Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance appropriates $105,000 to the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges from the computer fund, authorizes the Franklin County Municipal Court Administrative and Presiding Judge to contract with BIS Digital, Inc., and authorizes the expenditure of up to $103,791.50 from the Municipal Court Special Revenue Computer Fund for courtroom audio/video recording systems. In 2013, the Court purchased 14 units (per legislation 0696-2013) and this year we want to install seven more units.
The court is installing courtroom recorders in all of the courtrooms. The audio/video recording will allow the court to reduce storage demands by keeping files electronically instead of on paper, increase safety & security of court proceedings records as electronic files of court proceedings will be backed up off-site each evening, and reduce the demands on court reporters for daily transcripts.
Business Information Systems, Inc. DBA BIS Digital contract compliance number is 592210686 and expires 3/17/15.
FISCAL IMPACT: The funds are available in the 2014 Special Revenue Computer Fund budget.
Emergency legislation is requested to authorize the contract and the expenditure to permit the installation to begin immediately.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $105,000.00 and direct the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into contract with BIS Digital, Inc.; to authorize the expenditure of up to $103,791.50 with BIS Digital, Inc for the installation of courtroom audio/video recording systems; and to waive the competitive bidding requirements of Chapter 329, Columbus City Codes, and to declare an emergency. ($105,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, an appropriation of these funds is necessary in order to update the Court's technology; and
WHEREAS, the Court has determined that it is in its best interest to contract with BIS Digital, Inc for continuity; and
WHEREAS, $103,791.50 is needed to provide for the systems and installation; and
WHEREAS, the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court recommends the waiver of the competitive bidding requirements of Chapter 329, Columbus City Codes; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is requested as an emergency to permit the timely procurement of needed equipment; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the city, in that it is immediately necessary to enter into a contract and authorize the expenditure for the systems and installation with BIS Digital, Inc., 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 from the unappropriated monies in the special revenue fund known as the computer fund, fund number 227, subfund number 001, and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 the sum of $105,000.00 is appropriated to the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges, department 25 as follows: oca 250340 object level 1 - 03, $73,000 object level 3 -2193; $17,000 object level 3 -3336; $15,000 object level 3 -3372.
SECTION 2. That the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with BIS Digital, Inc for courtroom audio/video recording systems and installation.
SECTION 3. That to pay the cost of the aforesaid contract, the expenditure of $103,794.50 or as much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized from the Franklin County Municipal Court, department number 2501, Special fund, fund number 227 subfund 001, oca 250340, object level 1 - 03, $72,564.50 object level 3 -2193; $16,890 object level 3 -3336; $14,340 object level 3 -3372.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated, the Columbus City Council finds it is in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is 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.