Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The Parking Violations Bureau has a contract with ACS State & Local Solutions Inc. (ACS) for ticket processing. As part of the contract, ACS supplies the Pay-By-Web and Pay-By-Phone modules at no charge to the city. The credit card service charges associated with these payment options, however, are the City's responsibility. ACS is in contract with First Data Merchant Services on behalf of their client cities nationwide to realize the best possible rates. This ordinance authorizes the annual modification and extension of the contract for credit card service charges for the Pay-By-Web and Pay-By-Phone services with First Data Merchant Services, contract compliance #59-2126793 expiring 08/01/2008.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this modification and extension are budgeted in the 2007 Operation Budget. The last two modifications for 2005 and 2006 were $24,000.00 and $45,500.00 respectively.
Emergency action is requested to allow an uninterrupted service supply.
Title
To authorize the Public Service Director to modify and increase the current contract with First Data Merchant Services to provide credit card processing services for the Parking Violations Bureau's Pay-By-Web and Pay-By-Phone Services; and to authorize the expenditure of $45,500.00 from the General Fund; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code, 1959; and to declare an emergency. ($45,500.00)
Body
WHEREAS, a need exists in the daily operation of the parking Violations Bureau in that it is necessary to modify and increase the existing contract with First Data Merchant Services, for credit card processing services; and
WHEREAS, there is an annual expenditure for fees associated with the Parking Violations Bureau's Pay-By-Web and Pay-By-Phone services; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 329.27 of the Columbus City Code, City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus, that Section 329.06 relating to formal competitive bidding requirements be waived and hereby waives said section.
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Public Service Department, Parking Violations Bureau, in that it is immediately necessary to modify and extend this contract to allow an uninterrupted supply of credit card processing services; thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the Public Service Director be and is hereby authorized to modify and extend the contract with First Data Merchant Services, by increasing the contract amount by $45,500.00.
SECTION 2. That $45,500.00 is authorized to be expended from the General Fund, Sub Fund 010, City Treasurer, Department No. 59-06, OCA Code 590644, Object Level One, 03, Object Level Three, 3348 to pay the cost thereof.
SECTION 3. That for good cause shown, the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, as amended, are hereby waived.
SECTION 4. 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 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.