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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