Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with EMH&T for the City of Columbus Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) Update Project. The project consists of targeted document updates that capture the necessary programmatic updates prompted by the renewal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, as recently issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA). The project will include meetings to obtain stakeholder input and stakeholder reviews in addition to the SWMP document updates that will cover multiple sections, appendices, and the table of contents. The updates to the SWMP must be performed in accordance to the NPDES MS4 permit issued to the City of Columbus.
This contract will allow the City of Columbus to update the current SWMP to align with the new requirements of the newly issued MS4 permit to the City from OEPA. Updating the SWMP to be in alignment with the new permit provides the City an advantage of being in compliance with regulatory requirements. Not updating the SWMP could result in being out of compliance with the MS4 permit, which could then risk fines or other adverse consequences associated with not being in compliance with the regulatory requirements. The update also affords the City the opportunity to reassess operational procedures in the SWMP. The updates can help streamline compliance and improve the environmental impact of the activities that are performed by the City. The updates will give the City the advantage of being compliant and in the forefront of protecting the environment, all of which supports the development of the City and the economic growth of the citizens of Columbus.
This contract is for one (1) year from date of execution. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested. This contract does not automatically renew.
PROCUREMENT: The project was formally advertised (RFQ023085) on the Vendor Services website and Bonfire from October 7, 2022 to October 28, 2022. The city received one (1) response. The proposal was deemed responsive and was fully evaluated by the Evaluation Committee on October 31, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT: Work on this program will begin on January 2, 2023 and finish no later then December 31, 2023. $182,124.82 is budgeted and available
SUPPLIER: EMH&T Vendor number 004214. Contract Compliance number CC-004214. Contract Compliance Exp. Date 11/17/2023
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.
EMERGENCY DECLARATION: Funds need to be encumbered in 2022 for use in 2023.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with EMH&T, for the Stormwater Management Plan Update, to authorize the expenditure of $182,124.82 from the Storm Sewer Operating Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($182,124.82)
Body
WHEREAS, The Director of Public Utilities enters into a contract with EMH&T to update the Stormwater Management Plan in accordance with the NPDES MS4 permit issued to the City of Columbus, and
WHEREAS: Not updating the SWMP could lead to adverse consequences associated with being in non-compliance with regulatory requirements, and
WHEREAS: This update allows the City to reassess SWMP procedures to streamline compliance and improve the environmental impact of activities that are performed by the City, and
WHEREAS: this contract covers a one (1) year period starting January 2, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023, and
WHEREAS: this ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $182,124.82 or so much thereof as may be needed for this contract, and
WHEREAS, the procurement was conducted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 relating to the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and one (1) proposal was received and reviewed by the Department of Public Utilities on October 31,2022, Solicitation RFQ023085, for the Stormwater Management Plan Update; and
WHEREAS: an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewerage and Drainage in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement for professional services, for the Stormwater Management Plan Update project, without delay in order to ensure funds are available to be encumbered in December 2022 for use in January 2023; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with EMH&T 5500 New Albany Road Columbus, OH 43054 614.775.4500, for the Stormwater Management Plan Update, for professional services in accordance with the terms and conditions on file in the office of the Division of Sewerage and Drainage.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $182,124.82 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund No. 6200 Stormwater Operating Fund in object class 03 Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this contract is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 relating to awarding professional service contracts through requests for proposals.
SECTION 4. That the said entity shall conduct the work to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Utilities and the Administrator of the Division of Sewerage and Drainage.
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 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.