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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jason Bauer, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer
DATE: May 6, 2021
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute a contract with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Aurora, IL, in the amount of $90,400 for water main flushing.
PURPOSE:
To maintain water main quality throughout the water distribution system.
BACKGROUND:
Regular maintenance of the water distribution system is necessary to keep the system working well. One component of the maintenance program is water main flushing.
The velocity of the water flowing through most water mains is usually slow, therefore as time passes any solids in the water tend to settle at the bottom of the pipe. Though harmless, these solids can be stirred up when there is an increase in flow velocity from events such as main breaks or hydrant use.
Crawford Murphy and Tilly (CMT) previously developed a computer model of the City's distribution system that is utilized for various purposes including identification of the necessary valve closures to produce the flow rates required to remove sediment from the mains. Due to their knowledge of the computer model, CMT is uniquely qualified to provide direction to city employees during the flushing operation.
This contract, which is attached as Exhibit 1, will provide for the services of one staff member from CMT to direct the program. The remaining 4-6 team members required each day will come from the Water and Sewer Maintenance and Engineering Divisions. It is estimated that during the three months that the flushing is ongoing, approximately 20% of the system will be flushed, those areas are shown on page 6 of the exhibit.
DISCUSSION:
No flushing was completed in 2020 and only $25,000 was budgeted requested for 2021 (in account 510-4063-511-38-68), to reduce the water maintenance operational budget. Due to some COVID-19 relief of fees for other programs that would normally be due this year, funds are available in account 510-4063-511-32-18 (current balance of $98,950) and will be transferred into the flushing account.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Generally, the impact is minimal, however users may notice a slight discoloration of water during and for a short time after the flushing procedures. Motorists may be stopped intermittently while the crews are working, and some lane closures are to be anticipated. The City will use localized signs alerting residents to the fact that flushing is ongoing and will use the City's social media outlets to alert the general public. Any users that could be more adversely impacted are given specific notice to allow them time to modify any processes that may be affected due to the temporary change in the water.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to authorize the Director of Purchasing to execute a contract with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Aurora, IL, in the amount of $90,400 for water main flushing.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, (water main flushing is a regular maintenance activity required to maintain the quality of the City's water; and
WHEREAS, the City generally flushes 20% of the water distribution system annually; and
WHEREAS, Crawford, Murphy and Tilly are uniquely qualified to assist the City with these operations due to their knowledge of the system and having developed the City's water model; and
WHERAS, Per City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Article 5, Section 2-355 (a) (6), any municipal work or public improvement, when the expense thereof will exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), may be undertaken or constructed by contract or agreement without advertising for bids if authorized by a vote of three-fifths (3/5) of the members of the city council then holding office.
WHEREAS, A budget transfer will be submitted to 510-4063-511-38-68 to complete the funding for this project; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is authorized to execute a contract with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Aurora, IL in the amount of $90,400 for water main flushing.