Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to renew the yearly subscription for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage with the Water Environment Federation Research Foundation (WERF). The Research Foundation performs research that applies to various operations within the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, including sewage sludge incineration, Stormwater management, bio-solids reuse, whole effluent toxicity, and combined sewage overflow (CSO). Subscription rates are based on prior year average daily flow managed including wet weather flow. For 2014 the average was 160 multiplied by $449.00 per mgd.
The USEPA no longer performs important research work and the Water Environmental Federation Research Foundation fills this void by performing needed research in the areas stated above. Subscribers to WERF are provided direct and timely access to research information that enables the Department of Public Utilities to enhance and improve the quality of wastewater and storm water management. There are many emerging issues that require research in the near future and being a subscriber to WERF enables the Department of Public Utilities to receive any future research that will be shared with personnel within the department. The subscription period is through December 31, 2015.
SUPPLIER: Water Environment Research Foundation (54-1511635), Non-Profit.
FISCAL IMPACT: $71,840.00 is needed for this expenditure. This subscription was budgeted in the amount of $71,300.00. WERF has raised the rate from $432.00 per mgd to $449.00 for 2015. Funds will be reprioritized to cover the additional costs. This ordinance is contingent on the passage of the 2015 Operating Budget, Ordinance #2621-2014.
$69,120.00 was spent in 2014
$66,400.00 was spent in 2013
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to pay subscription fees to subscribe to the Water Environment Research Foundation for Fiscal Year 2015 for use of the Utility Subscription Program for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, and to authorize the expenditure of $71,840.00 from the Sewerage System Operating Fund. ($71,840.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to subscribe to the Water Environment Research Foundation to ensure continued and proper research in Wastewater Treatment areas for Fiscal Year 2015, and
WHEREAS, the Research Foundation performs research that applies to DPU operations - sewage sludge incineration, Stormwater management, bio-solids reuse, whole effluent toxicity, and combined sewage overflow, and
WHEREAS, the subscription period is through December 31, 2015, and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to subscribe to the Water Environment Research Foundation to enable the City to participate in developing future topics and have full access to research in progress; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION l. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to pay for subscription fees to the Water Environment Research Foundation, 635 Slaters Lane, Suite G-110, Alexandria, VA 22314, for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage for Fiscal Year 2015.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $71,840.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same is hereby authorized from the Sewerage System Operating Fund, Fund No. 650 to pay for the cost thereof, as follows:
OCA: 605006
Object Level 1: 03
Object Level 3: 3332
SECTION 3. 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 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.