Explanation
1. BACKGROUND.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Utilities to increase contracts for the Project Dry Basement Program, and to authorize the expenditure of up to $1,000,000.00 in order to fund the second year of the three-year project. The purpose of this program is to reduce water-in-basement occurrences within residential homes in the City of Columbus.
This Program authorized the Director of Public Utilities to enter into the necessary agreements with homeowners and contracts with licensed plumbers to perform work related to the installation of devices that are appropriate for the elimination of water in basements (WIBs) in residences within the City of Columbus. These devices will typically include an approved backwater prevention valve; but in some instances may include a sump pump. Sump pumps will be installed only where necessary. Other devices may be considered if deemed necessary to protect a residence from future WIBs.
Eligible residences would be single family or duplexes in Columbus that have suffered a WIB after January 1, 2004 caused by a mainline sewer blockage or a mainline sewer surcharge. Backups caused by blockages or other conditions in residential service lateral sewers on the homeowners property are not eligible for remediation under this program. WIB's must be reported to the Division and documented by the Sewer Maintenance Operations Center.
Eligible property owners are contacted by the Division and invited to take part in the Project Dry Basement Program. Responding eligible owners are contacted by division staff who assess the situation and estimate the extent of work necessary to correct the WIB problem. A contracted plumber is assigned by the division to complete the necessary installations. Contracting procedures comply with the provisions of Section 329.09 of Columbus City Codes. The contracted plumbers, Holdridge Mechanical, Inc., The Waterworks and Fox Mechanical, Co. are required...
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