Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a service contract with Asplundh Tree Expert Company for the Power Line Clearance, Tree Trimming and Removal Services; in an amount up to $321,107.76; for Division of Power and the Division of Water.
This service contract will provide power line clearance, tree trimming, and removal services associated with the maintenance of the City’s electric distribution systems and related infrastructure throughout the Department of Public Utilities. Work will be performed within City of Columbus corporation limits or other areas serviced by City agencies. This ordinance is being submitted as an emergency because, without emergency action, no less than 37 days will be added to this procurement cycle. Emergency legislation will expedite the completion of the support contract for the Divisions of Power and Water for this critical service project.
ECONOMIC IMPACT/ADVANTAGES; COMMUNITY OUTREACH; PROJECT DEVELOPMENT; ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/ADVANTAGES OF PROJECT: The Department of Public Utilities maintains a comprehensive program to manage trees and brush that grow around power lines and it has been shown to be effective at improving the reliability of service that it provides its customers. This project will enhance reliability by minimizing the number and length of outages and the number of customers affected by each outage.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARD: The Director of Public Utilities publicly opened two bids on January 18, 2017 from: Asplundh Tree Expert Company - $321,107.76 and The Davey Tree Expert Company - $451,090.50.
Asplundh Tree Expert Company’s bid was deemed the lowest, best, most responsive and responsible bid in the amount of $321,107.76. Their Contract Compliance Number is 23-1277550 (expires 02/02/19, Majority). Additional information regarding both bidders, description of work, contract time frame and detailed amounts can be found on the attached Information form.
Searches in the Excluded Party List System (Federal) and the Findings for Recovery list (State) produced no findings against Asplundh Tree Expert Company.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is sufficient budget authority in both the Power and Water Operating Funds in 2017 to cover this service.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a service contract with Asplundh Tree Expert Company for the Power Line Clearance, Tree Trimming and Removal Services Project; to authorize the expenditure of $241,107.76 from the Power Operating Fund and $80,000.00 from the Water Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($321,107.76)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities maintains a comprehensive program to manage trees and brush that grow around power lines and it has been shown to be effective at improving the reliability of service that it provides its customers; and
WHEREAS, two bids for the Power Line Clearance, Tree Trimming and Removal Services were received and publicly opened in the offices of the Director of Public Utilities on January 18, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Asplundh Tree Expert Company as the lowest, most responsive, responsible bidder in an amount up to $321,107.76; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Asplundh Tree Expert Company to expedite this critical service, 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 Public Utilities be and hereby is authorized to execute a service contract for the Power Line Clearance, Tree Trimming and Removal Services Project with Asplundh Tree Expert Company, 12488 Lancaster St. Unit 94, Millersport, Ohio 43046; in an amount up to $321,107.76; in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract on file in the Office of the Division of Power.
SECTION 2. That said construction company shall conduct the work to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Utilities.
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 the expenditure of $321,107.76 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized in Fund 6300 (Power Operating) and Fund 6000 (Water Operating); in object class 03 Services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
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 Ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this Ordinance is 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 ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.