Explanation
This ordinance will authorize the Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks to enter into a contract with Community for New Direction, Inc. (CND) in the amount of $429,500.00 to provide violence interruption and crisis response activities that include responding to specific violent confrontations, working to mediate and diffuse conflict tensions, and actively promoting peace building among our youth. Contractor shall maintain a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week schedule to respond to calls regarding violence confrontations such as shootings, aggravated assaults, homicides, and other violent incidents.
The Contractor shall respond to incidents or conflicts within their assigned zone(s) or may impact their assigned zone(s). The Contractor shall also provide support services to victims' families and friends. Support services will be provided after making initial contact with victims’ families and friends at the scene of an incident, hospital or at a time and location chosen by the victims’ families and friends. Support services can also include Contractor attending funerals, vigils, peace marches, etc. Additionally, Community Intervention Workers shall participate in Neighborhood Violence Interruption (NVI) activities and initiatives focusing on reducing youth violence citywide and improving community collaborations to support the NVI initiative. Community for New Direction will hold a surety bond in the amount of $100,000.00 and Certificate of Insurance as required by the City. This ordinance is contingent on the passage of Ordinance 3012-2023 authorizing the 2024 Recreation and Parks operating budget.
Principal Parties:
John Dawson, CEO
Community for New Direction
2323 W. 5th Avenue Suite 160
Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 272.1464
Contract Compliance Number: 005361
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: August 12, 2024
Areas Affected: The primary focus areas of Community for New Direction will be west and north zones.
Bid Waiver Justification: A bid waiver under City Code Section 329.15 is requested in order to maintain consistency with the program participants and the vendor (interventionists). CND has been working with the NVI program for several years; they know the program participants, the youth and young adults in the community and have established relationships with them. It is important to keep the continuity of these relationships and trust. A new vendor would have to come in and start from the very beginning to obtain this knowledge, understanding, and trust.
Fiscal Impact:
The amount of $429,500.00 is budgeted for this purpose in the 2024 Recreation and Parks operating fund 2285.
Benefits to the Public: Providing violence intervention and prevention strategies with a primary focus on 14-23 year-olds.
Community Input/Issues: Addressing the need for increased positive youth engagement, development and mentorship to combat youth involved violence.
Master Plan Relation: This contract will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by implementing strategies to vulnerable residents in targeted neighborhoods to ensure equal access to critical resources and opportunities for success for all.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with the Community for New Direction, In. for services related to the implementation of the 2024 Neighborhood Violence Intervention Program; to authorize the expenditure in an amount not to exceed $429,500.00 from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285; and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Codes Chapter 329. ($429,500.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to enter into a contract with Community for New Direction, Inc. ("CND") for services related to the Neighborhood Violence Intervention (NVI) Program; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $429,500.00 from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 to fund this contract; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is contingent upon the passage of Ordinance 3012-2023, authorizing the 2024 Recreation and Parks operating budget; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Department of Recreation and Parks to waive the competitive bidding requirements of Chapter 329.15 of the Columbus City Code because this vendor has intrinsic knowledge and understanding of the NVI program and its evolution providing continuity of service; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Community for New Direction, Inc. for services related to the Neighborhood Violence Intervention Program in an amount not to exceed $429,500.00.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $429,500.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary, is authorized to be expended from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code Chapter Section 329.15 to enter into this contract and does hereby waive said competitive bidding provisions.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance is contingent upon the passage of Ordinance 3012-2023 authorizing the 2024 Recreation and Parks operating budget.
SECTION 5. 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 legislation.
SECTION 6. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are deemed appropriated and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 7. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.