Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to maintain membership with the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS). Ohio Revised Code 3781.26(A) requires “Each utility that owns or operates underground utility facilities shall participate in and register the location of its underground facilities with a protection service that serves the area where the facilities are located.” OUPS is recognized as a protection service and continued membership allows for compliance with the Ohio Revised Code. Annually, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) receives approximately 151,000 excavation notices from OUPS, which allows DPU to proactively protect our valuable underground infrastructure from damage due to excavation and provide a safe working and living environment for our residents.
SUPPLIER: Ohio Utilities Protection Service (34-1270505, DAX - 006597)
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: $63,029.05 is budgeted and needed for this purchase. This ordinance is contingent on the passage of the 2023 Operating Budget, Ordinance #2937-2022.
$54,552.77 was spent in 2022
$47,939.90 was spent in 2021
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to maintain membership with the Ohio Utilities Protection Service; to authorize the expenditure of $3,844.77 from the Power Operating Fund, $24,455.27 from the Water Operating Fund, $27,417.64 from the Sewerage System Operating Fund, and $7,311.37 from the Storm Water Operating Fund. ($63,029.05)
Body
WHEREAS, Ohio Revised Code 3781.26(A) requires “Each utility that owns or operates underground utility facilities shall participate in and register the location of its underground facilities with a protection service that serves the area where the facilities are located”; and
WHEREAS, the Ohio Utilities Protection Service ("OUPS") is recognized as a protection service and continued membership allows for compliance with the Ohio Revised Code; and
WHEREAS, annually the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) receives approximately 151,000 excavation notices from OUPS, which allows DPU to proactively protect our valuable underground infrastructure from damage due to excavation and provide a safe working and living environment for our residents; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to maintain membership with the OUPS: now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to pay membership fees to the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) for Fiscal Year 2023.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $63,029.05, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized 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.