HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 02 24 Consent 303 TLBD Fountain Refurbishment Supplemental Appropriation COMMISSION AGENDA
Informational
Consent X
ITEM 303 public Hearings
g
Regular
February 24, 2014 KS RS
Regular Meeting City Manager Department
REQUEST:
The Community Development Department, Urban Beautification Services Division, is
requesting a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $80,000 from the Tuscawilla
Lighting and Beautification District, Phase I Debt Service (Fund 211) Fund Balance, for
refurbishment of the Tuscawilla Entrance Fountains.
SYNOPSIS:
After being in service for approximately thirteen (13) years, several key components of the
Tuscawilla Fountains have reached the end of their service life and are failing. Field
conditions contributing to flooding of the underground pump vaults during heavy rains has
been an ongoing issue; in addition, the masonry water basins are cracking due to upward
pressure from a high water table and settling, requiring a complete resurfacing as part of the
renovation project. Lightning and power surges have continued to affect the pumps,
controls and electrical components of the fountains, resulting in various operational
issues over the past twelve (12) months. In summary, the fountains will soon
become unreliable and costly to keep in operation if they are not fully renovated.
Funding in the amount of $80,000, from TLBD Phase I Capital Fund Balance, is being
requested for a non-budgeted capital improvement project to renovate water feature
fountains, which are part of the Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District (TLBD)
Special Assessment Program, located at the primary entrance to Tuscawilla. This issue was
brought before the TLBD Advisory Board at their January 15, 2014 Meeting where a vote
was confirmed to secure a funding source and proceed with the project immediately upon
receiving City Commission approval.
On January 28, 2014, the City's Special Assessment Attorney, Chris Traber, Esq., issued an
Consent 303 PAGE 1 OF 3- February 24,2014
opinion that the city may use excess TLBD Phase I Capital Proceeds to renovate the
fountains since they are part of the original project and the work will yield a special benefit
to the members; provided, however, that such use does not inadvertently raise the cost of
the special assessment for those remaining in the program.
CONSIDERATIONS:
The Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District (TLBD) Entrance Fountains were put
into operation approximately thirteen (13) years ago as part of the original TLBD Phase I
Beautification Project. A routine maintenance and chemical program has contributed to an
operational 'up-time' of ninety-six percent(96%) for the water features.
To address all issues of functional obsolescence and improve reliability in the foreseeable
future, the fountain renovation project will consist of several components and services:
• Repair and resurface fountain basins (3 per fountain)
• Repair leaks in suction intake manifolds and piping
• Replace worn systems including fountain jets, lighting, pumps, wiring and vault
controls
• Install secondary and post-secondary lighting (surge) suppression
• Replace primary sump and install secondary sump systems in vaults
• Install a primary generator system at the main power feed to supply power during a
storm/outage to the controls, sump pumps, exhaust fans and lighting
• Install an acid injection pump systems to balance water ph resulting in more effective
chlorination; reduced operating costs
• Install ground dewatering system to remove excess water from the fountain basin and
vaults
• Replace vault covers and hardware
• Replace waterfall upper and lower check valves
• Repair integrated brick walls and entrance features
• Install drainage system to remove excess groundwater to the storm drain system
If approved, the renovation will begin in April 2014 and be completed in August
2014, providing there are no major complications. Multiple vendors will be required to
accomplish the diverse scope of work items. Staff will work diligently to ensure fountain
down-time is as minimal as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The requested supplemental appropriation in the amount of$80,000 would come from fund
balance of the TLBD Phase I Debt Service (Fund 211). Under the FY 2013/14 approved
budget, a $242,419 fund balance is shown on October 1, 2013 with revenues stated
at $167,198 for the year; expenditures totaling $138,150. A surplus of $29,000 is shown
being credited to fund balance for a fiscal year end total of$271,467 available in the fund.
Approval of the requested supplemental appropriation will result in a projected new total of
$191,467 available in fund balance (Fund 211) at budget year end on September 30, 2014.
Due to the refinancing of the TLBD Phase I Debt Service in 2011 and aggressive cost
containment measures related to the original project, funds required for this
project are available. Staff will also be exploring the potential of lowering the special
assessment rate for this fund during the FY 2014/15 budgeting process.
Consent 303 PAGE 2 OF 3- February 24,2014
COMMUNICATION EFFORTS:
This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission,
City Manager, City Attorney/Staff, and is available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and
the City's Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the
respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals
noted above, and which is also available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's
Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, Media/Press Representatives who have
requested Agendas/Agenda Item information, Homeowner's Associations/Representatives
on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This
information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional
copies available for the General Public, and posted at five (5) different locations around the
City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff
is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested
individuals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the City Commission approve a supplemental appropriation in
the amount of $80,000 from the TLBD Phase I Debt Service Fund (211), for
refurbishment of the Tuscawilla Entrance Fountains. Staff is also requesting authorization
for the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and execute any and all applicable
documents required for this project.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Consent 303 PAGE 3 OF 3- February 24,2014