Explanation
Background:
This ordinance will increase an existing Auditor's Certificate and authorize the expenditures for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) tree removal and planting equipment and supplies through the City of Columbus Purchasing Office. All bids will be obtained and contracts awarded using City Code 329; however, this legislation will set up all the required funding to enter into contracts with the vendors on an as-needed basis. In order to continue the removal of the infested and hazardous trees immediately, we are requesting the authorization of $25,000.00 in voted bond funds and the authorization for the Director of Recreation and Parks and the Director of Finance and Management to enter into various contracts relating to the EAB management process and equipment needs. All equipment and supplies will be bid through the City of Columbus Purchasing System and all contracts will be approved by the Director of Finance and Management. In order to have the tree replacements available for fall 2014 planting, it is necessary to authorize this expenditure to have the funding and approval complete when the bidding has been finalized. Competitive bids will be solicited using City Code 329 or obtained through any current universal term contract for all Emerald Ash Borer related expenditures. Emergency legislation is required to continue with the removal of hazardous and infested trees immediately.
Fiscal Impact:
$25,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks and the Director of Finance and Management to enter into various contracts for the purchase of supplies and equipment for the Recreation and Parks Department; to increase an existing Auditor's Certificate in the amount of $25,000.00; to authorize the expenditure of $25,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($25,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office will solicit competitive bids to acquire various supplies, equipment, and tree replacements for the Recreation and Parks Department; and
WHEREAS, the increase of AC#035495-002 in the amount of $25,000.00 is requested in order to make additional EAB related purchases of equipment and supplies; and
WHEREAS, funding is available for these purchases from unallocated balances within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 702; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to enter into contracts for equipment needs due to the hazardous nature thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized to enter into purchasing contracts for the EAB project needs on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Department in accordance with City Code 329.
SECTION 2. That the purchase of equipment, supplies, and replacement trees through the City of Columbus purchasing system, is necessary for existing operation, and future removal and replacement of damaged trees.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $25,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby authorized from the Voted Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 702, Dept. 51-01 as follows:
Increase AC#035495-002
510039-100002 723902 6651 $25,000.00
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; except that no transfer shall be so made from a project account funded by monies from more than one source.
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 legislation
SECTION 6. That this Council hereby recognizes that this ordinance does not identify specific contractors or vendors for the expenditure purposes authorized herein and hereby delegates sole and final contracting decisions relative to the determination of lowest responsive and responsible and best bidder(s) to the Director of Recreation and Parks and or the Director of Finance and Management as per the terms of Columbus City Code 329.
SECTION 7. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.