HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-13-Meeting Agendawww.augustaga.gov
Engineering Services Committee
Meeting
Committee Room- 11/13/2006- 1:00 PM
ENGINEERING SERVICES
1. Approve the transfer of 214 Magnolia Avenue to Land
Bank Authority.
Attachments
2. Motion to approve an Application for Service from the
New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Management Fund
and authorization of payment to that fund in the amount of
$100,000.00 per year for 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Attachments
3. Motion to direct the Traffic Engineering Section of the
Engineering Department to remove the temporary speed
humps and associated signage along Crane Ferry Road.
Attachments
4. Discuss RFP for pest control services for 2007. (Requested
by Commissioner Joe Bowles) (Referred from October 30
Engineering Services)
Attachments
5. Approve a request from the Engineering Department to
award bid item #06-173 to GE Supply in the amount of
$97,299.02 for street light poles and fixtures
replacements/repairs in the urban areas of Augusta for a
period of one year. This is contingent upon adoption of this
item. Funds are available in the street light budget account
number 276-04-1610-5414410.
Attachments
6. Discuss billing options for the solid waste department.
Attachments
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
11/13/2006 1:00 PM
214 Magnolia Avenue
Department:Clerk of Commission
Caption:Approve the transfer of 214 Magnolia Avenue to Land Bank
Authority.
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Clerk of Commission
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
11/13/2006 1:00 PM
Application for Service from the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Management Fund
Department:Utilities Department
Caption:Motion to approve an Application for Service from the New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Management Fund and
authorization of payment to that fund in the amount of
$100,000.00 per year for 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Background:
Attached is a copy of an Application of Augusta, Georgia for
service from the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam
Management Fund established by the City of North Augusta.
Also attached is a copy of a Resolution in support for the
New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam adopted on August 16,
2005 by the Augusta Commission. As stated in the
resolution, Augusta was once again memorializing its
support for the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. Also
attached is a copy of a letter from Mayor Young to Mr. M.J.
Yuschishin of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dated June
5, 2001 wherein the Mayor expresses the support of the
disposition of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam in the
manner outlined in a letter from Mr. Yuschishin dated May
9, 2001 to Mayor Young. A copy of that letter together with
a copy of the ADDENDUM and FINDING OF NO
SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS was sent by the Mayor as a
Memorandum dated May 11, 2001 to all the Commissioners
for their review. A copy of that Memorandum with the letter
is attached. Please note that in the Water Resources
Development Act of 2000, Congress authorized the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers to rehabilitate the New Savannah
Bluff Lock and Dam, construct a fish passage feature, and
then transfer the Project to North Augusta and Aiken County
to operate and maintain. The total cost of the repairs and
rehabilitation is estimated at $6,814,000.00 and the cost of
the fish passage feature is estimated at $5,500,000.00. The
Federal Government will bear the total cost for these items.
The City of North Augusta has established the New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Management Enterprise Fund
for the purpose of handling expenses and receiving revenues
associated with the management of the lock and dam.
Attached are copies of both a letter dated October 5, 2006
from the North Augusta City Administrator, Charles Martin,
to Fred Russell, Augusta Administrator and of the North
Augusta Ordinance number 2006-10 which establishes the
Enterprise Fund. Please note that Augusta is designated as a
Class I-Government customer and that Augusta is
responsible for 30% of the operations, maintenance, and
capital costs associated with operating and maintaining the
facility once it is turned over to the local sponsor-North
Augusta and Aiken County. Please note that Section 14-190
of the Ordinance establishes a Contingency Account with an
initial funding of $1,000,000.00. The funding would be in
three (3) equal installments due in January of 2007, 2008,
and 2009. Augusta’s portion would be $300,000.00 total with
$100,000.00 paid in January of 2007, 2008, and 2009. This
would be funded from the Utilities Department. The last
attachment to this agenda item is a copy of Appendix D-2
from the Corps of Engineers’ Section 216 Disposition Study
of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam dated September
8, 2000. This Appendix is a summary of the Estimated
Annual Average cost for the Operation and Maintenance and
the Future Recommended Repair and Rehabilitation. Please
note that the local share is $282,256.00. Augusta’s share of
that would be $84,676.80 per year. These estimates represent
an annualized average of costs that would occur at different
times and not on an “annual average” basis. This does give
us an estimate of $85,000.00 to $100,000.00 per year that
Augusta would contribute to the operation and maintenance
of the project in the future.
Analysis:Approval of the Application for service from the New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Management Fund and
authorization of payment to that fund in the amount of
$100,000.00 per year for 2007, 2008, and 2009 will provide
for Augusta’s participation in the operation and maintenance
of this important feature on the Savannah River. The New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam structure creates the Augusta
Pool. The Augusta Utilities Department withdraws water
from that pool for treatment at the new Hicks Plant on
Tobacco Road. The Augusta Marina is located on the
Augusta Pool. College rowing teams, local rowing teams,
and drag boat racing events use the Augusta Pool for practice
and for popular drag boat racing events. The Augusta Pool
provides aesthetic and financial benefits to Augusta.
Financial Impact:$100,000.00 per year for 2007, 2008, and 2009 will provide
the $300,000.00 for Augusta’s share of the initial
contingency fund. The amount in future years is estimated to
be in the range of $85,000.00 to $100,000.00 annually. All
funding for Augusta’s share of the operation and
Maintenance will come from the Augusta Utilities
Department. Upon approval of this agenda item an account
number will be established and $100,000.00 will be added to
the 2007 Budget of the Utilities Department.
Alternatives:None recommended.
Recommendation:Approve the Application for Service from the New Savannah
Bluff Lock and Dam Management Fund and authorize
payment to that Fund in the amount of $100,000.00 per year
for 2007, 2008, and 2009 from the Augusta Utilities
Department.
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
Account will be established subsequent to the approval of
this agenda item.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
APPLICATION
Application of Augusta, Georgia
Name of government
For service from the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Management Fund
As a Class I (Government) user of the Savannah River my government recognizes the importance of the
proper operation and maintenance of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, thereby maintaining the
“Augusta Pool” reservoir in such a manner and at such a level that my government may use the Augusta
Pool for the purpose of: (check all that apply)
____ Withdrawing Water for Industrial/Commercial Water Use
X Withdrawing Raw Water for Potable Purposes
____ Discharge of Treated Waste Effluent
To that end Augusta, Georgia
Name of government
understands that it has an obligation to share in the costs and will be billed for a portion thereof associated
with the operation, maintenance, reserves (contingency account), and capital expenses of the New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. The billing shall be based on a percentage of the annual operating budget
for the lock and dam as adopted annually by the City Council for the City of North Augusta in its
management of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Management Enterprise Fund and in accordance
with Chapter 14, article VII of the Code of Law for the City of North Augusta.
It is also acknowledged that in accepting this application North Augusta nor Aiken County offer any
guarantee as to the operations of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and am or the maintenance of any certain
water levels within the Augusta Pool Reservoir.
This application is submitted on ______________________________.
(Date)
___________________________________
Signature of Authorized Representative
___________________________________
Typed Name of Authorized Representative
__________________________________
Title of Authorized Representative
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
11/13/2006 1:00 PM
Crane Ferry Road Speed Humps Removal
Department:Abie L. Ladson, P.E., Interim Director Engineering
Department
Caption:Motion to direct the Traffic Engineering Section of the
Engineering Department to remove the temporary speed
humps and associated signage along Crane Ferry Road.
Background:This section of Crane Ferry Road is a two-lane residential
street that generally runs between Warren Road and Pleasant
Home Road and serves as a primary ingress and egress to the
Montclair subdivision. During reconstruction of Warren
Road, which also serves as a primary ingress/egress to the
Montclair subdivision, it was necessary to close the portion
of Warren Road between Crane Ferry Road and Washington
Road for a period of two years. Subsequently, through traffic
along Warren Road was redirected onto Crane Ferry Road
resulting in an increase in traffic volumes along same. To
address this increase in traffic volumes, in 2004, the
Augusta-Richmond County Commission directed the
Engineering Department to install temporary speed humps
along Crane Ferry Road as a traffic calming measure until
the reconstruction of Warren Road was complete.
Analysis:1) Reconstruction of Warren Road is complete and Warren
Road is open to traffic. 2) The speed humps were installed as
a temporary measure and not intended as permanent
installations. 3) The speed humps in place are approaching
the end of their useful lives and are becoming detached from
the pavement. 4) Further deterioration of the existing speed
humps may result in a hazardous condition and potential
liability.
Financial Impact:
Removal of the speed humps will be performed by Traffic
Engineering personnel; costs incurred during removal will
only result from employee salaries. Repair of pavement
damage resulting from the installation and removal of the
speed hump may only be assessed after removal but would
likely be of a scale that can be repaired using existing
Augusta-Richmond County personnel and assets. Total cost
of removal and repair, including labor at estimated at less
than $1,500.
Alternatives:1) Approve directive for Traffic Engineering personnel to
remove the temporary speed humps along Crane Ferry Road.
2) Do not approve and funds will need to be identified for
future repair and/or replacement.
Recommendation:Approve alternative one
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
276-04-1610-5414410 ___
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
11/13/2006 1:00 PM
Pest Control RFP
Department:
Caption:Discuss RFP for pest control services for 2007. (Requested
by Commissioner Joe Bowles) (Referred from October 30
Engineering Services)
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Clerk of Commission
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
11/13/2006 1:00 PM
Street Lights Poles & Fixtures - Bid # 06-173
Department:Abie L. Ladson, P.E., Interim Director Engineering
Department
Caption:Approve a request from the Engineering Department to
award bid item #06-173 to GE Supply in the amount of
$97,299.02 for street light poles and fixtures
replacements/repairs in the urban areas of Augusta for a
period of one year. This is contingent upon adoption of this
item. Funds are available in the street light budget account
number 276-04-1610-5414410.
Background:This is an annual bid process.
Analysis:The Procurement Department conducted the bid opening
process on October 10, 2006. The proposals were evaluated
and were as follows: • GE Supply Company $97,299.02 • E.
Sam Jones NB
Financial Impact:Funds are available in the Street Lighting budget account
number 276-04-1610-5414410, which is sufficient for any
emergencies that may arise before the end of the year.
Alternatives:1. Approve a request from the Engineering Department to
award bid item #06-173 to GE Supply in the amount of
$97,299.02 for street light poles and fixtures
replacements/repairs in the urban areas of Augusta for a
period of one year. This is contingent upon adoption of this
item. Funds are available in the street light budget account
number 276-04-1610-5414410. 2. Do not approve and deny
replacements and/or repairs of street light poles and fixtures.
Recommendation:Approve Alternative Number 1.
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
276-04-1610-5414410
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Engineering Services Committee Meeting
11/13/2006 1:00 PM
SW billing discussion
Department:Solid Waste
Caption:Discuss billing options for the solid waste department.
Background:The solid waste department started working on a plan to
consolidate billing for solid waste collections almost two
years ago. It started with evaluating the current system. This
system is based on millage in the Urban Area and fees in the
Suburban Area. This system creates inequities in how
garbage fees are charged to its citizens. Those in urban are
charged based on property value, and not the service
provided, while suburban is charged based on the services
used. Over the course of time, many options have been
discussed. The options have been; 1. Include all garbage
services in millage and make appropriate adjustments. 2.
Having all services charged as fees and make appropriate
adjustments. 3. Have the garbage bill added to the water bill.
4. Generate and levy a special tax for solid waste. 5.
Independent billing of solid waste.
Analysis:Let’s analyze each option separately. 1. Include all garbage
services in millage and make appropriate adjustments. It
quickly became apparent that this was by far and away the
easiest option. It was the first option perused by the solid
waste department. It did leave a major issue to be addressed.
It charged for service based on property value rather than
service provided. This option was quickly eliminated as
Augusta has a tax cap. Additionally, taxes had not been
raised for some time. The fees that would need to be charged
to cover solid waste would have exceeded that tax cap. 2.
Having all services charged as fees and make appropriate
adjustments. This option was not truly explored until
recently. It was believed that fees were calculated into the tax
cap. However, in an effort to get to $276 per unit, a fee was
added to the urban service district to make an equitable
adjustment. It appears that this option becomes reasonable as
long as fees are not included in the tax cap. Further, please
note that changes in fees will affect escrow accounts. 3. Have
the garbage bill added to the water bill. This option was the
second real option that was evaluated. It offered an existing
billing system, and an ability to get customers to pay. We
could effectively shut off water for not paying the bill. Upon
evaluation, there were several major issues that made this
option a less appealing option. First was the fact that there
was political opposition to shutting off water when the
garbage bill was not paid. Second, is that the Utilities
Department has over $500 million in bonds. By shutting off
the water for those who did not pay for garbage could impact
the bond rating of that department. Finally, the cost to
purchase the billing module was in excess of $360,000. 4.
Generate and levy a special tax for solid waste. This was the
third option that was explored by the department. It proved to
be a good option, which allowed for a solid billing platform.
It had several issues that would need to be addressed. It
billed revenue in the rear, causing a cash flow issue for the
department. This option was eliminated as it was explained
that a new law passed would cut state contributions related to
homestead exemptions. This placed a larger financial burden
on Augusta. 5. Independent billing of solid waste. This was
the final option evaluated by the department. It was last to be
evaluated as it was the most expensive. It would require
duplication of services, add staff to the department, as well as
create additional operating expense. However, it looked to be
one of the only viable options available. This option has
some favorable advantages. First, it allows for advanced
billing. It gets the bills off taxes, eliminating the issue of
escrow accounts. It also balances the fees in relation to
service provided.
Financial Impact:Varies by option
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission