Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Safety Director to amend an initial agreement with Pamela S. Krivda of Krivda Law Offices to allow for the completion of Division of Fire investigations and present findings as directed by the City with respect to allegations of misconduct in the Division of Fire, Fire Prevention Bureau/Inspection Section. It is necessary to establish additional funds due to the comprehensive nature of the investigation, the unexpected volume of information compiled, and the potential prospective need to present the findings as directed by the City. This legislation amends the original contract by Forty-Thousand Dollars ($40,000).
Fiscal Impact: Approximately One-Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) have been expended for professional services since the initiation of this investigation in 2005. Funds are available in the Safety Director's budget to allow for additional $40,000 contract to complete the investigations and reporting.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Safety to amend the contract with Pamela S. Krivda of Krivda Law Offices, LLC for the completion of the Division of Fire investigation, to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes, to authorize the expenditure of Forty-Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00), and to declare an emergency. ($40,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, allegations of EEO violations and other counter claims of misconduct in the Fire Prevention Bureau/Inspection Section have been brought to the attention of the Public Safety Director; and,
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Safety initiated an investigation by contracting with Pamela S. Krivda of Krivda Law Offices, LLC., to conduct a thorough investigation into these alleged EEO violations and of misconduct in the Fire Prevention Bureau/Inspection Section; and,
WHEREAS, it is now necessary to amend the contract initially established to allow for the completion of the investigation and reporting of the alleged claims; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City in that timely completions of the investigations of these allegations are necessary for uninterrupted diligent provision of essential city services; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety is hereby, authorized to amend contract ordinance number 1069-2005 with Pamela S. Krivda of Krivda Law Offices LLC., for investigative services in connection with alleged EEO violations and of misconduct in the Fire Prevention Bureau/Inspection, for a maximum obligation of Forty-Thousand Dollars ($40,000).
SECTION 2. That the provisions of the Columbus City Codes relative to the procurement of professional services are hereby waived, such waiver being in the best interest of the city.
SECTION 3. That there is hereby authorized to be expended the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000) or so much thereof as is necessary, and the City Auditor is directed to draw warrants upon the treasury for services thereunder upon receipt of invoices approved by the Public Safety Director. Said expenditures shall be paid from Division 3001, fund 010, OCA300111, object level 1 - 03, object level 3 - 3324.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons set forth in this preamble hereto, which is incorporated by reference herein, this measure is deemed to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and immediately after its passage and signature by the Mayor, or within ten (10) days thereof if the Mayor neither signs nor vetoes the same.