Title
Approval of a Resolution Declaring an Emergency for a Watermain Break on Harborview Drive
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution declaring an emergency for repair of a watermain break on Harbor View Drive.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution declaring an emergency for repair of a watermain break on Harbor View Drive.
Staff Contact:
Mark Russell, P.E., Deputy Director/City Engineer, Public Works Department, 360.753.8762
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
On June 3, 2022, City staff discovered that there was a watermain break along Harbor View Drive. Operations crews responded to investigate and make a temporary repair. This is the second watermain break in this immediate area in the last month and the third break in the last two years due to aging asbestos-cement pipe. These breaks resulted in property damage to nearby residents and City infrastructure.
Due to the substantial risk of additional watermain breaks, the resulting property damage, and potential for hillside erosion, staff determined that approximately 400 feet of pipe needed to be replaced immediately. Therefore, City operations crews accomplished this work during the week of June 6th and continued into the week of June 13th.
Staff also determined that a contractor needed to complete the necessary roadway and pavement repairs due to the extent of damage caused by the watermain break. This work was completed by Lakeside Industries during the week of June 25th.
RCW 39.04.280 defines an emergency as “unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the municipality that either: (a) Present a real, immediate threat to the proper performance of essential functions; or (b) Will likely result in material loss or damage to property, bodily injury, or loss of life if immediate action is not taken.” RCW 39.04.280 also provides for an exemption from competitive bidding requirements for public works in the event of an emergency.
The City Engineer determined that the situation on Harbor View Drive constituted an emergency as defined in RCW 39.04.280, declared an emergency, and thereafter entered into a contract without calling for bids with Lakeside Industries Inc., for emergency repairs of the road.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Emergency repairs were made as soon as possible, reducing the threat to public safety and property.
Options:
1. Approve a Resolution declaring an emergency for repair of a watermain break on Harbor View Drive. This affirms the emergency actions taken by the City Engineer.
2. Approve a Resolution with desired Council modifications declaring an emergency for repair of a watermain break on Harbor View Drive. This affirms the emergency actions taken by the City Engineer.
3. Do not approve a Resolution declaring an emergency for repair of a watermain break on Harbor View Drive. The emergency actions taken by the City Engineer will not be acknowledged by Council.
Financial Impact:
The cost of the emergency work by Lakeside Industries is approximately $50,000. There are sufficient funds in the Water Utility to cover these expenses.
Attachments:
Resolution