Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Purchasing Office received and opened informal bid number SO021313 for a 12" brush chipper, for the Division of Water's Watershed activity on August 22, 2005. This chipper will be used to mulch limbs and branches that have fallen or been damaged in storms, and the mulch will be used at Watershed park areas. The Division of Water had estimated $20,000.00 for this purchase. Four bids were received, however, the lowest bid was $23,585.00. The cause for the higher pricing is due to increased costs of diesel engines and sheet metal. The Purchasing Office mailed bids to all registered vendors under the commodity. Because this item was budgeted only for 2005, and the City does not have time to go through the complete formal bidding process, it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities, Division of Water to waive Chapter 329.06 of the Columbus City Code and to award a contract to Franklin Tractor Sales, Inc., for a total of $23,585.00. The Contract Compliance number for Franklin Tractor Sales, Inc. is 31-0678261. They do not have certified MBE/FBE status. Of the 24 vendors solicited, none had certified MBE/FBE status.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Division of Water has budgeted $20,000.00 for this equipment in the 2005 Budget. Expenditures in other Object Level Threes will be re-prioritized in order to cover the deficit.
There have been no purchases for this type of equipment in the last two years.
Title
To authorize the Finance Director to enter into a contract with Franklin Tractor Sales, Inc., for a 12" brush chipper, for the Division of Water, to waive the provisions of competitive bidding, and to authorize the expenditure of $23,585.00 from Water Systems Operating Fund. ($23,585.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Water budgeted $20,000.00 for a 12" brush chipper, and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office solicited informal bid number SO021313, however, the lowest bid came in over the $20,000.00 limit for an informal bid, and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office mailed bids to all registered vendors under the commodity, and
WHEREAS, the City does not have time to go through the complete formal bidding process, therefore, we believe it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus, Division of Water to waive Chapter 329.06 of the Columbus City Code as permitted under 329.27, and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Division of Water, Department of Public Utilities, to authorize the Finance Director to enter into a contract with Franklin Tractor Sales, Inc., to purchase a 12" brush chipper, needed by the Watershed activity, 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 Finance Director be and is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Franklin Tractor Sales, Inc., to purchase a 12" brush chipper, 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 Chapter 329.06 of the Columbus City Code, and such provisions are hereby waived as permitted under 329.27.
Section 3. That the expenditure of $23,585.00 or as much thereof as may be needed is hereby authorized from Water Works Operating Fund 600, Department 60-09, OCA Code 603001, Object Level One 06, Object Level Three 6651, 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.