EPA as a probable carcinogen; and
WHEREAS, Duke’s Root Control, Inc. currently provides the Division with these services and is the only commercial applicator licensed to apply diquat dibromide, which it does through its proprietary product otherwise known as Razorooter; and
WHEREAS, Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and its applicators are certified by the agency to perform pesticide applications to sewers; and
WHEREAS, it is in the City’s best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code and enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Sewerage and Drainage wishes to enter into a contract from the date of execution by the City of Columbus to and including December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of $90,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6100, Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund, in object class 03, Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewerage and Drainage, to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract for sewer root control services with Duke’s Root Control, Inc.; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc., 3983 Eastbourne Dr., Syracuse, NY 13206, for sewer root control services for 2024.
SECTION 2. That this Council finds it in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code for the contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. and does hereby waive the same.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $90,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6100, Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund, in object class 03, Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
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 this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.