Public Service committee advances Lock 3 site-prep payment, GE SCADA support, water-main loan application, Nature Conservancy sponsorship and commercial meters

The Akron Public Service Committee on Thursday recommended consent for five ordinances covering emergency site-preparation payment for Lock 3, a three-year software-support contract for water and wastewater control systems, a sponsorship agreement with the Nature Conservancy, an Ohio Water Development Authority loan application for a water-main extension, and purchase of specialized commercial water meters.

Wingfoot Rental and Development Co.: The committee advanced an ordinance ratifying the director of public service’s emergency contracting with Wingfoot Rental and Development Company for site preparation at the temporary Lock 3 skating rink. Service staff said the contractor removed material beneath the State Street Bridge, leveled and brought in materials so a temporary rink could be installed while Lock 3 construction continued; the contractor also removed asphalt on Bowery Street to prepare a green “Lock 3 Backyard.” Staff said the parking lot will not be restored and the backyard will remain green space. The committee placed the ordinance on the consent agenda.

GE iFIX SCADA support: The committee recommended an ordinance authorizing a three-year contract without formal advertising with General Electric for GE iFIX global care software support for the water supply and wastewater bureaus. Service staff explained the software supports SCADA monitoring of pumps, chemical feed systems, filter backwashes and pump-station controls across treatment plants and distribution assets. The committee placed the contract on consent.

Nature Conservancy sponsorship (WRRSP): The committee advanced an ordinance authorizing a sponsorship agreement with The Nature Conservancy for a Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program project at the Kitty Todd Hauser tract. Service staff explained the city will sponsor the restoration so the county can receive a slightly reduced interest rate on its sanitary sewer rehabilitation OWDA loan; staff said the state interest rate for the loan would drop from 3.34% to 3.24% under the program, producing about $132,000 in savings over a 45-year loan term that accrues to the city’s repayment profile. Staff said the preserve is roughly 22 acres west of Toledo and restoration work will return three former farm fields to wetlands; the committee placed the sponsorship ordinance on consent.

OWDA loan application for Hudson/Aurora/Herrick water main extension: The committee recommended an ordinance authorizing the mayor or designee to apply for Water Supply Revolving Loan Account funds through Ohio EPA and OWDA for planning, design and construction of approximately a 900-foot water-main extension connecting existing mains on Hudson Aurora Park Road and Herrick Park Drive. Staff said the legislation permits application for funding; the committee placed the measure on consent.

Ferguson Enterprises – Octave commercial meters: The committee advanced an ordinance authorizing the director of public service to enter into non-competitive contracts with Ferguson Enterprises Inc. for Octave fire meters and related parts. Staff said these commercial meters are specialized and Ferguson is the sole source; the meters will be sold to commercial customers whose domestic and fire-suppression services flow through a combined meter so the city’s upgraded metering and billing system can accommodate them. The committee placed the item on the consent agenda.

All five items were moved to the committee’s consent agenda by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were read into the public committee minutes. Committee staff and the director of public service offered to take follow-up questions but reported no opposition in committee.

Ending: The public service committee adjourned after recommending the five items for the consent agenda; staff said final contract details, loan terms and procurement documentation will be brought to council for final action.