Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to modify the contract with Pro-Tow, Inc. (PO141174, legislated via Ord. 1593-2018) in the amount of $1,800,000.00 for the continuation of towing management services as needed for the City of Columbus and the Division of Police. The Division of Police is responsible for the safety and welfare of the traveling public on all public streets, state routes, interstates, and waterways, as well as those endangered by parking violations, accidents and/or abandoned vehicles and watercrafts within the Metropolitan Columbus Area as well as on City-owned land. In an effort to improve the transportation network and access innovative technology, the City sought a smart solution to towing management services.
Four proposals were received by the bid closing date of November 9, 2017, and the evaluation committee determined that Pro-Tow, Inc. was the highest qualified bidder. It is now necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to modify the current contract with Pro-Tow Inc. for the continuation of towing management, through August 31, 2024.
BID INFORMATION: An evaluation committee comprised of representatives from the Division of Police, Division of Support Services, and the Department of Technology completed a review of the proposals submitted via RFQ007048, by Pro-Tow, Inc., Tow Logic, Bosch, and Auto Return. The committee asked for presentations and ultimately decided that Pro-Tow, Inc. was the highest qualified offeror and should be awarded the contract.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: CC000415, Compliance expires 06/21/25
This company is not debarred according to the Excluded Party Listing System of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State Unresolved Findings for Recovery Certified Search.
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is requested so that the Division of Police may continue daily operations for public safety endangered by accidents and/or abandoned vehicles on public roads without further interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $1,800,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed from the 2024 Police General Fund Budget for the continuation of towing services for the City of Columbus and the Division of Police. Funds are budgeted contingent upon council’s approval of the 2024 General Fund Budget for this purpose, Ordinance 3011-2023. In 2023, the Division of Police spent/encumbered $1,800,000 and in 2022 the Division of Police spent/encumbered $1,800,000 for towing services.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, to modify the current contract with Pro-Tow, Inc. for the continuation of towing management services; to authorize an expenditure of $1,800,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($1,800,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, is responsible for the safety and welfare of the traveling public on all public streets, state routes, interstates and waterways, as well as those endangered by parking violations, accidents and/or abandoned vehicles and watercrafts within the Metropolitan Columbus Area, as well as on City-owned land; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety issued a Request for Proposals for a Towing Management System; and
WHEREAS, four proposals were received via RFQ007048, and the evaluation committee determined that Pro-Tow, Inc. was the highest qualified offeror; and
WHEREAS, funds are budgeted and available contingent upon approval of the 2024 budget for this contract; and
WHEREAS an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Police, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to modify the current contract with Pro-Tow Inc., for continuation of the towing management services of vehicles for the safety and welfare of the traveling public, for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, property, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety be and is hereby authorized to modify the contract with Pro-Tow, Inc. and increase funds for the continuation of towing management services.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $1,800,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same is hereby authorized from the General Fund in Object Class 03 Contractual Services, per the accounting codes attached to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated contingent on the approval of the 2024 General Fund Budget, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance and to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City's financial records.
SECTION 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part thereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.