Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Service to enter into agreements with and provide funding to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the FRA-70/71-12.89/14.93 Columbus Power Relocation Project, PID 103184.
ODOT is engaged in highway work on the downtown I-70/71 split project. A portion of ODOT's highway work will add new ramps to and from I-70 and I-71. The construction of the new ramps conflict with existing utility facilities the City has allowed to be installed in the area, requiring them to be relocated before ODOT can complete their ramp work. ODOT will install private utility underground ductwork in advance of the construction so the existing utility facilities can be relocated. The cost for this type of work is the responsibility of the local jurisdiction, requiring Columbus to contribute the funding needed to pay for the relocation.
Ordinance 1526-2017 authorized the Director of Public Service to grant consent and propose cooperation with ODOT for the aforesaid project and noted that the encumbrance and expenditure of requisite funding would be authorized under a separate ordinance. This legislation is requesting Council's approval of that funding.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $250,000.00 is available within the Streets and Highways Bond Fund within the Department of Public Service for this project. A transfer of cash between projects within that fund is necessary to align funding with the proper project.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to allow ODOT to maintain the planned project schedule and to promote highway safety.
Title
To authorize the City Auditor to transfer cash and appropriation between projects within the Streets and Highways Bond Fund; to authorize the Director of Public Service to enter into agreements with the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation relative to the FRA-70/71-12.89/14.93 project, PID 103184; to authorize the expenditure of up to $250,000.00 from the Streets and Highways Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($250,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, ODOT proposes installing private utility underground ductwork in advance of the construction of FRA-70-12.68 (Project 4A), PID 77372; and
WHEREAS, this improvement project is within the Columbus corporate boundaries; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1526-2017 authorized the Director of Public Service to grant consent and to agree to cooperate with ODOT in this effort; and
WHEREAS, the City agrees to assume and bear one hundred percent (100%) of the entire cost of the improvement within Columbus city limits less the amount of Federal-Aid funds set aside by the Director of Transportation for the financing of this improvement from funds allocated by the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, this legislation authorizes the Director of Public Service to enter into agreement with and to provide funding to ODOT for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize a transfer of cash between projects within the Streets and Highways Bond Fund within the Department of Public Service to align funding with the proper project; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the encumbrance and expenditure of requisite funding for the project so as to prevent unnecessary delays in the completion thereof, 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 transfer of $250,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 7704 (Streets and Highways Bond Fund), from Dept-Div 5912 (Division of Design and Construction), Project P530161-100139 (Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 East Interchange - Phase 2D), Object Class 06 (Capital Outlay), to Dept-Div 5912 (Division of Design and Construction), Project P530161-100208 (Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South Freeway Phase 4E), Object Class 06 (Capital Outlay).
SECTION 2. That the Director of Public Service is authorized to enter into agreements with and to make payments to the Ohio Department of Transportation relative to the FRA-70/71-12.89/14.93 Columbus Power Relocation Project, PID 103184.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $250,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 7704 (Streets and Highways Bond Fund), Dept-Div 5912 (Division of Design and Construction), Project P530161-100208 (Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South Freeway Phase 4E), in Object Class 06 (Capital Outlay), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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.
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 ten days after passage if the mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.