Title
Transfer of $344,894 from the Storm Debris Contingency to the Environmental Resources operating budget.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the transfer.
Environmental Resources is requesting a budget transfer of $344,894 from the 2015 Storm Debris Contingency to the Environmental Resources operating budget. The transfers are requested to purchase two items: an Industrial Tub Grinder, which is used to grind down large pieces of wood. The grinder would be used generally for clean-up after a storm in which branches or trees are blown down. Cost is approximately $295,918. The second item is an Air Curtain Burner, which reduces the smoke and pollution that comes from burning clean wood waste. Cost for this item is approximately $48,976.
The KDHE requires that the County address storm debris in its Solid Waste Plan. With the elimination of the Storm Debris Contingency in 2016, these items need to be purchased in order to continue to be in compliance with KDHE requirements. The purchase of an Industrial Tub Grinder and an Air Curtain Burner will allow the County to rapidly respond to storms and quickly dispose of the debris. Without this equipment the storm debris would need to be taken to a landfill, which would increase the cost of disposal and cause the landfill to reach capacity sooner. An Air Curtain Burner allows storm debris material to be safely burned by burning cleanly and reducing the amount of ash that is produced. It can be safely used next to neighborhoods and is approved by the KDHE for safe air emissions. The Air Curtain Burner cannot handle all of the material generated by a large storm resulting in the need to grind the material and give the remaining chips away to the public, which can be accomplished with the Industrial Tub Grinder. FEMA will reimburse the County for the use of this equipment in a FEMA-declared storm event.
Alternatives: If this budget transfer request is not approved, Environmental Resources would not be able to purchase the items. The expected impact is to slow the response time to storms and the disposal of debris.
Financial Considerations: Before the Board of Bids and Contracts may consider bids for these items, budget authority must be in place and reserved for the purchases. Authorization of the transfer will allow that to occur so that a recommendation regarding the purchases may then be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. The request is for a budget transfer of $344,897 from the Storm Debris Contingency, 43005-208, to the Special Projects fund center, 43007-208. This budget is within the Solid Waste Fund, and sufficient resources are available to fund these purchases.
Legal Considerations: N/A
Policy Considerations: Per the County's budget allotment and transfer policy set forth in resolution 152-2014, budget transfers in excess of $250,000 may only be authorized by the Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners.