Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for a program to kill root growth in sanitary sewer lines 6” to 36” in diameter and inhibit root re-growth. The Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD) wishes to enter into a contract to and including December 31, 2022, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to sole source procurement.
DOSD determined that the chemical diquat dibromide is the most effective way to treat roots in sewers. Diquat dibromide, classified as non-carcinogenic and not considered a volatile compound, is approved by the United States EPA for this use. Additionally, diquat dibromide has little or no effect on treatment plant processes, making this chemical preferred for use in the root control program. The Division has further determined that other chemicals are not acceptable for use in this program due to either ineffectiveness or the presence of metam sodium, which the US EPA classifies as a likely carcinogen.
Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is the only commercial applicator licensed to apply diquat dibromide, otherwise known as Razorooter II, which is a patented technology. Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and its applicators are certified by the agency to perform pesticide applications to sewers.
SUPPLIER:
Duke’s Root Control, Inc., EIN #75-3026801, D365 #010159, Expires April 29, 2022
The company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$110,000.00 is budgeted and available within the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund for this purchase.
$213,008.95 was spent in 2021
$47,139.65 was spent in 2020
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract, in accordance with sole source provisions of the City Code, with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for sewer root control services for the Division of Sewerage and Drainage, and to authorize the expenditure of $110,000.00 from the Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund. ($110,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Sewer Maintenance Operation Center has a need for a sewer root control program to kill root growth in sewer lines and inhibit root re-growth; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Sewerage and Drainage determined that the chemical diquat dibromide is the most effective way to treat roots in sewers; and
WHEREAS, diquat dibromide is approved for this use by the United States EPA and is classified as non-carcinogenic, not considered a volatile compound, and has little or no effect on treatment plant processes, making it the preferred chemical for use in the Division’s root control program; and
WHEREAS, the Division further determined that other chemicals are not acceptable for use in this program due to either ineffectiveness or the presence of metam sodium, which has been classified by the US EPA as a likely carcinogen; and
WHEREAS, Duke’s Root Control, Inc. currently provides the Division with these services and is the only commercial applicator licensed to apply diquat dibromide, otherwise known as Razorooter II, which is a patented technology; and
WHEREAS, Duke’s Root Control, Inc. is registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and its applicators are certified by the agency to perform pesticide applications to sewers; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to sole source procurement; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Sewerage and Drainage wishes to enter into a contract from the date of execution by the City of Columbus to and including December 31, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of $110,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6100, Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund, in object class 03, Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewerage and Drainage, to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract for sewer root control services with Duke’s Root Control, Inc., all for the preservation of 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 is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Duke’s Root Control, Inc., 1020 Hiawatha Boulevard West, Syracuse, NY 13204-1131, for sewer root control services, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to sole source procurement.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $110,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 6100, Sewer Operating Sanitary Fund, in object class 03, Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
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.