PROJECT NO. CIP 97-182 MYRTLE AVENUE UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 97-1 – APPROVAL TO REMOVE VERTICAL-MOUNTED VENT PIPES AND REPLACE WITH FLUSH-MOUNTED VENTS

 

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the City Council:

Approve the attached Change Order No. 9 for Project No. CIP 97-182 Myrtle Avenue Utility Undergrounding approving the removal of vertical-mounted vent pipes and replacement with flush-mounted vents for $41,256.

 

Background:

Concern has been expressed regarding the installation of vertical-mounted vent pipes in the Myrtle Utility Undergrounding District (UUD). The property owners in the District are requesting that the vertical-mounted vent pipes be removed and replaced with flush-mounted vents. The property owners feel that the vertical-mounted vent pipes are unsightly and have a negative impact on their property values.

Staff has requested that the Edison Company provide Irish Construction with their standard drawings for the flush-mounted vents. Additionally, Staff has requested that Irish provide a quote for the removal of the vertical-mounted vent pipes and replacement with the flush-mounted vents.

The Edison Company has indicated that the installation of flush-mounted vents would be a departure from their standard practices. In a letter dated March 30, 2000 from Mr. Mikel E. Rodin, P.E. of Edison stated the following:

 

"The standard ventilation configuration consists of one intake and one exhaust vertical standpipe (i.e., both of the same diameter) extending 40 inches above grade with a series of one inch diameter holes drilled in the top 19½ inches of the pipe and finished with a pipe cap securely cemented in place at the top. The number of vent holes varies with he diameter of the standpipe (i.e., 8 inch diameter has 96 holes. 10 inch diameter has 136 holes, etc.), but what is important is the location of the holes. The holes are located high enough on the standpipe that during rainy periods the surface run off is not able to access the vault through the standpipes. In irrigation areas metal shields may be attached to the bent pipes which do not impede air flow, but do prevent irrigation/sprinkler water from entering the vault through the standpipes.

 

"The use of flush-mounted grating with the exception of the two vaults noted above is not an accepted means for establishing ventilation paths for our vaults. The single most compelling reason for not using flush-mounted grating is that it provides an unimpeded access path for water to enter the vault. Extensive measures are taken to keep the vaults as dry as possible. Although the equipment is designed to operate under submerged conditions that is not our preferred method of operation. Additionally, both street and sidewalk level grating have the potential of being a tripping hazard, for the safety of the public we do diligence to eliminate as many of these hazards as possible."

 

Irish Construction has proposed a cost of $2,292 for removing each vertical standpipe and replacing it with a flush-mounted vent. There are nine locations, two vents at each location, for a total price of $41,256. Please see attached Change Order No. 9.

 

Analysis:

Sufficient funds are available in the district to cover this proposed additional cost. Since this a request of the property owners, Staff is recommending that the City Council approve this change and direct Staff to send a letter to the Edison Company informing them of Council action.

 

Fiscal Impact:

Construction Contract Price $866,278.00

Construction Contingency $123,200.00

Contract Change Orders

Includes Change Order No. 9 ($ 98,285,93)

Amount Remaining in Construction Contingency $ 24,814.97

New Contract Total including al Change Orders $964,563.03

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