Explanation
1. BACKGROUND:
This legislation authorizes payment for utility relocation work by American Electric Power, Columbus FiberNet, Spectrum, Verizon, WOW, and other utilities as needed in an amount up to $3,935,000.00.
The Public Service Department is engaged in the Downtown Streetscape - Short North SID - High Street Improvements Phase 2 and Downtown Streetscape - Short North SID - High Street Improvements Phase 3 projects. Project work includes roadway and streetscape improvements to North High Street from Poplar Avenue to King/E. 7th Avenue. Project improvements include sidewalk on both sides of High Street, planter beds and street trees, lighting and signal upgrades, storm improvements, and undergrounding of both private and public overhead utilities.
In the course of effecting roadway improvements, it is sometimes necessary to force the relocation of utilities from privately held easements or place overhead utilities underground to promote the public health, safety, and welfare, including the economic development of the City. It is necessary to move utilities to complete this project. This funding request for utilities relocation reimbursement is based upon estimates from the utilities. The utility companies will invoice the City for actual costs incurred in relocating the utilities. The amount needed may exceed the amount requested in this ordinance. Additional legislation will be submitted by the Department of Public Service if additional funds are needed to complete the relocations.
2. FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a budgeted expense. Funding for this contract is available within the Department of Public Service Fund 7704, the Streets and Highways Bond Fund, and within the Department of Public Utilities Fund 6303, the Electricity G.O. Bonds Fund. A transfer of funds within the Electricity G.O. Bonds Fund and an amendment to the 2018 Capital Improvements Budget will be required to establish sufficient budget authority for the project.
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