ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager, the Public Works Director, and the Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE AMENDING the City if Peoria BUDGET for FISCAL YEAR 2015 to REPROGRAM STORM WATER AND DRAINAGE PROGRAM BUDGETS, in the Amount of $160,700.00, and to Request Use of GENERAL FUND BALANCE, in the Amount of $182,278.00, for Unreimbursed JUNE 2015 STORM AND FLOOD DAMAGES AND COSTS.
Body
BACKGROUND: On June 7, 2015, the City of Peoria experienced the beginning of several severe storms and strong winds. The resulting wind and rain damage and debris required multiple man-hours. Public Works Department crews and contractors cleared debris from the right-of-way, removed unsafe broken trees and limbs, and repaired unsafe walking/roadway surfaces from drainpipe failures and sinkhole hazards. The rains continued throughout the region with waterways and river levels rising. The Illinois River reached flood stage levels in Peoria on June 14th with riverfront structures being directly impacted. The Public Works Department took action to proactively manage the rising waters. The event resulted in being the 8th highest flood on record in Peoria.
Damages were mitigated by sand bagging operations and construction of a temporary floodwall utilizing a rapid install barrier system (RIBS). While not as severe in magnitude as the damages and costs incurred by the April 2013 flood, the current flood presented similar challenges in terms of financing a labor-intensive flood control operation. The Public Works Department has absorbed much of the costs in our FY2015 operating budget. We were anticipating, along with the rest of the region, some financial assistance from IEMA/FEMA. However, after completion of their damage assessment, FEMA concluded that the region did not meet the dollar threshold for financial assistance.
The remaining two unpaid contractors’ invoices related to the flood were for JC Dillon in the amount of $301,456.68 and Illinois Civil Contractors Inc. in the amount of $41,521.10. We are requesting to reprogram $160,700 from the drainage and storm water projects and the remaining unmet need of $182,278 from Fund Balance (see Attachment 1).
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Public Works Department’s budget projections include regular operating costs, with consideration for weather events. However, extreme weather events are not included in the Department’s budget; therefore, they cause unplanned expenditures and budget overages.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Through labor-intensive efforts, riverfront restaurants and businesses were able to remain open; the riverfront Farmer’s Market was successfully relocated and served interested patrons; and the annual Steamboat Days and 4th of July fireworks event, Red, White & Boom, were able to take place as planned.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: City of Peoria would pay its financial obligations to vendors.
IMPACT IF DENIED: Financial obligations would remain unmet; credit-worthiness and risk of non-payment to vendors could negatively affect bond ratings.
ALTERNATIVES: As Council Directs.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
2. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works