Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with API Security Services & Investigations Inc. for security services at the City of Columbus, Recreation and Parks Department pools, sporting facilities, and public events on an as needed basis.
The Recreation and Parks Department utilizes the Columbus Police Department for all security needs when possible. If there are security needs that surpass the ability of Columbus Police Department to assist, then private security companies are scheduled to fulfill those needs. API is currently the primary back up security service for all pools, sporting facilities, and public events operated by the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Due to heightened security concerns at the outdoor pools and difficulty in filling all openings with Columbus Police Department, additional private security officers are needed. An aggregate maximum obligation of $200,000.00 will ensure that all facilities are secured and the visitors and staff are safe.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions:
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on February 10, 2025 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on February 17, 2025. Six vendors responded: A&A Services, API Security Services & Investigations Inc., Austin Logistics, Community Crime Patrol, Elevated Protection Group, and Safe Choice LLC.
After reviewing the proposals that were submitted, it was determined that API Security Services & Investigations Inc. was the most qualified and experienced bidder. This vendor has the necessary qualifications, availability, and experience to perform the required services.
Principal Parties:
API Security Services & Investigations Inc.
DBA API Services Inc
867 High Street Ste D
Worthington, OH 43085
Edward Johnston, (614) 310-1980
Contract Compliance Number: 007115
Contract Compliance Expiration: 5/1/2026
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested to ensure that the contract is in place before the first event in April and to ensure the vendor has ample time to schedule future event dates leading into the summer pool and events season.
Benefits to the Public: This service will benefit the public by providing a safe and secure environment at the pools, sporting facilities, and public events for all visitors to enjoy.
Community Input/Issues: None
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by connecting the people of our community through the power of nature, wellness, and creativity, by ensuring a safe environment for all visitors.
Fiscal Impact: $200,000.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with API Security Services & Investigations Inc. for security services at the City of Columbus, Recreation and Parks Department pools, sporting facilities, and public events; to authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285, and to declare an emergency. ($200,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with API Security Services & Investigations Inc. for security services at the City of Columbus, Recreation and Parks Department pools, sporting facilities, and public events; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 from within the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285; 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 to enter into contract with API Security Services & Investigations, Inc. to provide security services to help ensure that pools, sporting facilities, and public events continue to operate safely during the summer season, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks is authorized to enter into contract with API Security Services & Investigations Inc. to provide security services at the City of Columbus, Recreation and Parks Department pools, sporting facilities, and public events.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $200,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Operating Fund 2285 per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. 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 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 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 ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.