Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The Director of Public Utilities has previously entered into emergency water service agreements with water utilities under which Columbus may provide, through service interconnections, potable water to the water distribution systems of these utilities in the event theses utilities are unable to provide potable water due to an emergency. The Director of Public Utilities has likewise entered into emergency service agreements with other water utilities under which Columbus may receive, through service interconnections, potable water from these utilities in the event Columbus is unable to provide potable water due to an emergency.
On March 18, 2020, Mayor Ginther signed Executive Order 2020-01, which declared a state of emergency to protect the city and its citizens from the effects of COVID-19, a respiratory virus that can result in serious injury or death. It is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to expeditiously enter into additional emergency water service agreements with surrounding water utilities during the state of emergency in order to ensure continuous access of potable water to the city and surrounding communities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into such agreements for the duration of the Mayor’s state of emergency declared in response to COVID-19.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: This ordinance is being submitted as an emergency in order to avoid delays in services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Increased revenue to the Columbus Division of Water should other water utilities require emergency water service, and increased expense to the Columbus Division of Water should Columbus be required to pay for emergency water service under an emergency service agreement.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into emergency water service agreements during the COVID-19 state of emergency; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS...
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