Financial Matters, Section D, No. 1, Award of RFP #2010-2 for the contract for Valve Exercising/Maintenance Program - per Utilities Director
This item was pulled by Comm. deJesus for discussion.
Comm. deJesus proceeded to ask Utilities Director Mike Bailey questions which were answered in full by the Director. Most of his questions had to do with the costs of this contract vs Mr. Bailey's men doing the work themselves.
We must all remember that over the past 20 or more years each Department in our City has had employees cut from their roster, money cut from their budget, etc., until the Departments are working with bare bones! But, Comm. deJesus suggested that Mr. Bailey not have the contract/maintenance agreement but utilize his own employees.
Mr. Bailey told him that a piece of equipment would be needed to move these valves since they are extremely old and could be broken while turning them if not handled properly. The piece of equipment would cost around $60,000.(Don't quote me on that price)
Comm. deJesus was pushing Mr. Bailey as to why they have been able to do this job without the piece of equipment in the past? None of his employees are truly experienced in this valve job as are the men with the maintenance company who work with them daily, was the response, and the valves are very sensitive and old.
As you all know, those of us who live in East Cooper City know how old our water and sewer pipes are and a broken pipe means water gushing until the valve at each end of the break can be closed and the break repaired. These valves are an important part of this water and sewer system.
Mayor Eisinger made some very sarcastic remarks to Mr. Bailey, who is our City Engineer and has worked in that field for many years. At Ft. Lauderdale prior to George Haughney, our past City Engineer's selecting Mr. Bailey for Cooper City. Mr. Haughney promised to get us the best replacement at his retirement and we feel he succeeded in doing so!
Of course, Comm. deJesus decided that Mr. Bailey did not need the contract and did not need the piece of equipment to do the job with his own employees. Who does he think he is? A graduate City Engineer as is Mr. Bailey?
Comm. deJesus' decision was made without any proper investigation on his own part and his questions were not appropriate to the situation. Mr. Bailey is under requirement by Florida Administrative Code to exercise and maintain its water system valves on a regular basis. The American Water Works Assoc. suggests every 3 years. Mr. Bailey agrees with their terms. Why did Mr. deJesus and Mayor not know about the Codes? There was back-up material to study and Comm. deJesus could have had a conversation with Mr. Bailey prior to the meeting.
If these valves are not exercised and don't work when a water pipe breaks then large scale problems could arise.
This Blogger suggests that the City put this item back on the Agenda, the Commissioners and Mayor really do all that homework they brag about doing so intelligent questions can be asked, and pertinent answers can be obtained.
Comm. deJesus is not a City Engineer nor the Mayor knowledgeable in the field, so it is suggested they learn what the situation is truly about and make intelligent decisions on behalf of the residents rather than grand standing before the television cameras and truly showing their lack of knowledge.
WE NEED THOSE VALVES MAINTAINED AS OUR UTILITY DIRECTOR ASKED SO PUT THAT ITEM BACK ON THE AGENDA AND VOTE FOR IT. IT IS NOT THE MONEY, IT IS THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF OUR RESIDENTS WHICH
ARE AT RISK.
And the City has about $10,000,000 in the Utilities account so the money is there to spend on our protection!
But, Comm. deJesus and the Mayor want a new City Hall!
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