Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with Metropolis Ohio, LLC for the Department of Public Utilities Headquarters Parking Services. The contract amount being authorized by this ordinance is $428,480.00.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is moving its headquarters downtown starting in August 2025. Approximately 350 employees will be making the move throughout this year and next. This contract is to provide parking services for employee vehicles of those that are making the move to the new headquarters. Parking services are unique as the location’s proximity to the work location is of paramount consideration in order to provide safe, serviceable, and accessible access to employee’s vehicles.
DPU administration explored multiple nearby parking solutions and Metropolis Ohio, LLC was determined to be the best choice due to the number of available parking spots, close proximity to the new headquarters, and it being the most cost effective choice. Additionally, administration determined the cost for these services are well under market value. This contract will begin in August 2025 with 200 parking spots and then increase to 300 parking spots in December 2025.
The original term of the contract will be for a period of one year from August 1, 2025, to and including July 31, 2026, with yearly renewal options for an additional two (2) years. For each year of the contract, funding is contingent on funding availability, mutual agreement between the parties, approval of City Council, and certification of funds by the City Auditor. The contract does not automatically renew.
This ordinance authorizes the initial term of the contract and is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code.
Principal Party:
Metropolis Ohio, LLC
200 East Randolph Street, Suite 7700
Chicago, IL 60601
Adam Chatlain, (614) 224-1320
Contract Compliance Number: PENDING
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: PENDING
Emergency Justification: The Department of Public Utilities respectfully requests this legislation be considered for emergency action as employees are expected to begin moving into the new headquarters in August and the Department needs to have the parking contract in place for employees as they move into the new building.
Fiscal Impact: $428,480.00 is available from within the Public Utilities Operating Funds to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement in accordance with the pertinent provisions to waive competitive bidding of Columbus City Code, with Metropolis Ohio, LLC for the Department of Public Utilities Headquarters Parking Services; to authorize the expenditure of $428,480.00 split between the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds; and to declare an emergency. ($428,480.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into an agreement with Metropolis Ohio, LLC for the Department of Public Utilities Headquarters Parking Services; and
WHEREAS, due to the uniqueness of parking related services and the informal process used to contact parking facilities near the new Department of Public Utilities Headquarters performed by the Deputy Director, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of competitive bidding (City Code, Chapter 329) and enter into a contract with Metropolis Ohio, LLC; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Utilities wishes to enter into a service agreement for a period of one (1) year starting August 1, 2025, to and including July 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $428,480.00 from the Public Utilities Operating Fund, split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize a contract for the Department of Public Utilities Headquarters Parking Services, as employees are expected to begin moving into the new headquarters in August and these services need to be available prior to move in, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities is authorized to enter into a service agreement with Metropolis Ohio, LLC, for the Department of Public Utilities Headquarters Parking Services. The amount being authorized by this ordinance is $428,480.00.
SECTION 2. That this contract is in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of City Code, Chapter 329 for the contract with Metropolis Ohio, LLC.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
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 ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the expenditure of $428,480.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized from object class 03, Services, split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, 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.