Explanation
BACKGROUND: Bid Number SA001393 was formally advertised, for soda ash, a water treatment chemical, however, no bids were received. Vendors did not submit bids because we cannot guarantee a purchase, since we tend to use soda ash as a backup chemical. Because there is a possibility that soda ash may be needed at some point in the year, we would like to have funds set aside, as well as prior Council approval, so purchases can be made immediately. Because re-bidding for soda ash would not be feasible for the reason stated above, it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus, Division of Water to waive the provisions of competitive bidding, and to allow the Auditor's Office to set aside funds, to be transferred into a Purchase Order once a need arrives, in the amount of $201,000.00. A vendor will be chosen by criteria of lowest cost among those who are willing to sell to us. Of the 68 vendors solicited, two had certified MBE/FBE status.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Division of Water has allocated $8,874,786.00 for chemicals in the 2005 Budget. This is one of several pieces of legislation for chemicals for this year.
$293,760.00 was encumbered for soda ash in 2004.
$1,842,390.20 was encumbered for soda ash in 2003.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract, for soda ash, when the need arises, with a vendor chosen by criteria of lowest cost among those willing to sell to us, for the Division of Water, to waive the provisions of competitive bidding, and to authorize the City Auditor to establish an Auditor's Certificate in the amount of $201,000.00 from Water Systems Operating Fund. ($201,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office advertised soda ash, a water treatment chemical, however, no bids were received, and
WHEREAS, vendors did not submit bids because we cannot guarantee a purchase, since we tend to use soda ash as a backup chemical, and
WHEREAS, there is a possibility that soda ash may be needed at some point in the year, therefore, we would like to have funds set aside, as well as prior Council approval, so purchases can be made immediately, and
WHEREAS, a vendor will be chosen by criteria of lowest cost among those willing to sell to us, and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Division of Water, Department of Public Utilities, to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a contract for soda ash, when the need arises, with a vendor of lowest cost among those willing to sell to us, to authorize the City Auditor to establish an Auditor's Certificate in the amount of $201,000.00, for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract for soda ash, when the need arises, with a vendor of lowest cost among those willing to sell to us, and to authorize the City Auditor to establish an Auditor's Certificate in the amount of $201,000.00, for the Division of Water, Department of Public Utilities.
Section 2. That it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the provisions of Section 329.06 of the Columbus City Code, 1959 and such provisions are hereby waived.
Section 3. That the expenditure of $201,000.00 or as much thereof as may be needed is hereby authorized from Water Works Fund 600, Department 60-09, OCA Code 602474, Object Level One 02, Object Level Three 2204, to pay the cost thereof.
Section 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.