HomeMy WebLinkAbout131030 Sewer Insurance Policy CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
SEWER INSURANCE PROGRAM POLICY
Pursuant to Ind. Code § 36-9-6-10, as amended from time-to-time, the City of South Bend, Indiana
("City") acting by and through its Board of Public Works ("Board")is empowered to contract for and
maintain all public drains or sewers necessary to carry off the drainage of the City. Chapter 7, Article 7
of the South Bend Municipal Code establishes a sewer service fund("Sewer Insurance Program")in order
to address the repair of failing private sewer connections, and to address administrative and inspection
costs associated with the Sewer Insurance Program. The goal of the Sewer Insurance Program is to
provide City residents with an affordable insurance program that covers costs to the owners associated
with the repair by a private contractor of a lateral sewer connection to a residence with the City sewer
system, subject to a deductible that is the responsibility of the property owner.
The Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens to
establish certain policies and procedures in order to ensure proper repair and operation of the City's
sewers. The Board has further determined that it is in the best interests of the City to establish procedures
for the operational implementation of the Sewer Insurance Program, as well as for pre-qualifying private
contractors to perform repairs eligible for recovery under the Sewer Insurance Program. The operational
implementation of the Sewer Insurance Program is based on the process established in Chapter 7, Article
7 of the Municipal Code. The pre-qualification of contractors for the Sewer Insurance Program is based
upon contractor experience, financial strength, technical expertise, satisfactory past performance and
compliance with law.
This Policy delegates certain responsibilities to various decision-makers in order to provide for efficient
administration and implementation of the Sewer Insurance Program. This Policy is intended to
supplement the ordinances establishing the Sewer Insurance Program as same may be amended from
time-to-time.
1. The following definitions shall apply to the Sewer Insurance Program:
a. "Contractor" shall mean only those contractors meeting the Construction Specifications
approved by the City's Board of Public Works (the Board) (see Exhibit G for Construction
Specifications) and who have been pre-qualified and pre-approved by the City's Board of Public
Works in accordance with this Policy to perform repairs eligible for recovery under the Sewer
Insurance Program and are identified on a Registry maintained by the City's Sewer Insurance
Program Administrator
b. "Private Sewer" shall mean all connections from the Public Sewer to the foundation wall of the
structure located on private property, including any lateral sewer lines flowing into the Public
Sewer
c. "Public Sewer" shall mean a sewer which is owned and maintained by the City of South Bend
for the collection of sanitary sewer effluent.
d. "Registry" shall mean a listing of Contractors that have been pre-qualified and pre-approved by
the City's Board of Public Works to perform repairs eligible for recovery under the Sewer
Insurance Program. The Registry shall consist of three separate pre-qualification categories as
follows:
i. Second Opinion Contractor: those contractors who are able to evaluate and perform
immediate sewer cleaning and repair work to a Private Sewer
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ii. Excavation Contractor: those contractors who are able to perform repair of a Private Sewer
through open cut excavation
iii. Special Contractor: those contractors that are able to provide services that are beyond the
requirements of typical repair by excavation(i.e. able to perform excavation at depths greater
than eight feet, able to dewater, etc)
e. "Sewer Insurance Administrator" shall mean the City's Manager responsible for the
administration, implementation and operation of the Sewer Insurance Program.
f "Repair" shall mean any work performed by the City or its designated Contractor to render a
Private Sewer to full operational capacity. All work to inspect the Private Sewer shall be inclusive
in the repair work as defined herein.
g. "Homeowner" shall mean the person or persons who is/are the title holder of the recorded
property deed for the property services by the Private Sewer in question including the beneficial
owner under a written, recorded land contract.
2. Program Procedures: City staff and contractors operating under the Sewer Insurance Program are
required to adhere to the following procedures. Failure by a contractor to adhere to these procedures
shall result in removal from the Registry.
a. A homeowner shall notify the Sewer Department through the City 311 system that their Private
Sewer is not functioning correctly. The homeowner shall demonstrate proof that they have
attempted to have their Private Sewer repaired by a professional sewer cleaner within 90 days of
their 311 call. If the homeowner chooses to clean their Private Sewer with his/her own
equipment or rental equipment, this does not qualify as a cleaning that would allow the
homeowner to file a claim for sewer insurance.
b. Once 311 receives the notification of a sewer backup, the Sewer Department shall inspect the
sewer main to determine if the sewer backup was caused by a blockage or other issue with the
Public Sewer.
c. If the Sewer Department determines that the sewer backup is due to a Private Sewer malfunction,
and not the Public Sector, the case shall be referred to the Sewer Insurance Administrator.
d. The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall open a Sewer Insurance case for the sewer backup
location. The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall contact the City Water Works for a
determination if the homeowner meeting the following conditions:
i. If the homeowner reporting the sewer backup is in fact the owner of the property in question.
ii. If the homeowner is current on their Sewer Insurance payments.
If the homeowner meets the above conditions, the Sewer Insurance Administrator shall then
engage the homeowner under the Sewer Insurance Program, and provide the homeowner with the
Right of Entry and Release (Exhibit A), a blank Payment Agreement(Exhibit B), and the Sewer
Insurance Information Sheet(Exhibit C).
Homeowners who are not considered"current" by Water Works need to work through the 311
system to address their Water Works account issues prior to receiving service through the Sewer
Insurance Program.
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In order to qualify, per the current City ordinance, homeowners must have a minimum of 120
days of paid, uninterrupted water service (from the date of their water service request)to their
property to qualify for the sewer insurance program.
e. The homeowner shall complete the following actions prior to action being taken under the Sewer
Insurance Program to repair the Private Sewer:
i. Sign an Agreement for right of entry to property and Release furnished by the Sewer
Department authori zing right of entry onto the affected private property for purposes of
making said repairs and releasing the City from any claim arising from the City's entry onto
the property for such repair purposes (form of which is attached hereto and incorporated
herein as Exhibit-4);
ii. Execute a notarized Payment Agreement(form of which is attached hereto and incorporated
herein as Exhibit B)with the City of South Bend Water Works for the payment of the $500
deductible that the homeowner is responsible to pay under the Sewer Insurance Program.
f The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall hire a contractor from the Registry to inspect and repair
the Private Sewer. The contractor shall first attempt to clean the line by machine driven cable
auger. The contractor shall only be released from their attempt to clean the Private Sewer with
machine driven cable auger by the Sewer Insurance Administrator or his representative.
g. If the contractor successfully cleans the Private Sewer through cable auger, the City shall
reimburse the homeowner any difference in cost actually paid by the homeowner if the
contractor's fee is less than the $500 program deductible. If the Contractor's cost is greater than
$500, the City will cover the difference in cost from the sewer service fund. If the total cost of
repair is less than $500, the Sewer Insurance Administrator shall readjust the total amount due
from the homeowner under any Reimbursement Agreement signed by the homeowner to match
the actual fee.
h. If the contractor is unsuccessful in cleaning the Private Sewer through use of cable auger, the City
may hire the next contractor from the Registry to repair the Private Sewer through excavation.
i. As conditions warrant, the Sewer Insurance Administrator may authorize a new sewer cleanout to
be installed on a Private Sewer to facilitate future clean-out and repair activities on the Private
Sewer at no cost to the homeowner minus the cost of the sewer insurance deductable.
The homeowner shall ensure that their Private Sewer has an accessible clean-out to allow access
by the City and its contractor. Toilets, floor drains, or roof vents are not considered acceptable
access points.
j. The Sewer Insurance Administrator may, as situation warrants, and as recommended by the
health Department, direct work to be performed under the Sewer Insurance Program where
conditions in a residence threaten the health of the homeowner, tenants or neighboring residents.
In such cases, work may proceed as directed with only a signed Right of Entry and Release form,
with payment form to be signed after the work is complete.
3. Program Management
a. The Board designates the Sewer Insurance Administrator as the decision-maker and manager
charged with daily oversight and administration of the Sewer Insurance Program. The Sewer
Insurance Administrator may prescribe and make recommendations concerning the work
performed by Contractors listed on the Registry in order to ensure that the work performed is cost
effective for the City and the property owner, with minimal disruption of City services and
operations
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b. Pre-Qualification Process:
i. On or before December 15`h annually, the Sewer Insurance Administrator shall accept
proposals from contractors who wish to be pre-qualified as a contractor approved to perform
repairs eligible for recovery under the City's Sewer Insurance Program. The pre-qualification
process shall include the following:
(1). Submission of a fully-completed Application for Pre-Qualification for the City of South
Bend, Indiana Sewer Insurance Program(form of which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit D); and
(2). Submission of a financial statement or other evidence of financial responsibility; and
(3). Submission of non-collusion affidavit(form of which is attached hereto and incorporated
herein as Exhibit I); and
(4). Any other documentation or criteria which the Sewer Insurance Administrator, in its sole
discretion, requests in order to permit the Sewer Insurance Administrator to evaluate a
contractor's experience, financial strength, technical expertise, satisfactory past
performance and compliance with law.
Applications shall be accepted between December 15`h and January 14 annually.
Applications received after close of business on January 14 shall not be considered.
The Sewer Insurance Administrator reserves the right to request additional information from
perspective contractors in order to fully evaluate a contractor's pre-qualification application.
The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall provide to the Board the recommended Registry for
the calendar year at the first regular Board meeting in January. The Board has until the
second regular meeting in January to approve of the Registry. If no action is taken by the
Board regarding the Registry in January, the proposed Registry as presented by the Sewer
Insurance administrator shall be considered approved by default.
ii. Upon submission of the following, Contractors who are accepted by the Board through the
pre-qualification process described in Paragraph 3a, shall be listed on the City's Registry for
a period up to one year commencing annually on January 14:
(1).Performance bond in the amount of$25,000 or cash bond in the amount of$25,000; and
(2).Proof of Liability Insurance Per Person in the amount of$50,000; and
(3).Proof of Liability Insurance Per Occurrence in the amount of$1,000,000; and
(4). Worker's Compensation Insurance.
iii. The City reserves the right to reject any and all Applications for Pre-Qualification, and refuse
to include a contractor on the Registry if the City determines in its sole discretion that the
Contractor lacks sufficient experience, financial strength, technical expertise, or equipment to
perform work under the City's Sewer Insurance Program, or has failed to comply with
applicable statutes, ordinances, rules and regulation, or has failed to completely perform their
work satisfactorily. The City may also limit the number of pre-qualified Contractors to be
listed on the Registry.
iv. In order for a Contractor to renew its listing on the Registry, the Contractor shall submit an
updated Application for Pre-Qualification not later than December 15"' of the year prior to the
renewal term.
V. The Registry shall be used through the calendar year and into the next year until a
replacement Registry is presented by the Sewer Insurance Administrator and approved by the
Board.
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c. Registry Management
i. The Registry shall be maintained at the office of the Sewer Insurance Administrator, with a
copy held by the Clerk for the City's Board of Public Works.
ii. The Registry shall consist of three separate pre-qualification categories. The categories and
pre-qualification requirements are as follows:
Pre-Qualification Definition Pre-qualification Requirements
Category
Second Opinion Those contractors who are able to Equipment:
evaluate and perform immediate . CCTV system (optional)
repair work to a Private Sewer . Machine driven cable auger;
• 3/4 HP motor
• 1 ''/4" cable minimum size;
180' total cable length
• Four blade cutter 92", 4")
• Sharktooth cutter(2", 4" &
6")
• Expanding cutter(s)(up to
6" expansion)
• Blow bag(optional)
• Retrievers (big& small)
Experience:
Demonstrate experience through
reference covering use of
required equipment on sewer line
repair with machine driven cable
auger for lines up to 6" diameter.
Excavation Those contractors who are able to Equipment:
perform repair work to a Private . Trench box system to
Sewer through open cut provide trench safety per
excavation to a maximum depth OSHA at a trench width of
of nine feet. four feet(outside width)
• Excavation equipment
NOTE: benching a trench excavation sufficient for a trench width
shall only he authorized as an approved of no more than three feet
method of trench excavation by the
Sewer Insurance Administrator on a wide and eight feet deep.
case by case basis and will not he
assumed as an authorized practice or Experience:
techniqueforpre-qualification. Demonstrate experience through
reference regarding sewer line
repair trough open cut excavation
and appropriate post-construction
property restoration.
Safety:
OSHA confined space training
certification
OSHA competent person training
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Pre-Qualification Definition Pre-qualification Requirements
Category
certification
Special Those contractors who are able to Equipment:
perform repair work under the • Trench box system to
following conditions: provide trench safety per
• Dewatering(any depth) OSHA for depths greater
• Open cut excavation greater than eight feet at a trench
than nine feet deep width of four feet(outside
width)
• Excavator able to support
excavation depths deeper
than eight feet with a trench
width no greater than four
feet.
Experience:
Demonstrate experience through
reference for any special
considerations or conditions
Safety:
OSHA confined space training
certification
OSHA competent person training
certification
iii. A contractor may be pre-qualified for any combination of the categories within the Registry.
iv. The Sewer Insurance Administrator reserves the right to utilize a contractor not pre-qualified
on the Registry on a conditional basis for demonstration of new technologies or techniques.
Any deviation from the Registry on the part of the Sewer Insurance Administrator shall be
reported to the Board at the earliest convenience of the Board.
V. A contractor shall have one of the two following pre-qualified conditions assigned by the
Sewer Insurance Administrator:
(1).Fully pre-qualified: This condition indicates that the Sewer Insurance Administrator has
determined that a contractor has demonstrated through actual work, technical skill,
equipment on hand, or references that they have the capability to perform the work
required for the pre-qualification category in question.
(2).Probationary pre-qualified: This condition indicates that the Sewer Insurance
Administrator has determined that the contractor has met one of the following situations:
(a) The contractor has not demonstrated technical qualifications to the complete
satisfaction of the Sewer Insurance Administrator, and is being placed on the
Registry provisionally; or
(b) The contractor's success rate in repair of a Private Sewer over a rotating six
month basis has dropped below 75%; or
(c) The contractor was fully pre-qualified, but has not demonstrated the technical
competence claimed on the pre-qualification form provided.
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vi. The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall develop the three categorical lists within the
Registry with order of contractors based on the date which their pre-qualification application
was received. If multiple applications are received on the same date, contractors for that date
shall be listed in the Registry in alphabetical order.
vii. The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall call contractors from the Registry in the order each
contractor appears. If a contractor refuses a call, or is unable to perform within 24 hours of
the call, they shall be counted as having performed a call.
viii. The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall call contractors from the Registry when repair
conditions change and the nature of the repair work moves from a Second Opinion to either
an Excavation or Special condition.
d. If the Sewer Insurance Administrator determines that a Contractor is not fully complying with
applicable statutes, ordinances, rule and regulations or whose work has been determined to be
unsatisfactory, or lacks sufficient financial strength, equipment or technical expertise to perform
the work may be removed from the Registry for a period of up to three years from the date of the
violation, and shall not be eligible for cost recovery under the Sewer Insurance Program.
e. Contractor Notification Process: If a contractor's status in the Registry changes in any way, the
Sewer Insurance Administrator shall notify that Contractor of the Sewer Insurance
Administrator's determination in writing within ten working days of the alleged violation, or pre-
qualification status change. Contractors wishing to appeal the Sewer Insurance Administrator's
determination shall file a written appeal to the Board not less than five business days following
the date of the Sewer Insurance Administrator's notice to the Contractor. The Board shall hear
evidence on the Contractor's appeal at its next regular Board meeting, and the Board's decision
shall be final and conclusive unless an appeal is taken as in all other civil matters. The Sewer
Insurance Administrator's decision shall be entitled to deference by the Board unless it is
arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or inconsistent with the rules and regulations of this
Program.
f Contractors shall perform construction activities for repair work in accordance with the
construction specifications found in Exhibit G of this policy.
g. The Sewer Insurance Administrator may, from time-to-time, make recommendations to the Board
concerning the safe and efficient operation of the Sewer Insurance Program, establish certain
procedures to ensure that work completed by private contractors under the Sewer Insurance
Program is consistent, cost effective and professionally performed, and shall keep the Board
appraised as to unsatisfactory performance of a Contractor listed on the Registry to warrant being
removed from the Registry.
h. The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall select contractors from the Registry in a specific order
set based on the date and time of application for pre-qualification annually. The order shall not
change unless a contractor is removed from the registry. The Sewer Insurance Administrator may
not deviate from the order unless there is a unique situation where the selected contractor may not
have uniquely qualifying experience to address. If a contractor is skipped in selection for this
reason, they will maintain their place as the next available contractor on the Registry. The
contractor selected out of turn will be counted as having performed a service and will be skipped
in the normal rotation through the Registry until they come back on the list as the next normally
available contractor. A contractor shall respond to the selection for work in a reasonable
timeframe (max response timeframe is 24 hours or the next business day whichever is shorter).
Contractors unable to respond in a reasonable timeframe shall notify the Sewer Insurance
Administrator at the initial request for service. Inability to respond will count as work performed
and the Sewer Insurance Administrator shall move to the next contractor on the pre-qualified list.
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A contractor may be removed from the Registry by the Sewer Insurance Administrator due to a
pattern of lack of responsiveness on the part of the contractor. A pattern of lack of
responsiveness shall be considered if a contractor does not accept over 50%of selections by the
Sewer Insurance Administrator over a period of six months.
i. The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall conduct a quarterly evaluation of contractors on the
Registry to maintain a standard of quality performance. Contractors must successfully repair
75%of their cable auger repairs within a sustained six month period to maintain their fully pre-
qualified.
If a contractor fails to maintain a 75%success rate, they shall be reduced to a probationary pre-
qualified status for the next quarter. Should a contractor's performance not improve during the
first probationary quarter, the Sewer Insurance Administrator may elect to either remove the
contractor for the remainder of the calendar year or grant an additional probationary quarter. A
contractor may not have more than two consecutive probationary quarters in a calendar year. If a
contractor improves their success rate to 75%or above, they shall be re-instated to a fully pre-
qualified status on the Registry.
j. The rate schedule for contractor costs incurred while performing work as directed by the Sewer
Insurance Administrator as attached hereto under Exhibit E. These rates will be reviewed by the
Sewer Insurance Administrator annually and any revisions requested through the Board prior to
the beginning of a new calendar year.
Contractors may petition the Sewer Insurance Administrator to add or adjust rates within the rate
schedule. If petitioned, the Sewer Insurance Administrator shall contact all pre-qualified
contractors to determine if additional rate categories are needed. The Sewer Insurance
Administrator shall report contractor petitions and response to the Board with recommendation
regarding adding additional rates or re-setting the rate amounts.
k. The Sewer Insurance Administrator shall provide a quarterly report to the Board with
recommendations and analysis of the program. The quarterly report shall contain the following
information:
i. Contractor performance: include recommendations as to which jobs/cleanings cannot or
should not be held against a contractor for determination of continued competency (provide
proof of extreme conditions of the specific situation)
ii. Contractor billings per job type. Use Exhibit F for definition of job types and levels of
excavation.
1. Contractors shall be directly and solely liable to a Homeowner for any damage to any
Homeowner's person or property caused by the Contractor's acts, conduct or omissions arising
from or within the scope of this Program. Contractor shall release and fully indemnify the City
from any claim or cause of action of any kind which Homeowner may make against the City for
any act, conduct or omission by the Contractor under this Program. Indemnification includes but
is not limited to Contractor's payment of any legal fees or legal expense incurred by the City in
defending such Homeowner claim.
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ExhibitA
AGREEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF
TEMPORARY RIGHT OF ENTRY
RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the Owner(s) and/or Tenant(s) of the real estate described below, give
the right, privilege and authority for the purpose of Temporary Right of Entry onto and/or across said real
estate for the following purpose:
Purpose of Entry:
a. For inspection of the private sewer to determine if the line is broken and requires repair and
replacement; and
b. For making repairs to or replacement of said private sewer line by the City of South Bend,
Indiana.
Property Location: South Bend, Indiana.
(property address)
Dates: Beginning on and ending after
The undersigned does/do hereby agree to jointly and severally,release,indemnify and hold the City of South
Bend (the City), and its agents,employees, contractors,successors and assigns harmless from all suits, claims
or proceedings of any kind,as a result of the City's entry on the above property under this Agreement. This
does not include release from damage caused by a Program Contractor performing repair work. The
undersigned further acknowledge(s) that this release includes but is not limited to any damage to the
foundation, the foundation walls and/or the building line and exterior brick wall resulting from excavation
necessary to make repair, and that South Bend Municipal Code Sec. 17-61 expressly requires a property
owner to be fully responsible for any repair of the lateral sewer line from inside the basement to the outside
exterior brick wall of the above property. This means that any sewer line break or malfunction which exists
under the building foundation is the owner's sole responsibility and is not covered under the City insurance
program. Nor does the Sewer Insurance Program cover any costs relating to removal or replacement of
trees, shrubbery, plants, lawns, sprinkler systems, or other landscaping features or hard surface
improvements such as driveways, patios, and sidewalks, gas grills, and similar items per South Bend
Municipal Code Sec. 17-58.
This Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced according to the laws of the State of Indiana.
The undersigned persons executing and delivering this Agreement represent and certify that they are the
owners or tenants of the said property and have the authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and
that all necessary action has been taken and done.
DATE: Witness:
(City employee requesting access to property)
OWNER(S)/TENANT(S):
Sig a ure
(printed name)
Prznted Nome
Signature
Prznted Nome
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Exhibit B
SEWER REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
City of South Bend, Indiana
Billing Address: Date:
Borrower's SSN:
I, (Borrower) of_ South
Bend, Indiana promise to pay to the order of the Sewer Repair Fund, South Bend Water Works, 125 West
Colfax Avenue, P.O. Box 1714, South Bend, Indiana 46634, the sum of$500 as follows:
One hundred dollars ($100) at the time of the execution of this
note,followed by 11 monthly payments of$33.34, and one
final payment of$33.26(total 12), all added to my South Bend
water bill at the address listed above which I a ree to pay.
I understand that there will be no interest charged on the amount due pursuant to this note as long as my
payments are current, but that during any period of delinquency, I will be charged interest at the rate of
eight percent per annum. I hereby waive presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest, and
nonpayment of this note, and agree that upon default in payment of this note, or any part when due, the
whole amount remaining unpaid shall, without notice or nonpayment or demand of payment, immediately
become due and payable, with attorney's fees and without relief whatsoever from valuation of
appraisement laws.
I understand that if the total cost of repair is less than $500, that Water Works shall amend my payment
schedule to match the actual cost of the repairs.
Contact Person for Borrower(excluding spouse):
BORROWER:
Name&relationship to Borrower(Please print) (Signature)
Telephone No:
Telephone No:
State of Indiana )
SS:
St. Joseph County )
Subscribed and sworn to before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State this day of
20
Notary Public
Commission Expiration Date
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Exhibit C
PROPERTY OWNER FACT SHEET
CITY OF SOUTH BEND SEWER INSURANCE PROGRAM
What is the Sewer Insurance Program?
The Sewer Insurance Program (the Program) assists South Bend homeowners in the repair of
their sewer connection lines from the outside of their building to the City main line usually located under
the adjacent street. The repairs covered by the Program are those which do not resultfrom failure to
perform regular maintenance and line cleaning. After a sewer line is repaired under the Program,
the owner is responsible for removal or replacement of any trees, shrubbery,plants,lawns, sprinkler
systems, or other landscaping features, andfor replacing hard surface improvements such as asphalt,
concrete, or brick driveways,patios, sprinkler systems,gas grills, utility lines,foundations, and any
other surface or subsurface improvements found on public or private property.
Who qualifies for the Program?
Ifyou are a residential water utility customer living in a dwelling with no more than two units or
a commercial water utility customer,paying for sewer and water service within the City of South Bend,
you may have the option offiling a sewer insurance claim with the City of South Bend.
I had a sewer back-up into my home, what do I do?
Call 311. They will ensure that the Sewer Department inspects the sewer system to determine the
cause of the back-up. If the back-up is due to a plugged connection to your home,you as the homeowner
are responsible for calling a private sewer cleaner to clean your sewer connection. Cleaning it yourself
with rented equipment without success will not qualify you to apply for the Program.
I had a plumber come out and work on my line, but I'm still having problems, now what?
Call 311. They will dispatch someone from the Sewer Insurance Program during normal
business hours to start the process of work on your sewer connection under the Sewer Insurance
Program. The City employee who contacts you will also provide you with the forms required by the
Program.
Is there a Cost and What Must I do?
Sewer line repairs often cost several thousand dollars. Under the Program, the homeowner is
responsible only for payment of the $500 insurance deductible. Before a Program qualified contractor
will repair your sewer connection,you must complete forms and pay the $500.00 deductible or at least
$100.00. You can arrange to pay the balance in 12 equal installments as part ofyour water bill by
signing a payment agreement. You must also sign a separate form authorizing the City to enter your
property to make repairs.Return the signed forms along with your deductible payment to:
South Bend Water Works
125 West Colfax Avenue
P.O. Box 1714
South Bend, Indiana 46634
The Water Works also can notarize your payment agreement iyou return it to them in person.
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Exhibit D
APPLICATION
PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
SEWER INSURANCE PROGRAM
Name of Company:
Pre-Qualification Category
Second Opinion Excavation Special
❑ ❑ ❑
Attach copies of the following documents:
1. License Number
2. Bond letter stating limits for single project and aggregate program
3. (Corp. or LLC Only) Corporate authority and/or proof of registry with the Secretary of State to do
business in Indiana
Principal Place of
Business:
Mailing Address:
Telephone: Cell: Fax: E-Mail:
Ownership Information
(Identify all owners if the
Company,if applicable)
Nature of Company's
Business
(Briefly describe the type of
services your company provides)
(Provide references as needed to
validate experience for specific
pre-qualification)
License Information
(Nome of holder,license type,
number)
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Equipment On Hand
(Provide proof of ownership and
list of equipment owned by
company for use in determination
of pre-qualification)
By signing and submitting this application, I/we agree to follow all City of South Bend Prevailing
Specifications and Special Provisions (enclosed in the Sewer Insurance Program Policy as Exhibit G)
By signing and submitting this application for pre-qualification, Uwe understand that as a Contractor
under the City Sewer Insurance Program, I/we shall be directly and solely liable to a Homeowner for any
damage to any Homeowner's person or property caused by the Contractor's acts, conduct or omissions
arising from or within the scope of this Program. I/we shall release and fully indemnify the City from any
claim or cause of action of any kind which Homeowner may make against the City for any act, conduct or
omission by the Contractor under this Program. Indemnification includes but is not limited to
Contractor's payment of any legal fees or legal expense incurred by the City in defending such
Homeowner claim.
Signature Signature Signature
Title Title Title
Dote Dote Dote
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Exhibit E
SEWER INSURANCE
CONTRACTOR RATE SCHEDULE
Effective through December 31, 2014
Pre-qualification category: Second opinion
Cable Angering $200.00 Hour
Pre-qualification category: Excavation
Notes:
1. Total crew size shall be a maximum of two persons unless otherwise approved by the Sewer
Insurance Administrator or representative thereof.
2. Equipment costs shall include operator for same
3. Contractor shall invoice all other material used on an itemized basis.
Trip Charge for Excavator $250.00 Job
Excavator $140.00 Hour
Trip Charge for Other Equipment $70.00 Job
Rubber tire backhoe $80.00 Hour
Mini excavator $80.00 Hour
Compactor(hand) $50.00 Job
Dump truck (20 yd) $80.00 Hour
Dump truck/trailer $65.00 Hour
Laborer $55.00 Hour
Saw Cutting $75.00 Job
Trench box, 6' x 6' $140.00 Job
Trench box, 8' x 10' $300.00 Job
Trench box, 8' x 16' $400.00 Job
Topsoil (2" depth) $75.00 Job
Pre-qualification category: Special
Special conditions shall be address by the Sewer Insurance Administrator through City of South Bend
emergency contracting procedures.
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Exhibit F
SEWER INSURANCE
REPORTABLE JOB CATEGORIES BY PRE-QUALIFICATION CATEGORY
Pre-qualification category: Second opinion
Cable Repair of a Private Sewer through cleanout of the line by machine driven cable
Angering auger.
Clean-out Install of a clean-out by the Sewer Insurance Program as determined by the
Sewer Insurance Administrator
Pre-qualification category: Excavation
Dig Level Definition
1 • Slab home foundation(four to five feet deep)
• Repair work performed mainly by hand or backhoe at depths up to five feet
• Home has a basement with floor drain
2 • Repair work performed mainly by backhoe at depth from five to eight feet
• Trench box may be required
• Home has a basement with floor drain
• Repair work may require sidewalk removal and replacement
3 • Repair work requires working around water lines
• Repair work performed mainly by backhoe at depth from six to eight feet
• Trench box required
• Home has a basement with floor drain; basement wall may be between
sidewalk and curb line
• Repair work may require sidewalk removal and replacement
4 • Repair work requires working around water lines, tree removal required
• Repair work performed mainly by backhoe at depth from seven to ten feet
• Trench box required
Pre-qualification category: Special
Dig Level Definition
• Home has a basement with floor drain; basement wall may be between
sidewalk and curb line; repair work involves work under the street
pavement
5 • Repair work may require sidewalk and curb removal and replacement
• Repair work requires working around large diameter water lines (24"
diameter), large gas mains (six inch diameter), tree removal required
• Repair work performed mainly by backhoe at depth from nine to 15 feet
• Trench box required
6 Replacing long sections of Private Sewer with new pipe or using liner to fix
sections of pipe.
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Exhibit G
SEWER INSURANCE
PROGRAM SPECIAL PROVISIONS
I. PREVAILING SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN& CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
The City of South Bend's PREVAILING SPECIFICATIONS, most recent version, and
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, most recent version, and the INDOT Standard
Specifications, current edition with all Supplemental Specifications to date, are to be used in this
program.
Each contractor is specifically instructed to become completely familiar with the PREVAILING
SPECIFICATIONS and the DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS prior to
submitting a pre-qualification application.
These SPECIAL PROVISIONS will list only "Additions" or "Deletions" to the PREVAILING
SPECIFICATIONS and are to be used only in conjunction with the PREVAILING
SPECIFICATIONS.
In the event of conflict between the SPECIAL PROVISIONS and the PREVAILING
SPECIFICATIONS, the SPECIAL PROVISIONS will govern.
II. TERM "OR EQUAL"
A. Prevailing Specifications/INDOT Standard Specifications Section: None
B. Additions:
1. Where the term "or equal" is used in these specifications, the contractor deviating from
specified item shall file with his/her bid a letter fully explaining and justifying his/her
proposed article or equal with the Sewer Insurance Administrator. The Sewer Insurance
Administrator shall be the sole judge in determining if the "or equal" offered meets the
specification.
III. TAX EXEMPT
A. Prevailing Specifications/INDOT Standard Specifications Section: None
B. Additions:
1. Materials and properties purchased under contract with the Owner that becomes a
permanent part of the structure or facilities constructed are not subject to the Indiana
Gross Retail Tax (Sales Tax).
IV. CONTROL OF WORK
A. Prevailing Specifications/INDOT Standard Specifications Section: 105
B. Additions:
1. The complete responsibility for this project lies with the Director of Public Works of the
City of South Bend, Indiana through his authorized representatives.
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2. Construction Engineering - The Contractor shall provide all the necessary, qualified
personnel, equipment and supplies to perform all work required under this item. There
will be no direct payment for this item.
V. LEGAL RELATIONS
A. Prevailing Specifications/INDOT Standard Specifications Section: 107
B. Additions:
1. The Owner, where mentioned in these documents, is the City of South Bend. The
Engineer, where mentioned in these documents, is the South Bend Department of Public
Works, acting through its Bureau of Construction.
2. The Contractor shall apply for and obtain any and all required permits for the work from
local, state, and federal agencies and shall comply with permit requirements, including
the St. Joseph County/City of South Bend Building Department.
3. If the Contractor awarded this contract is not a resident of Indiana, within thirty days, the
Contractor shall provide the Engineer with proof that the Contractor is duly licensed,
qualified and registered with the Secretary of State of Indiana to engage in business
within the State of Indiana.
VI. PROSECUTION AND PROGRESS
A. Prevailing Specifications/INDOT Standard Specifications Section: 108
B. Additions:
1. In the event that excessive inclement weather causes a delay in work, the Contractor may
apply in writing for an extension of work schedule. The Director of Public Works
through his authorized representative will establish all time extensions.
2. Liquidated damages will be assessed at the cost of the day's work on the given day that
the work is not completed as assigned or agreed upon.
3. All work will be done between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. unless authorized otherwise by
the Sewer Insurance Administrator.
4. The Contractor shall plan his work and provide signs, barricades, personal notifications,
watchmen or any other necessary means to prevent damage to work site by vandals and
passers-by. This effort is considered incidental to the work. No direct payment will be
made.
VII. INSURANCE
A. Prevailing Specifications/INDOT Standard Specifications Section: 103
B. Additions:
1. All Contractors and subcontractors doing business with the City of South Bend shall
present a Certificate of Insurance showing coverage in the following minimum amount:
2. General Liability: Premises-Completed Operations or Products, Bodily Injury and
Property Damage Combined Single Limit- $1,000,000 or $50,000 per person.
3. There shall be no exclusion for explosion, collapse or underground hazard.
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4. Workmen's Compensation: Statutory State of Indiana Employer's Liability - $100,000.
5. Auto Liability: Bodily Injury and Property Damage Combined Single limit- $1,000,000
6. City of South Bend shall be named as additional insured on the Certificate.
VIII. DEWATERING AND PROTECTION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES
A. Prevailing Specifications/INDOT Standard Specifications Section: None
B. Additions:
1. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all materials necessary for the
dewatering and protection of existing structures to perform the work included on this
project.
2. The Contractor shall submit a Dewatering and Protection of Existing Structures Plan to
the Owner and Engineer for review prior to beginning any work affected by the control of
ground water and protection of existing structures. The plan shall include drawings,
calculations and descriptions, as necessary, to clearly describe the nature of the methods
to be used by the Contractor. The plan must be prepared, signed and sealed by a
Professional Engineer registered in the State of Indiana, who is experienced in
dewatering techniques and support of structures and hydraulic loadings. The plan must
be submitted, reviewed and comments addressed adequately before the start of
construction. The responsible Professional Engineer shall supervise and monitor the
installation and operation of the dewatering/protection of existing structures elements.
The Contractor shall have full responsibility for the adequacy of the dewatering methods
of the diversion/retention systems used, and for protection of all existing structures.
3. Foundations and all other parts of the construction site shall be dewatered and kept free
of standing water and muddy conditions, as necessary, for the proper execution of the
work. The Contractor shall install, maintain, and operate all cofferdams, sumps, and
other temporary diversion and protective works needed to control ground water and
surface water at the site. Since the work will be performed in a residential/commercial
area, all continuously operating equipment such as pumps and generators must be
muffled and enclosed in noise dampening structures so as not to cause a nuisance to
nearby residences and commercial establishments.
4. Control of surface and groundwater shall be continuous during the period of construction
so that damage to the work shall not occur. Removal of water from the construction site
shall be performed so that erosion and the transporting of sediment and other pollutants
are minimized. When temporary works used for dewatering are no longer needed, the
Contractor shall remove them and return the area to a condition similar to that which
existed prior to construction.
IX. SANITARY SEWER AND LATERALS
A. Prevailing Specifications/INDOT Standard Specifications Section: 2001, 2100, 715 and City
Standard Drawings WW-2, WW-3, WW-6, WW-7 and WW-8.
B. Additions:
1. This work shall entail the removal of conflicting portions of existing sanitary laterals and
the reinstatement of said laterals encountered in the progress and prosecution of the work
and the installation of new sanitary sewer pipe and laterals and connection to the existing
system.
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2. Where proposed work conflicts with existing private building sewer laterals, a segment of
the existing sewer lateral, in conflict, shall be removed and replaced/reinstated. Removal
of existing sanitary laterals shall be limited to the first joint upstream and downstream of
the portion of work in conflict with the proposed improvements, or as required to tie into
existing lateral locations. This work will be measured on a per instance basis for
conflicting laterals encountered during the course of the Work and shall include all labor,
equipment and materials (including pipe, fittings and couplings).
3. Replacement work materials shall be PVC SDR 35 per ASTM D3034. New sanitary
laterals and fittings shall be 6-inch diameter PVC SDR 35 per ASTM D3034 unless
otherwise directed by the Owner. The pipe and fittings for the 12-inch and 8-inch
Sanitary Sewer shall be PVC SDR 35 per ASTM D3034.
4. The work performed with this Pay Item shall conform to the current City Standards and
IDEM's requirements
5. Watertight joints shall be provided at all connections.
6. Installation of the sanitary sewer pipe shall be in accordance with the pipe manufacturer's
recommendations, ASTM D2321, the City of South Bend's requirements and IDEM's
requirements. Pipe installations shall be backfilled as shown on the Plans or as directed.
7. The termination point of each sanitary sewer lateral shall be marked with a steel
reinforcing bar and with a wood stake. The reinforcing bar shall be size #4, installed flush
with proposed grade and shall extend to the center of the sewer lateral pipe. The
reinforcing bar shall be offset from the end of the lateral pipe such that it does not touch
the pipe. The wood stake shall be pressure treated and shall be 2"x2"x24" long. The top
of the stake shall protrude 6"above finish grade. The sanitary sewer lateral markers are
incidental to the respective pay item.
8. Leakage tests of the sanitary sewer shall be conducted by the Contractor for infiltration or
exfiltration using a hydrostatic test. The hydrostatic test shall be performed with a
minimum positive head of 2-feet. The rate of infiltration or exfiltration shall not exceed
100 gallons per inch diameter per mile per day for any section of the system. In lieu of
the hydrostatic test, all sanitary sewer piping shall be subject to a low pressure air test per
ASTM F1417. The City and Engineer shall be advised 48-hours prior to conducting all
tests.
9. A five percent (5%) Mandrel Deflection Test shall be performed on all PVC sanitary
sewer pipe.
10. These pipes shall be mandrelled with a rigid device sized to pass five percent(5%) or less
deflection (or deformation) of the base inside diameter of the pipe. The Mandrel Test
shall be conducted no earlier than thirty (30) calendar days after reaching final trench
backfill grade. Each pipe material/type required to be Mandrel tested shall be tested with
a Mandrel approved by the pipe manufacturer and meeting the requirements of this
section. The test shall not be performed with the aid of a mechanical pulling device.
11. The mandrel shall be pulled by hand through all sewer lines in a manner acceptable to the
City and any section of sewer not passing the mandrel shall be uncovered, replaced or
repaired to the City's satisfaction and retested.
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12. The Contractor shall provide proving rings to check the mandrel. Drawings of mandrels
with complete dimensions shall be furnished by the Contractor to the City upon request
for each diameter and specification of pipe.
13. Bypass pumping required to complete the work shall be discharged to the nearest existing
sanitary sewer or as directed by the Owner. The sanitary sewer bypass pumping work
item shall include all labor, equipment and materials as required to maintain continuous
service of the existing sanitary sewer system. The bypass pumping system shall operate
such that surcharging and backups of the existing system does not occur.
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Exhibit H
When the prospective Contractor is unable to certify to any of the statements below, it shall attach an explanation to
this Affidavit
CONTRACTOR'S NON-COLLUSION AND NON-DEBARMENT AFFIDAVIT,
CERTIFICATION REGARDING INVESTMENT WITH IRAN, EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
VERIFICATION,NON-DISCRIMINATION COMMITMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF USE
OF UNITED STATES STEEL PRODUCTS OR FOUNDRY PRODUCTS
(Must be completed for all quotes and bids. Please type or print)
STATE OF )
) SS:
COUNTY )
The undersigned Contractor, being duly sworn upon his/her/its oath, affirms under the penalties of perjury
that:
Contractor has not, nor has any other member, representative, or agent of the firm, company, corporation
or partnership represented by him, entered into any combination, collusion or agreement with any person
relative to the price to be bid by anyone at such letting nor to prevent any person from bidding nor to
induce anyone to refrain from bidding, and that this bid is made without reference to any other bid and
without any agreement, understanding or combination with any other person in reference to such bidding.
Contractor further says that no person or persons, firms, or corporation has, have or will receive directly
or indirectly, any rebate, fee, gift, commission or thing of value on account of such sale; and
Contractor certifies by submission of this proposal that neither contractor nor any of its principals are
presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from
participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency; and
Contractor has not, nor has any successor to, nor an affiliate of, Contractor, engaged in investment
activities in Iran.
For purposes of this Certification, "Iran" means the government of Iran and any agency or instrumentality
of Iran, or as otherwise defined at Ind. Code § 5-22-16.5-5, as amended from time-to-time.
As provided by Ind. Code §5-22-16.5-8, as amended from time-to-time, a Contractor is engaged in investment
activities in Iran if either:
Contractor, its successor or its affiliate,provides goods or services of twenty million dollars($20,000,000)or more
in value in the energy sector of Iran, or
Contractor, its successor or its affiliate, is a financial institution that extends twenty million dollars($20,000,000)or
more in credit to another person for forty-five(45) days or more, if that person will(i)use the credit to provides
goods and services in the energy sector in Iran, and(ii)at the time the financial institution extends credit, is a person
identified on list published by the Indiana Department of Administration.
Contractor does not knowingly employ or contract with an unauthorized alien, nor retain any employee or
contract with a person that the Contractor subsequently learns is an unauthorized alien. Contractor agrees
that he/she/it shall enroll in and verify the work eligibility status of all of Contractor's newly hired
employees through the E-Verify Program as defined by I.C. 22-5-1.7-3. Contractor's documentation of
enrollment and participation in the E-Verify Program is included and attached as part of this bid/quote;
and
Contractor shall require his/her/its subcontractors performing work under this public contract to certify
that the subcontractors do not knowingly employ or contract with an unauthorized alien, nor retain any
employee or contract with a person that the subcontractor subsequently learns is an unauthorized alien,
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and that the subcontractor has enrolled in and is participating in the E-Verify Program. The Contractor
agrees to maintain this certification throughout the term of the contract with the City of South Bend, and
understands that the City may terminate the contract for default if the Contractor fails to cure a breach of
this provision no later than thirty (30) days after being notified by the City.
Persons, partnerships, corporations, associations, or joint venturers awarded a contract by the City of
South Bend through its agencies, boards, or commissions shall not discriminate against any employee or
applicant for employment in the performance of a City contract with respect to hire, tenure, terms,
conditions, or privileges of employment, or any matter directly or indirectly related to employment
because of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, or disability that does not affect that
person's ability to perform the work.
In awarding contracts for the purchase of work, labor, services, supplies, equipment, materials, or any
combination of the foregoing including, but not limited to, public works contracts awarded under public
bidding laws or other contracts in which public bids are not required by law, the City, its agencies, boards,
or commissions may consider the Contractor's good faith efforts to obtain participation by those
Contractors certified by the State of Indiana as a Minority Business ("MBE") or as a Women's Business
Enterprise ("WBE") as a factor in determining the lowest, responsible, responsive bidder.
In no event shall persons or entities seeking the award of a City contract be required to award a
subcontract to an MBE/WBE; however, it may not unlawfully discriminate against said WBE/MBE. A
finding of a discriminatory practice by the City's MBE/WBE Utilization Board shall prohibit that person
or entity from being awarded a City contract for a period of one (1)year from the date of such
determination, and such determination may also be grounds for terminating the contact for which the
discriminatory practice or noncompliance pertains.
The undersigned contractor agrees that the following nondiscrimination commitment shall be made a part
of any contract which it may henceforth enter into with the City of South Bend, Indiana or any of its
agencies, boards or commissions.
Contractor agrees not to discriminate against or intimidate any employee or applicant for employment in
the performance of this contract with privileges of employment, or any matter directly or indirectly
related to employment, because of race, religion, color, sex handicap, national origin or ancestry. Breach
of this provision may be regarded as material breach of contract.
I, the undersigned bidder or agent as contractor on a public works project, understand my statutory
obligations to the use of steel products or foundry products made in the United States (I.C. 5-16-8-1). I
hereby certify that I and all subcontractors employed by me for this project will use steel products or
foundry products on this project if awarded. I understand that violations hereunder may result in
forfeiture of contractual payments.
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I hereby affirm under the penalties of perjury that the facts and information contained in the foregoing
pre-qualification proposal for public works are true and correct.
Dated this day of , 20
Contractor/Bidder(Firm)
Signature of Contractor/Bidder or Its Agent
Printed Name and Title
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of , 20_
My Commission Expires
Notary Public
County of Residence
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