Explanation
Background: Mentel Golf Course needs two replacement mowers as their current mowers are ending their life span with each having in excess of 5,500 hours. Mentel mows four acres of greens, seven days a week prior to golfers playing. Their golfers expect a manicured course which equates to the greens fees they are paying to play.
Mentel requests two (2) Jacobsen Eclipse 322 Gas Hybrid Greens Mowers which are low to the ground and easier to turn while mowing. The Jacobsen Eclipse has an exclusive programmable frequency of clip which allows for the consistent clip rate needed to compensate for varying mow speeds. Typically each operator is a little different in the speed at which they operate the mower. However, once the clip rate is programmed, the computer will keep the optimum clip rate for the speed of the mower. This gives the consistency needed to provide the best possible putting surface for the golf customer. This feature also allows the max transport speed to be set helping with operator safety. The Eclipse has individual control of all three cutting units allowing for the use of one, two or all three mowers while mowing around the edge of the green which helps with wear and stress tolerance of turf on these greens’ edges. The Jacobsen’s centered angle of cut, which is different than their competitor’s, would allow the height of cut to be raised if needed and still maintain speed which helps with turf stress tolerance throughout the season.
One of the greatest benefits of the Jacobsen Eclipse is that this hybrid has an all-electric drive powering the mowers and the hydrostatic transmission and NO hydraulic fluid is used throughout the entire unit which avoids the potential for spills or leaks on greens and turf preventing damage to the course. The electric generator is powered by a fuel efficient 13.5 horsepower engine which is predicted to have a cost savings and fuel reduction in both gas and waste oil production each year.
Maintenance and safety are a plus with the Eclipse. It is easy for the operator to get on and off and there is a new feature which adds a safety element; the automatic, electro magnetic, multi-plate parking brakes plus there is a manual parking brake. The middle grass catcher makes access for dumping very easy. The Eclipse has an on-board backlap feature that allows for backlapping the machine without having to take the cutting units off. There is a swing out center reel making cleaning very simple and allowing easy weekly maintenance and adjustments which no other competitor offers. The Eclipse’s LCD controller allows for the programming previously mentioned as well as the ability to help diagnose any mower problems.
The Mentel Golf Course Superintendent has done extensive research including demos and the testing of many mowers, and has talked with other superintendents in the area. He attends the yearly OTF Trade Show which brings vendors and equipment into one site with the availability to explore the market place. His years of experience in using the equipment, maintaining the equipment and learning what works best with Mentel’s terrain has gone into this decision.
A bid waiver is being requested because Baker Vehicle is a direct link for Jacobsen as they are the distributor for Jacobsen products in 85 of 88 counties in Ohio including Franklin and surrounding counties; this is Baker's territory. They also have the State of Ohio contracts for Jacobsen products and they quote that pricing for the City.
Prinicpal Parties:
Baker Vehicle Systems
9035 Freeway Drive
Macedonia, Ohio 44056
Matt Fellows, Rep
614-403-5382
CC#: 340690924
July 10, 2016
Emergency Justification: An emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to enter into contract with Baker Vehicle so the Two Jacobsen Eclipse 322 Gas Hybrid Greens Mowers are ordered, purchased, delivered and ready for use by March 2016, thereby preserving the public health, safety and welfare
Fiscal Impact: $70,684.80 is required and budgeted in the Voted Parks and Recreation Bond Fund 712 to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Baker Vehicle Systems for the purchase of golf course equipment for the Recreation and Parks Department; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $70,684.80 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($70,684.80)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Director of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Baker Vehicle Systems for two Jacobsen Eclipse 322 Gas Hybrid Greens Mowers for the Recreation and Parks Department; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 in order to purchase the equipment as Baker Vehicle Systems is the regional supplier of Jacobsen Eclipse 322 Gas Hybrid Greens Mowers; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Director of Recreation and Parks to authorize the expenditure of $70,684.80 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 712; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into said contract so that two Jacobsen Eclipse 322 Gas Hybrid Greens Mowers are purchased and ready for us by spring of 2016, thereby preserving the public health, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Finance and Management be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Baker Vehicle Systems for the purchase of golf course equipment for the Recreation and Parks Department.
SECTION 2. That this Council finds it in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
SECTION 3. That the expediture of $70,684.80 is hereby atuhorized from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 712.
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 City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 7. For the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $70,684.80 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund 712, as follows:
Project OCA Code Object Level 3 Amount
510429-100001 (Golf Equipment Replacement) 753901 6651 $70,684.80
SECTION 8. 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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.