Okaloosa County BOCC — December 6, 2016 — Public Hearing Request - Water Main Improvements (Newport/Essex — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: December 6, 2016 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Jeff Littrell SUBJECT: Public Hearing Request - Water Main Improvements (Newport/Essex 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 Board of County Commissioners (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 Newport/Essex 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 Newport/Essex Area Water System Improvements Project will upgrade existing water lines from 2" and 4" to 6" in the Newport/Essex Area, which will facilitate the installation of new fire hydrants, increasing fire protection in the area. To see the affected rights-of-way, please see the attached project map. The project will include the installation of approximately 9 new fire hydrants, 6,000 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 2017 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 Newport/Essex 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 $472,000.00 (see attached breakdown). As stated in the attached Public Notice, a cost breakdown of the project can be viewed by the public at the north or south BCC office anytime between now 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 advertise and hold a public hearing at the January 17, 2017 BCC meeting at or shortly after 6:30pm, to discuss and to vote on approval for OCWS to self-perform construction of the new water mains and fire hydrants for the Newport/Essex Area Water System Improvements Project using OCWS staff and equipment. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator