TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Professional Services Agreement for the 2025 Public Utilities Department Leak Detection and Meter Testing to M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. in the Amount of $595,380.00
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BACKGROUND:
On August 18, 2020, the Mayor and City Council approved Ordinance No. 18106 which adopted water conservation ordinances as required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a Lake Michigan allocation. Section 31-27 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances requires the Department of Public Utilities to monitor leakage and implement corrective measures for the distribution system. This includes leak detection and meter testing. Accurate leak detection allows the City to identify and repair leaks in the system and large meter testing assesses the accuracy of the metering equipment. These activities are critical components of the City’s non-revenue water reduction strategy.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. was selected using a qualifications-based selection process in 2016 to perform annual leak detection and meter testing for the City. Staff has negotiated an agreement with M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. to continue this program through the end of 2025. M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. has been instrumental in building this program over the past nine (9) years and has valuable knowledge of the City’s water system which will allow this work to be completed in a timely manner. The 2025 contract amount will be $595,380.00. This includes large meter testing and repair, high intensity system leak detection and survey for 240 miles of water main in prioritized zones, standard leak detection of 700 miles, 160 hours of standard on-call detection, hydrant survey for the Fairmont area, and 40 hours of emergency on-call leak detection.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases whose estimated cost is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. Two (2) of these circumstances apply:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council;
(g) Purchases of professional services.
Funds will be charged to the Water & Sewer Operating Fund / Meter Repair / Professional Services (Org 50080320, Object 523300, $148,040.00) and to the Water & Sewer Operating Fund / Field Operations Water / Professional Services (Org 50080012, Object 523300, $447,340.00).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement for the 2025 Public Utilities Department Leak Detection and Meter Testing, in the amount of $595,380.00, on behalf of M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.
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