Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to waive the request for proposal requirements of Columbus City Codes Chapter 329 and enter into a professional services contract with Sky Nile Consulting, LLC in an amount up to $200,000.00 for the purpose of providing marketing, outreach, education, and engagement services supportive of the Housing for All legislative package. A portion of the funding will be used for reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverages expenses to support community events and education opportunities. It is estimated that less than $7,000.00 will be used for food costs.
In March 2021, Columbus City Council passed the Housing for All legislative package, which amended Chapters 4501 and 4551 of Columbus City Codes. The amendments are intended to address some of the critical affordable housing challenges within the City of Columbus by providing residents fair access and protections in the search for affordable housing. The three ordinances include: Source of Income, Renter’s Choice and Rental Receipt Legislation.
A successful community marketing and education campaign will inform the public of the policies through a marketing campaign and community events; provide guidance to residents who seek to file complaints or have questions regarding the City’s fair housing process through a comprehensive website and a robust social media plan.
Approval is also requested for reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase order, starting March 1, 2023.
Contract Compliance: The vendor’s number is 042248 and contract compliance expires 6/22/2024.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiative subfund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to execute a professional services contract with Sky Nile Consulting LLC in an amount up to $200,000.00 for the purpose of providing marketing, outreach, education, and engagement services; to authorize payment for reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverages for outreach participants; to waive the competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Codes; to authorize reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase order; and to authorize the appropriation and expenditure from the General fund, Neighborhood Initiative subfund. ($200,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the department of Development desires to work with Sky Nile Consulting LLC to provide marketing, outreach, education, and engagement services on behalf of the Housing for All legislative package; and
WHEREAS, non-food and beverage expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase order, starting March 1, 2023, will be reimbursed; and
WHEREAS, it is in the City's best interests to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code Chapter 329 due to challenges with the initial bid process; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1: That this Council finds that is in the best interest of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Codes to enter into this contract.
SECTION 2. That the Director of the Department of Development is authorized to enter into a contract with Sky Nile Consulting, LLC in an amount up to $200,000.00 for the purpose of providing marketing, outreach, education, and engagement services to support the Housing for All legislative package. Expenses not involving food or beverages that were incurred prior to the execution of the purchase order, starting March 1, 2023, will be reimbursed.
SECTION 2. That Columbus City Council hereby determines that the purchase and distribution of reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverages, as related to the action authorized in Section 1 of this ordinance, is for a public purpose and is authorized.
SECTION 3: That the Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $200,000.00 to the Department of Development within fund 1000 (General Fund), subfund 100018 (Neighborhood Initiative), Dept. 44 01 (Administration), in Object Class 03 (Services) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That for the purpose as stated in Section 2, the expenditure of $200,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized in fund 1000 (General Fund), subfund 100018 (Neighborhood Initiative), Dept. 44 01 (Administration), in Object Class 03 (Services) per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 5. 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 6. 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 7. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.