Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS). The USDA is authorized to protect American agriculture and other resources from damage associated with wildlife. The primary authority for APHIS WS is the Act of March 2, 1931 (46 Stat. 1468; 7 U.S.C.426-426b) as amended, and the Act of December 22, 1987 (101Stat. 1329-331, 7 U.S.C. 426c). Wildlife Services activities are conducted in cooperation with other Federal, State and local agencies; private organizations and individuals.
With financial commitments from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio State University, the City of Columbus moved forward with the 5th Avenue Dam Removal and Olentangy River Restoration project, CIP 650706. The City of Columbus was able to remove the former Fifth Avenue Dam and then restore the Olentangy River. The City first removed the Fifth Avenue lowhead dam and then restored the natural flow of the Olentangy River through the university area. Removal of the dam was followed by re-engineering the river channel, the addition of wetland areas to slow and filter the flow of Stormwater, shoreline restoration, and finally the planting of native species to reestablish a more natural habitat and ecosystem along the Olentangy between the area north of the OSU campus and Downtown. In the coming years the appearance of the project will evolve as the reestablished native grasses and trees continue to grow and strengthen the shoreline.
The 5th Avenue Olentangy River Restoration project is in the reseeding phase. Native grass and other vegetation were planted in the Spring of 2014. Previous reseeding attempts have failed due to the consumption of new vegetation primarily by Canada geese. In 2013, several integrated goose damage management techniques were implemented by the landscaping contractor without success. The City of Columbus requested assistance from APHIS WS to conduct operational goose damage management along the restoration site. APHIS WS will implement Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM) that may include but not limited to: harassment, exclusionary measures, nest/egg destruction, and round up/removal of Canada geese as requested to ensure newly seeded areas become established. The term of this contract will be for a period of 9 months from the date of execution by the City of Columbus.
SUPPLIER: USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services (41-0696271) - Federal Government
FISCAL IMPACT: $60,000.00 is budgeted and needed for this service.
$0.00 was spent in 2013
$0.00 was spent in 2012
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into contract with the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services for various operational Goose Damage Management Services along the 5th Avenue Olentangy River Restoration project, and to authorize the expenditure of $60,000.00 from the Sewer System Operating Fund. ($60,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, with financial commitments from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio State University, the City of Columbus moved forward with the 5th Avenue Dam Removal and Olentangy River Restoration project, CIP 650706, and
WHEREAS, the 5th Avenue Olentangy River Restoration project is in the reseeding phase. Native grass and other vegetation were planted in the Spring of 2014, and
WHEREAS, previous reseeding attempts have failed due to the consumption of new vegetation primarily by Canada geese, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus requested assistance from with the United State Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS) to conduct operational goose damage management along the restoration site, and
WHEREAS, there is a need to enter into contract with USDA, APHIS Wildlife Services to move forward with this service, and
WHEREAS, USDA, APHIS Wildlife Services will implement Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM) that may include but not limited to: harassment, exclusionary measures, nest/egg destruction, and round up/removal of Canada geese as requested to ensure newly seeded areas become established, and
WHEREAS, the term of this contract will be for a period of 9 months from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into contract with USDA, APHIS Wildlife Services, in order to provide for the conducting of various operational Goose Damage Management Services along the restoration site without delay, for the preservation of the public health, peace, property and safety; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services, 4469 Professional Parkway, Groveport, OH 43125, for various operational Goose Damage Management Services along the 5th Avenue Olentangy River Restoration project.
SECTION 2. That this contract will be in effect for a period of 9 months from the date of execution by the City of Columbus.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $60,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same hereby is authorized from the Sewer System Operating Fund, Fund 650, Department 60-05, to pay the cost of this contract as follows:
OCA: 605113
Object Level 1: 03
Object Level 03: 3407
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 this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.