City of Columbus - File #: 1487-2011

• File #: 1487-2011
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Passed
• File created: 9/9/2011
• In control: Public Utilities Committee
• On agenda: 10/3/2011
• Final action: 10/5/2011
• Title: To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to modify a contract agreement with The Workwaters, Holdridge Mechanical, and Fox Mechanical for the Project Dry Basement (PDB) program; to authorize the expenditure of $250,000.00 from the Sanitary Sewer General Obligation Bond Fund and declare an emergency. ($250,000.00)

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
10/5/2011	1	CITY CLERK	Attest
10/4/2011	1	MAYOR	Signed
10/3/2011	1	COUNCIL PRESIDENT	Signed
10/3/2011	1	Columbus City Council	Approved	Pass

Explanation

1. BACKGROUND:
A. Need. This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities (DPU) to modify (Mod #5) contracts with three plumbing contractors: The Waterworks ($124,000.00), Holdridge Mechanical ($63,000.00), and Fox Mechanical ($63,000.00) for the Project Dry Basement (PDB) program and authorize the expenditure of up to $250,000. The purpose of this program is to reduce water-in-basement occurrences in residential homes in the City of Columbus.
Project Dry Basement Program was implemented in 2004 and authorized the Director of Public Utilities to enter into 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 basement (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 incidents.

Eligible residences are single family or duplex structures 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 homeowner's property are not eligible for remediation under this program. WIBs 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 to 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 32...