Okaloosa County BOCC — July 21, 2015 — Public Hearing - Approval to Authorize OCWS to Construct the Water — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: July 21, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Jeff Littrell SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Approval to Authorize OCWS to Construct the Water Main Improvements (Marlowe Area) DEPARTMENT: Water and Sewer BCC DISTRICT: 2 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: In accordance with Chapter 255, Public Property and Publicly Owned Buildings, Florida State Statues (F.S), Section 255.20, Local bids and contracts for public construction works; specification of state-produced lumber, the BCC must hold a public meeting to discuss the County’s proposal to construct new water mains and install new fire hydrants to serve the Marlowe Area using Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Department (OCWS) staff and equipment. Specifically, the statute states that a County government may “self-perform” public works projects valued at greater than $300,000... “When the governing board of the local government, after public notice, conducts a public meeting under s. 286.011 and finds by a majority vote of the governing board that it is in the public's best interest to perform the project using its own services, employees, and equipment.” The public hearing shall constitute the public meeting as required by Section 255.20 of the Florida State Statues. BACKGROUND: The proposed Marlowe Area Water System Improvements Project will upgrade existing water lines from 2" to 6" in the Marlowe Area, which will facilitate the installation of new fire hydrants, increasing fire protection in the area. The project will include the installation of approximately 19 new fire hydrants, 7,455 L.F. of 6" water main (including 8" bores where necessary), and all associated appurtenances. Funding for this project is available in our fiscal year 2015 budget under capital improvements. OCWS is proposing to self-perform the construction of the new water mains and installation of the new fire hydrants to serve the Marlowe Area. OCWS plans to construct the water mains and install the fire hydrants using OCWS staff and equipment to expedite completion of the project. OCWS estimates that using their own forces and equipment to construct the project will shorten the construction schedule and will reduce the project costs over contracting with an outside construction company. OCWS has estimated the project to cost approximately $557,000.00. As stated in the attached Public Notice, a cost breakdown of the project could be viewed by the public at our office anytime between publication of the notice and the public hearing. The cost includes material (with fringe/insurance), labor, equipment (with maintenance), and subcontracted work. OCWS has reviewed the construction requirements for the project and has determined that they have the necessary qualifications, labor and available time to complete the project. As presented earlier, Section 255.20 F.S., Local bids and contracts for public construction works; specification of state-produced lumber includes specific requirements for County governments that choose to construct projects valued at greater than $300,000 using their own forces and equipment. OPTIONS: Approve or Deny. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff requests BCC approval to authorize OCWS to construct the Marlowe Area Water System Improvements Project using OCWS staff and equipment, as supplemented in accordance with County Ordinances and State Statutes. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator